Something’s fishy in Kitah Gimel! To review prayer vocabulary, students are going to fish for “Syllable Sharks.” This game format can be used to review vocabulary in Hebrew or English associated with various topics of study. In the case of “Syllable Sharks,” the points scored are determined by the number of syllables in the words on each shark “caught.” For words that are to be defined or identified, points might be assigned according to difficulty. PREPARATION: Cut sharks (or fish shapes) from index cards. My sharks were about 5″ long and 2″ wide – big enough to hold a large paper clip. On the lined side of each shark, glue a one, two, three, four, or five syllable Hebrew word from prayers the students have studied. Prepare enough sharks so that each student has a chance to fish, with a few fish left over as “tie-breakers.” I’ll be working with two teams of 5 students, so I made a total of 18 sharks – 4 one-syllable sharks, 4 two-syllable sharks, etc. I only made 2 five-syllable sharks – a “special catch!” To make the fishing pole, tie a magnet on the end of a string and tie the string around a paper towel tube. (Magnets may be found in craft stores or home improvement stores.)The magnet will be attracted to the large metal paper clips clipped to each shark. Place all the sharks word side down in a box or pail. DIRECTIONS: Each team takes a turn fishing from the box or pail. Only one shark at a time may be caught. Any extra sharks must be returned (word unseen) to the box. Each team member examines his/her “catch,” reads the word aloud, and decides on the number of syllables. Team members may help with the reading and counting of syllables. The number of syllables is recorded on a team score sheet. When all team members have caught a shark, the team which has caught the highest number of syllables (points) wins. NOTE: To simplify preparations, index cards or simple geometric shapes may used in place of shark or fish shapes. Words may be written directly on the sharks or shapes. I chose to glue on words cut from the prayers to reinforce Siddur reading skills. EXTENSION: The “Syllable Sharks” game may be made more elaborate by adding “Super Sharks” which have directions instead of words. The directions might say “Take another turn” or “Give one of your sharks to the other team.”
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