Vocabulary Password Game, Academic Vocabulary for Middle School, Google Slides and PowerPoint

One-word clues, one guesser, and thirty words your students meet on every test. This middle school vocabulary game puts academic vocabulary into the classic Password format for grades 6 to 8, in Google Slides or PowerPoint. Project it, or print the word cards.

Why These 30 Words

• They are Tier 2 academic vocabulary: analyze, justify, interpret, relevant, credible. The words test questions, rubrics, and textbooks are written in
• Students only have to recognize each word from teammates’ clues, not define it, so words that feel hard on a worksheet become reachable targets in play
• Each round is one part of speech (verbs, nouns, adjectives), and knowing the part of speech shapes the clues. That is where the vocabulary thinking happens

How the Game Works

1. Two teams, or pairs. Each team picks a guesser, and guessers face away from the screen
2. The password appears. Teammates take turns giving ONE-WORD clues
3. One guess after each clue. First team to say the password wins the word

Perfect For

• Vocabulary review that gets the whole class shouting clues
• ELA warm-ups, Fridays, sub days, and test prep
• No projector? Play the same game with the printable cut-apart cards

Here is a quick look at the game: