Race around the track in this fast-paced game. Watch as your car zooms along the race track with every question answered correctly. With every right move, you speed ahead of your competitors... who will end up on the winner’s podium?

In this version, students sharpen their dictionary skills by identifying the alphabetical order of words and selecting which words fall between given dictionary guide words. This activity supports the development of independent research skills and vocabulary-building strategies, while helping students make sense of alphabetical organisation and reference tools.

Let’s Race – Using Dictionary Guide Words is ideal for Year 3–5 students working on navigation and word placement within the dictionary. Use it during literacy rotations, word study sessions, or as a fast finisher task via QR code to strengthen language and reference skills in an engaging and competitive format.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Understand the purpose and function of dictionary guide words
• ✅ Identify the correct alphabetical order of words
• ✅ Strengthen word knowledge and vocabulary navigation
• ✅ Develop research and reference skills for independent learning
• ✅ Engage in fast-paced gameplay to reinforce real-world literacy skills

How to Play:

1. Students are shown a pair of dictionary guide words and a target word.
2. They must decide if the target word would appear on that dictionary page.
3. A correct answer moves their car further along the track.
4. Incorrect answers slow their car down, giving others a chance to catch up.
5. The game continues until all questions are answered and the leaderboard is revealed.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during spelling or vocabulary lessons to build reference skills
• 💡 Great for Year 3–5 students learning dictionary navigation and alphabetical order
• 💡 Pair with physical dictionaries for hands-on practise following the game
• 💡 Follow up with a task where students find words in a dictionary and write guide words for each

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Let students personalise their experience by choosing from six characters before the game begins
• 💛 Select the number of players or teams at the start of the game to suit individual, paired, or group play
• 💛 Send the QR code home for students to play as a homework or revision task

Let’s Race – Using Dictionary Guide Words puts research skills into high gear, helping students zoom through the alphabet with speed and confidence!