Adjective Order with Buttons

Purpose: to practice adjective order using simple objects for visual contrast

Preparation Time:  10 – 15 minutes

 Materials:  box of buttons or any set of small, easily differentiated objects; choose objects with clearly different sizes, shapes and colors

Preparation:  Think about how you want to review vocabulary related to colors, shapes and sizes. Bring in other visuals or objects or work with the buttons. 

Procedure:

1. Using the buttons, orally model the vocabulary by word groups: colors, shapes, sizes, numbers. 
2. Hold up one button and say, “One blue button.” Then hold up two and say, “Two blue buttons.”  Be careful to have only one contrast at a time.  For example, don’t contrast one blue button with two red buttons until you are sure the students know the individual words.
3. Ask students to take one or more buttons that you specify until they have demonstrated comprehension.
4. Have students ask each other for particular buttons.  Monitor for –s plural and correct adjective order.

Variations:

• Once students are comfortable with word order using two adjectives (number and color), add shape and/or size to the mix, providing numerous examples first.