Mixed Shiritori

In this version of shiritori, the challenge is to use both words and pictures in alternating order!

Before starting, I usually demonstrate roughly on the blackboard how the game goes. First, write an English word (e.g. 'cat'). Then, the next item is a picture that starts with the last word's letter (in this case, T, so you could draw a tiger here, for example). Next is another English word ('tiger' ends in R, so let's say 'rabbit'), and after that, another picture (say, a cup of tea for 'tea'), and so on. In short, it goes in the word-picture-word-picture pattern.

Put students into groups. Split lines down the blackboard such that you make a section for each group you have. Each group stands up and forms a line facing the blackboard.

At the top of each group's designated blackboard section, write any random English word (I usually like to start off with easy things like animals, food, colours, verbs etc.). If they are 1st graders/early 2nd graders, I allow them to use their textbooks to help them in the game and collaborate with their team. I usually have later 2nd graders and 3rd graders play without textbooks. Remind students to write/draw their answers in order, and not in random spots on their section.

Set a timer for about 3 minutes, give or take. Students must write/draw a string of items one-by-one on their blackboard section, starting with the first word you wrote, in the set amount of time, following the word-picture shiritori order rule. When time's up, have them sit back down.

Lastly, you go over each group's answers in order, starting with the first word you wrote. Have each group read out to you each item they wrote/drew in order. Each correct item is worth one point. If there are spelling mistakes, or errors in last letter-first letter orders between words, minus one point and write the correct spelling/letter order nearby. Add up each team's points. The team with the most points wins. (I usually play the game twice, and add up total points from both games before rewarding the overall winners. I'd recommend playing two games total, like this, for the warm-up session.)

I also have a general rule of not allowing abbreviations (e.g. UFO, ATM, NBA) for 2nd and 3rd graders. I usually only allow them for 1st graders, but it is up to you to decide if you would allow them as answers or not.

This is a different and interesting way of playing shiritori which can help students think of and utilise a wider variety of vocabulary on the fly. I have definitely noticed students gradually writing longer lists of items over time whenever I use this warm-up, so I'm sure the same could be the case for you guys too!