No.181
Describe It without Loanwords
Japanese name: カタカナを使わず説明
Materials
- Prompt cards naming familiar objects
- A clock or timer
How to play
- Choose one clue-giver to draw a card without showing it. Use familiar objects. In this Japanese-language version, agree not to use words normally written in katakana.
- Describe the object's shape or use without saying its name or any part of the answer. For terebi (television), for example, describe a device for watching distant scenes and hearing their sounds at home.
- Others take turns guessing. The clue-giver may add explanations until someone answers correctly. Agree beforehand whether gestures are allowed.
- If nobody guesses within one minute, show the answer and discuss what wording would communicate it. Do not blame forbidden-word slips; rephrase and continue.
- Change clue-givers after every card. Finish when everyone has explained once. Focus on effective paraphrasing rather than scores.
Ways to adapt
Not suitable for preschool children. Younger primary school children: descriptive guessing without restrictions. Older primary school children: use familiar objects only.