Puzzle · Game · Talking
Saying chain
A dominoes-style chain: lay meaning cards end to end, and explain how each one links to the last.
- 20 minutes
- Small group
- Ages 9–12, Ages 12+
- Classroom
- Printable: cut-out cards
What to do
- Cut out the cards. Put the saying cards to one side for now.
- Read the six meaning cards aloud together. Deal them out so each player has one or two.
- The first player lays down any meaning card.
- The next player lays one of their cards touching it, like a domino, and says how the two link. For example: “Both are about friends” or “If you start well, the effort feels smaller.”
- The group gives a thumbs up if the link makes sense. If it does not, the player takes the card back and tries a different one, or passes.
- Keep going until every meaning card is in the chain. Then try to join the last card back to the first to make a loop.
- Finally, place each saying card under its meaning. Use the list of sayings on this page to check.
Questions to talk about
- Which link was the cleverest?
- Were there two cards that seemed impossible to link? How did you solve it?
You will need
- The printed card sheet, cut out
- Scissors
- A table or clear patch of floor
Make it fit
Simpler: Use three or four meaning cards and let the whole group suggest each link.
More of a stretch: Every link has to be a real-life example that fits both cards at once.
Sayings used
Printables
The instructions card is for the adult running the activity; the worksheet is for the children. Prints on A4 or US Letter at 100% / actual size; colour is optional.
The cut-out cards
Cut out the cards. Each saying has one card in Irish and one with its meaning.
The instructions card
How to run it · Puzzle · Game · Talking
Saying chain
A dominoes-style chain: lay meaning cards end to end, and explain how each one links to the last.
20 minutesSmall groupAges 9–12, Ages 12+
What to do
- Cut out the cards. Put the saying cards to one side for now.
- Read the six meaning cards aloud together. Deal them out so each player has one or two.
- The first player lays down any meaning card.
- The next player lays one of their cards touching it, like a domino, and says how the two link. For example: “Both are about friends” or “If you start well, the effort feels smaller.”
- The group gives a thumbs up if the link makes sense. If it does not, the player takes the card back and tries a different one, or passes.
- Keep going until every meaning card is in the chain. Then try to join the last card back to the first to make a loop.
- Finally, place each saying card under its meaning. Use the list of sayings on this page to check.
You will need
- The printed card sheet, cut out
- Scissors
- A table or clear patch of floor
Talk about
- Which link was the cleverest?
- Were there two cards that seemed impossible to link? How did you solve it?
Make it fit
Simpler: Use three or four meaning cards and let the whole group suggest each link.
Stretch: Every link has to be a real-life example that fits both cards at once.
Goes with the printable cut-out cards.