You’ve reached the tomb, and it’s time to get the treasure! In this interactive digital game, students face a classic risk-and-reward challenge—answer questions correctly to collect treasure, then decide whether to bank it or risk everything for a bigger reward.

In this version, students practise using dictionary guide words to locate and sequence words alphabetically. They’ll learn to interpret guide words, narrow down word placement, and apply alphabetical order strategies to strengthen dictionary navigation skills in a fun, high-stakes setting.

Let’s Steal – Using Dictionary Guide Words is ideal for reinforcing dictionary skills during literacy rotations, whole-class lessons, or independent exploration. Play together on the interactive whiteboard or use the QR code for small-group or solo revision work.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Understand and apply alphabetical order to locate words in a dictionary
• ✅ Use guide words to determine word placement on a page
• ✅ Build familiarity with dictionary structure and navigation
• ✅ Strengthen word recognition and scanning skills
• ✅ Engage with reference skills in a strategic, game-based format

How to Play:

1. Students are shown a set of dictionary-related questions focused on guide words and alphabetical order.
2. Each correct answer unlocks a piece of treasure.
3. After each round, players choose to bank their treasure or risk it for a bigger prize.
4. If they answer incorrectly, they fall through the trapdoor and lose unbanked treasure.
5. The game continues until all questions are completed, and the player with the highest banked treasure wins!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during literacy units focused on dictionary and reference skills
• 💡 Great for Year 3–6 students needing practise with alphabetical order and guide words
• 💡 Add to rotations or fast finisher tasks for ongoing skills practise
• 💡 Pair with a follow-up dictionary hunt or guide word matching activity

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 Steal – Using Dictionary Guide Words helps students master dictionary skills while chasing treasure and dodging trapdoors—perfect for building confidence and engagement with reference texts!