Definition Cards

Want children to pay attention to grammar? Then free them to play with it by using our Definition Cards! These are an incredibly fun and engaging activity that allow children to move the components of sentences around and play with sentence structure in order to get a sense of what works and what doesn't. These cards create grammar puzzles: great for reading comprehension. 

Each term is formatted into six different cards as follows:

• 1 Control Card (word & full definition on one card) (3⅔” x 4⅓”)
• 2 Word Cards (3⅔” x ¾”)
• 1 Full Definition Card (3⅔” x 3⅜”)
• 1 First-half Definition Card (3⅔” x 1¼”)
• 1 Second-half Definition Card (3⅔” x 2¼”)

Note: Our laminated cards are ready to use. Unlaminated cards require lamination before use.

How to Use Definition Cards

Option 1 (preferred): Definition Cards, 3-Part Cards & Definition Book

These cards are used most effectively in a set with the corresponding 3-part cards and definition book.

Stage 1: Begin by laying out the photo-only cards from the 3-part cards. Then, read and match each definition control card to their corresponding photos. Use the book to check work independently.

Stage 2: Repeat as in Stage 1 but use the term cards and full definition cards instead of the definition control card. First match the definition term cards to each photo. Then, match the full definition card to the term/photo. Use the book to check work independently.

Stage 3: Repeat as in Stage 2 but use the term cards and first and second-half definition cards. First match the definition term cards to each photo. Then, match the first-half definition cards to the terms/photos. Then, match the second-half definition cards to the terms/photos. This is the fun part ... when the children read the phrases to see what works, they'll find many that don't work ... they sound ridiculously wrong! Watch how they intentionally try to make things not fit together just to see how funny it will sound. Great fun. As always, they can use the book to check their work independently.

For reference, download our free lesson plan describing how to use definition card sets.

Option 2: Definition Cards Only

If you don't have our 3-part cards and definition books, you can use the definition cards alone.

Stage 1: Layout the term cards. Match the entire definition to the corresponding term. Use the control card to check work independently.

Stage 2: Layout the term cards. Match the first-half of the definition cards to the terms. Then match the second-half of the definition card to the terms. Use the control card to check work independently.

Match the term to the definition and check your own work	Match the term to both halves of the definition and check your own work

For more details on using and displaying these cards, see our Pedagogy Blog post on Displaying Definition Card Sets.

NOTE: We are discontinuing our unlaminated definition card packets and sets. Get them while they last and take advantage of the HUGE discounts on our Sales page.