Gerund Rummy: The Power of -ING FREE READING GAMES
When you're dyslexic, words can feel like puzzles where all the pieces keep moving around. But sometimes, you find a pattern that stays still long enough to grab onto. For me, that pattern was -ING.
Why Gerunds Matter
Gerunds were my first "aha!" moment in reading and spelling. These special words that end in -ING gave me something constant to hold onto. When everything else on the page seemed to dance and shift, those three letters stayed put. It was like finding a lighthouse in a storm.
Think about it:
- Even if I couldn't spell "jump," I knew "jumping" ended in -ING
- When "walk" looked confusing, "walking" gave me half the word for free
- If "skate" seemed impossible, "skating" had a part I could count on
How This Game Helps
Gerund Rummy isn't just a matching game - it's a celebration of that first pattern that many dyslexic readers recognize. Here's why it works:
1. Pattern Recognition
- Every word ends the same way
- Your brain starts to see the pattern
- Success builds confidence
2. Physical Learning
- Acting out the words connects movement to meaning
- When you do the action, your brain remembers the word better
- Movement helps dyslexic learners process information
3. Multi-Sensory Approach
- See the word
- Say the word
- Act out the word
- Match the cards
- All these different ways of learning work together
4. Built-In Success
- Even if you can't read the whole word yet
- You know it ends in -ING
- That's already halfway there!
A Note to Teachers and Parents
Dyslexic students often feel like they're playing a game where everyone else knows the rules except them. This game flips that feeling around. Here, the pattern is clear, the endings are consistent, and success is built into the structure. When players match pairs and act out words, they're not just playing - they're building confidence with every -ING.
A Note to Players
If you're dyslexic like me, remember: finding your first pattern is huge. Maybe -ING will be your pattern too. Or maybe you'll find a different one. What matters is discovering that words aren't just random jumbles - they have parts we can grab onto and understand.
So shuffle those cards, find your matches, and remember: every gerund you read, act out, or spell is proof that you're learning in your own way. And that's something worth celebrating!
Let's start playing, let's start moving, and most importantly... let's start learning!
A fun educational card game for 2-4 players, ages 7 and up
Game Materials
- 50 cards (25 matching pairs of skateboarding gerunds)
- Score pad and pencil
Game Objective
Be the first player to score 100 points by matching pairs of gerund cards and successfully acting them out!
Setup
1. Shuffle all 50 cards thoroughly
2. For 2 players: Deal 10 cards each
3. For 3 players: Deal 9 cards each
4. For 4 players: Deal 7 cards each
5. Place remaining cards face down in the center as the draw pile
6. Turn the top card face up next to the draw pile to start the discard pile
How to Play
On Your Turn
1. Draw one card (either from the draw pile or the top card of the discard pile)
2. Check your hand for matching pairs of gerunds
3. If you have a matching pair:
- Read both cards out loud
- Act out the gerund (like charades) for at least 10 seconds
- If other players agree you've done it correctly, lay down the pair face up in front of you
4. Discard one card face up on the discard pile
5. Your turn ends
Scoring Pairs
- Each correctly matched and acted pair = 10 points
- Bonus point challenge: If you can use the gerund in a sentence = +2 points
- First player to go out (play all their cards) = +20 points
Special Rules
- Players must read each gerund card out loud when they play it
- Players must act out each gerund for at least 10 seconds
- Other players judge if the acting was good enough (encourage creative interpretations!)
- If a player can't or won't act out a gerund, they can't score that pair
Winning the Game
- The round ends when one player has played all their cards
- Add up the points for that round
- Play continues until one player reaches 100 points
- The first player to reach 100 points wins!
Teaching Tips
- For younger players, you can skip the reading requirement and just focus on matching and acting
- For more advanced players, require a sentence using the gerund before scoring
- Create a "help list" of gerund definitions for newer readers
- Encourage players to help each other with reading difficult words
Game Variations
Team Play
- Players can team up and help each other read and act out gerunds
- Great for mixing age groups or reading abilities
Quick Game
- Play to 50 points instead of 100
- Deal fewer cards per hand
Learning Mode
- All discards are face up
- Players can help each other read words
- No time limit on acting out gerunds
Remember: The goal is to have fun while learning! Encourage creativity in the acting portions and help with reading when needed.
Gerund Rummy Variations & Extensions
G-Thief
An educational card game teaching gerunds as nouns (activities/actions functioning as nouns)
Game Overview
- **Players**: 4-6 players
- **Age Range**: 8+ years
- **Learning Focus**: Understanding gerunds as nouns, sentence construction
- **Duration**: 15-20 minutes per round
Card Sets (60 cards total)
15 gerund groups with 4 matching cards each. Each card shows both the gerund and an example sentence using it as a noun:
1. swimming
- "Swimming is my favorite sport"
2. reading
- "Reading helps expand your vocabulary"
3. cooking
- "Cooking requires careful measurement"
4. gardening
- "Gardening relaxes the mind"
5. painting
- "Painting expresses emotions"
6. teaching
- "Teaching requires patience"
7. singing
- "Singing lifts people's spirits"
8. hiking
- "Hiking builds endurance"
9. writing
- "Writing helps organize thoughts"
10. dancing
- "Dancing brings people together"
11. camping
- "Camping teaches survival skills"
12. studying
- "Studying leads to success"
13. baking
- "Baking fills the house with warmth"
14. traveling
- "Traveling broadens the mind"
15. collecting
- "Collecting can become a hobby"
Game Rules
Setup
1. Shuffle all cards thoroughly
2. Deal 7 cards to each player
3. Place remaining cards face down in center as "Fish Pond"
4. Players arrange their cards in hand without showing others
Gameplay
1. Players take turns clockwise
2. On your turn:
- Ask any player for a specific gerund noun
- Must demonstrate understanding by using it in a new sentence as a noun
- If they have it, they must give ALL copies they have
- If they don't have it, they say "Go Fish!" and you draw
Making Books
- When you collect all 4 matching gerunds, you create a "book"
- Before placing down the book, you must:
1. Read the gerund aloud
2. Explain how it functions as a noun
3. Create a NEW sentence using it as a subject or object
Example: "Swimming (subject) is great exercise" or "I love swimming (object)"
- Books can only be placed down at the start of your next turn
Learning Checkpoints
To ensure understanding of gerunds as nouns:
- Players must use the gerund as a noun in their sentence
- Invalid sentences: "I am swimming" (verb), "The swimming pool" (adjective)
- Valid sentences: "Swimming makes me tired" (subject), "I enjoy swimming" (object)
Winning
- Game ends when all books are completed
- Player with most books wins
- In case of tie, players create the most creative sentence using their gerund as a noun
Educational Focus Points
Gerund Recognition
- Identifying when -ING words function as nouns
- Understanding subject vs object position
- Distinguishing from present participles
Sentence Patterns with Gerunds
1. As subjects:
- "[Gerund] is fun"
- "[Gerund] helps people"
- "[Gerund] requires practice"
2. As objects:
- "I enjoy [gerund]"
- "She loves [gerund]"
- "They practice [gerund]"
Common Gerund Triggers
Words that often precede gerunds:
- enjoy
- practice
- love
- hate
- prefer
- avoid
- recommend
- suggest
Card Design
Each card should include:
- Gerund in large text
- Sample sentence showing noun usage
- Visual cue showing if it's subject/object position
- Different colors for gerund vs rest of sentence
Assessment Opportunities
Teachers can observe:
1. Proper usage of gerunds as nouns
2. Sentence construction skills
3. Understanding of subject/object position
4. Vocabulary development
5. Grammar application
Quick-Play Variations
1. Draw-Till-You-Match
- Players keep drawing until they make a pair
- Great for beginning readers
- Builds confidence through guaranteed success
- Perfect for learning new vocabulary
- Extra practice reading each drawn card
2. Open-Face Discards
- All discards remain face-up
- Players can take any visible card
- Helps visual learners see patterns
- Reduces memory load for struggling readers
- Creates strategic choices
Subject-Specific Adaptations
Science Deck Ideas
- Laboratory Actions:
- Measuring, Pouring, Mixing, Heating, Cooling
- Observing, Recording, Testing, Analyzing
- Nature Processes:
- Growing, Blooming, Decomposing, Eroding
- Freezing, Melting, Evaporating, Condensing
Engineering Deck Ideas
- Building Process:
- Designing, Planning, Sketching, Modeling
- Constructing, Testing, Improving, Rebuilding
- Tool Actions:
- Hammering, Drilling, Cutting, Joining
- Measuring, Welding, Soldering, Programming
Language Skill Extensions
1. Sentence Creation Challenge
- Player must use gerund in a complete sentence
- Bonus points for complex sentences
- Extra points for using multiple gerunds
- Can require specific sentence structures:
- "While [gerund], I was [gerund]"
- "I love [gerund] because..."
2. Antonym Adventure
- Player must say opposite action
- Examples:
- Running → Walking
- Laughing → Crying
- Building → Destroying
- Great for vocabulary building
- Teaches word relationships
Difficulty Level Variations
Beginner Level
- Use basic action gerunds
- All cards face up
- Help with reading allowed
\- Focus on matching and acting
- No time limit
Intermediate Level
- Mix common and specific gerunds
- Regular game rules
- Must read cards independently
- Basic sentence creation
- Time limit for acting out
Advanced Level
- Subject-specific vocabulary
- Must create complex sentences
- Add antonym requirements
- Include irregular verbs
- Strict time limits
Custom Deck Ideas
1. Target Practice Deck
- Focus on current curriculum
- Include weekly spelling words as gerunds
- Add subject-specific vocabulary
- Custom cards for individual students
- Progressive difficulty levels
2. Mixed Skills Deck
- Combine different subjects
- Include various difficulty levels
- Color code by subject area
- Add special action cards
- Create themed sets
Teaching Tips
For Building Confidence
- Start with known words
- Gradually add new vocabulary
- Celebrate successful matches
- Encourage peer helping
- Use picture cues initially
For Increasing Challenge
- Add time limits
- Require longer sentences
- Include writing components
- Add grammar requirements
- Create chain stories using cards
Assessment Opportunities
Informal Assessment
- Track reading fluency
- Monitor vocabulary use
- Observe comprehension
- Note spelling attempts
- Record strategy use
Skill Integration
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary development
- Spelling practice
- Grammar usage
- Public speaking
Social-Emotional Benefits
- Builds confidence through success
- Encourages peer support
- Reduces reading anxiety
- Creates fun learning environment
- Celebrates progress
Family Involvement
- Send home practice decks
- Create family game nights
- Share student-made cards
- Involve parents in card creation
- Share success stories
WARMUP LIST!
1. Going
2. Being
3. Getting
4. Making
5. Taking
6. Coming
7. Looking
8. Using
9. Working
10. Giving
11. Running
12. Telling
13. Bringing
14. Writing
15. Moving
16. Playing
17. Saying
18. Thinking
19. Leaving
20. Finding
21. Walking
22. Talking
23. Helping
24. Eating
25. Reading
Duplicate set (for matching pairs)
1. Going
2. Being
3. Getting
4. Making
5. Taking
6. Coming
7. Looking
8. Using
9. Working
10. Giving
11. Running
12. Telling
13. Bringing
14. Writing
15. Moving
16. Playing
17. Saying
18. Thinking
19. Leaving
20. Finding
21. Walking
22. Talking
23. Helping
24. Eating
25. Reading
1. Grinding
2. Cruising
3. Pushing
4. Carving
5. Rolling
6. Balancing
7. Turning
8. Jumping
9. Sliding
10. Flipping
11. Dropping
12. Skating
13. Gliding
14. Spinning
15. Pumping
16. Kicking
17. Weaving
18. Riding
19. Falling
20. Landing
21. Stopping
22. Ollying
23. Swooping
24. Racing
25. Coasting
Duplicate set (for matching pairs)
1. Grinding
2. Cruising
3. Pushing
4. Carving
5. Rolling
6. Balancing
7. Turning
8. Jumping
9. Sliding
10. Flipping
11. Dropping
12. Skating
13. Gliding
14. Spinning
15. Pumping
16. Kicking
17. Weaving
18. Riding
19. Falling
20. Landing
21. Stopping
22. Ollying
23. Swooping
24. Racing
1. Swerving
2. Hopping
3. Shredding
4. Slipping
5. Crouching
6. Leaning
7. Bending
8. Soaring
9. Grabbing
10. Launching
11. Drifting
12. Zooming
13. Flowing
14. Ducking
15. Twisting
16. Scooting
17. Pivoting
18. Curving
19. Speeding
20. Rushing
21. Swooshing
22. Bouncing
23. Glancing
24. Sweeping
25. Darting
Duplicate set (for matching pairs)
1. Swerving
2. Hopping
3. Shredding
4. Slipping
5. Crouching
6. Leaning
7. Bending
8. Soaring
9. Grabbing
10. Launching
11. Drifting
12. Zooming
13. Flowing
14. Ducking
15. Twisting
16. Scooting
17. Pivoting
18. Curving
19. Speeding
20. Rushing
21. Swooshing
22. Bouncing
23. Glancing
24. Sweeping
25. Darting
Horrible Histories Style List
1. Face-Planting
2. Knee-Scraping
3. Elbow-Bleeding
4. Tooth-Chipping
5. Head-Bonking
6. Wrist-Breaking
7. Shin-Smacking
8. Palm-Shredding
9. Ankle-Twisting
10. Belly-Flopping
11. Nose-Bumping
12. Hip-Bruising
13. Finger-Jamming
14. Toe-Stubbing
15. Back-Crashing
16. Skull-Thumping
17. Lip-Splitting
18. Chin-Scratching
19. Rib-Rattling
20. Arm-Flailing
21. Knee-Wobbling
22. Body-Tumbling
23. Butt-Bouncing
24. Head-Rolling
25. Face-Sliding
Duplicate set (for matching pairs)
1. Face-Planting
2. Knee-Scraping
3. Elbow-Bleeding
4. Tooth-Chipping
5. Head-Bonking
6. Wrist-Breaking
7. Shin-Smacking
8. Palm-Shredding
9. Ankle-Twisting
10. Belly-Flopping
11. Nose-Bumping
12. Hip-Bruising
13. Finger-Jamming
14. Toe-Stubbing
15. Back-Crashing
16. Skull-Thumping
17. Lip-Splitting
18. Chin-Scratching
19. Rib-Rattling
20. Arm-Flailing
21. Knee-Wobbling
22. Body-Tumbling
23. Butt-Bouncing
24. Head-Rolling
25. Face-Sliding
25. Coasting
1. Teeth-Chattering
2. Bone-Crunching
3. Skin-Peeling
4. Street-Sweeping
5. Board-Snapping
6. Brain-Rattling
7. Concrete-Kissing
8. Rail-Grinding
9. Knee-Knocking
10. Spine-Tingling
11. Blood-Dripping
12. Grip-Ripping
13. Helmet-Splitting
14. Neck-Craning
15. Ankle-Mangling
16. Foot-Fumbling
17. Hand-Scraping
18. Body-Slamming
19. Nose-Squishing
20. Joint-Popping
21. Head-Spinning
22. Toe-Crushing
23. Shoulder-Smashing
24. Eyeball-Bulging
25. Zombie-Walking
Duplicate set (for matching pairs)
1. Teeth-Chattering
2. Bone-Crunching
3. Skin-Peeling
4. Street-Sweeping
5. Board-Snapping
6. Brain-Rattling
7. Concrete-Kissing
8. Rail-Grinding
9. Knee-Knocking
10. Spine-Tingling
11. Blood-Dripping
12. Grip-Ripping
13. Helmet-Splitting
14. Neck-Craning
15. Ankle-Mangling
16. Foot-Fumbling
17. Hand-Scraping
18. Body-Slamming
19. Nose-Squishing
20. Joint-Popping
21. Head-Spinning
22. Toe-Crushing
23. Shoulder-Smashing
24. Eyeball-Bulging
25. Zombie-Walking
Academic Gerund Cards - K-5 Tier 2 Vocabulary
Reading & Analysis Gerunds
1. Comparing
2. Contrasting
3. Analyzing
4. Summarizing
5. Predicting
6. Inferring
7. Concluding
8. Questioning
9. Evaluating
10. Describing
11. Explaining
12. Identifying
13. Supporting
14. Connecting
15. Retelling
16. Organizing
17. Sequencing
18. Determining
19. Distinguishing
20. Clarifying
21. Interpreting
22. Reflecting
23. Reviewing
24. Scanning
25. Skimming
Problem Solving Gerunds
26. Solving
27. Reasoning
28. Investigating
29. Planning
30. Testing
31. Checking
32. Proving
33. Estimating
34. Calculating
35. Measuring
36. Observing
37. Recording
38. Verifying
39. Examining
40. Exploring
41. Discovering
42. Constructing
43. Building
44. Creating
45. Designing
46. Developing
47. Modeling
48. Sorting
49. Grouping
50. Classifying
Communication Gerunds
51. Discussing
52. Presenting
53. Reporting
54. Sharing
55. Responding
56. Suggesting
57. Expressing
58. Explaining
59. Stating
60. Arguing
61. Debating
62. Demonstrating
63. Teaching
64. Showing
65. Telling
66. Speaking
67. Writing
68. Drawing
69. Illustrating
70. Labeling
71. Listing
72. Noting
73. Drafting
74. Editing
75. Revising
Critical Thinking Gerunds
76. Considering
77. Wondering
78. Thinking
79. Understanding
80. Believing
81. Knowing
82. Learning
83. Remembering
84. Focusing
85. Concentrating
86. Brainstorming
87. Imagining
88. Visualizing
89. Generating
90. Applying
91. Relating
92. Combining
93. Synthesizing
94. Adapting
95. Modifying
96. Changing
97. Improving
98. Expanding
99. Extending
100. Deepening
Usage Notes by Grade Level
K-1 Starting Points
- Begin with concrete action gerunds
- Focus on observable actions
- Use with physical demonstrations
- Pair with pictures
Suggested starters: Sorting, Grouping, Sharing, Drawing, Showing
2-3 Development
- Introduce more abstract thinking gerunds
- Begin metacognitive awareness
- Add problem-solving gerunds
- Include simple analysis gerunds
Suggested focus: Comparing, Predicting, Planning, Explaining
4-5 Advanced
- Incorporate higher-order thinking gerunds
- Add complex analysis terms
- Include evaluation gerunds
- Use metacognitive terminology
Suggested focus: Analyzing, Synthesizing, Evaluating, Inferring
Teaching Tips
1. Start with words students know in verb form
2. Use physical actions to demonstrate meaning
3. Create visual anchor charts for each category
4. Practice using words in context
5. Build from concrete to abstract meanings
Game Modifications
- Color code cards by category
- Add difficulty levels (1-3 stars)
- Include example sentences
- Add picture cues for younger students
- Create subject-specific subsets
Assessment Ideas
- Track usage in student writing
- Monitor oral language development
- Note depth of understanding
Observe application across subjects
- Document vocabulary growth
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