No More 'Said' – Card Game

Make Language More Interesting with Dialogue Words

Things would get redundant quickly if every character in a book simply “said” their lines:

She picked up on the first ring. “Where are you?” she said.

“I’m here,” he said.

She looked around the lobby. “I don’t see you anywhere, and the show is about to start,” she said.

“I’m already in our seats,” he said.

You don’t feel a sense of urgency with a flat word like “said” repeated throughout the dialogue.

Descriptive writingcreates an atmosphere through language that conveys a character’s feelings, thoughts, internal motivations and settings.

How to Play Our Dialogue Words Card Game

Players pull cards and try to match the phrase with how it’s said.

For example, if a player has the “It was me that stole it!” card and draws a “blurted” card, they would say the phrase in that manner and decide if it’s a match.

Through this activity, students will show they understand how differenttypes of textsvary by their language choices, depending on their purpose, context and intended audience.

Scaffolding + Extension Tips

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your writing anddramalessons.

Check out these suggestions for using this activity to reinforce your small group and full-class lessons:

Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by using the Word version to simplify theSpeech Bubblecards and/or theWays to Speakcards.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Have students create new speech bubbles (sentences) that would be a logical match for theWays to Speakcards.

Be sure to check out our interactiveNo More ‘Said’Google Interactive Activitytoo!

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

使用上的下拉图标下载按钮choose between black and white or colour PDF or Microsoft Word formats.

Print on cardboard for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

Turn students into capable writers with these activities and teaching resources:

teaching resource Wheely Wonderful Words – Overused Verbs A word wheel of synonyms and similar words that could be used instead of some commonly overused verbs. teaching resource Said Synonyms Poster A poster displaying synonyms for the word said. teaching resource Saying Verbs Poster A poster giving the definition and examples of saying verbs.