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STORY CUBES

1. Perfect Sentences
I put students into groups of two or three and explained that they had 10 minutes to write 5 perfect sentences. I told them to
choose a cube randomly from the bag, roll it, and use the image to craft their sentence. Then, choose another dice for the second
sentence, and so on. Then, I set a point system. I told them that all groups start with 20 points. Grammar mistakes will cost them 1
point, spelling mistakes would be half a point. Any other mistakes would be at my discretion. Finally, I told them about bonus points.
I listed some of the grammar and sentence structures we had practiced and gave a point equivalent: 1 bonus point for adjective
clauses (max two sentences), 1 point for subordinating conjunctions, 2 points for a wh-clause.
The end result was cleverly crafted sentences in which students took their time and really focused on the grammar. I could tell from
the numerous words and phrases scratched out that they were working hard to write perfect sentences. They were noticing errors
and thinking through their writing two skills that hopefully transfer to their normal everyday writing.
While mistakes were still made, I corrected each groups sentences with them and it was a great overall learning experience
something I will definitely do again. Some variations would be to give points based on sentence length or complexity, set specific
errors with specific penalties (such as wrong word form -0.75, wrong subject-verb agreement -2). Overall, it was a great activity just
the way it was.
2. Story Cubes
The original intention of Story Cubes is to roll all 9 cubes and connect all the images into one big, cohesive, coherent story not an
easy task, even for native speakers. But, we gave it a go and students turned out to have pretty interesting stories. I gave students
about 20 minutes. First, they had to think through their story, and then write it. I assisted with feedback on language use along the
way. Then, at the end of class, we gathered in a small circle and I gave a dramatic reading of each story. It was quite fun!
Making stories with Story Cubes serves as both an excellent writing activity as well as an excellent speaking activity. I can easily
imagine it being transformed into a listening activity, too (dictation, comprehension questions, paraphrasing practice, etc.).
3. Discrete Grammar Practice
Whether you are writing or speaking, these cubes are very easy to adapt to any type of grammar practice. Past tense? Future
tense? Adjective clauses? Even article usage and noun forms! All you have to do is roll the cubes and make sentences or a story.
Students can roll the cubes individually, roll one cube for one group and make one sentence together, or roll one cube for one group
and make individual sentences with comparisons afterwards. Share them on the board or read aloud.
4. Cube Race
Two students stand at the board, marker in hand. The teacher rolls a cube and the students race to write the best sentence. The
class votes!
5. Superheroes

This idea would be great for younger learners. Each student rolls three cubes. These cubes define their superpowers. With their
superpowers in mind, they create a superhero profile. This can be a speaking activity to practice describing or can, or it can be a
longer role play in which students write a story with their superheros as main characters.

6. Role Play
Speaking of role plays, Story Cubes can easily be used in role plays. They can be used to set up the situation of a role play, or can
be used during a role play to determine what happens next or what the speaker will say. It seems like a great way to keep advanced
speakers on their toes.

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