Watch Out — Parts of Speech on the Move!

Please note: The grammar rules, spelling conventions, and examples in this article refer specifically to the German language and are intended for use in German-language primary school classrooms.

Parts of speech can be abstract — until children start moving. This game turns the classroom into a playing field where nouns, verbs, and adjectives become something children can experience with their whole bodies.

How it works

The teacher calls out a word. Children listen carefully and react: they jump for nouns, clap for verbs, and spin for adjectives. The faster the pace, the more alert the class becomes. Mistakes are part of the fun — and a perfect opportunity to think aloud together.

Why movement helps

Research consistently shows that physical activity supports memory and focus. When children connect grammar concepts to bodily actions, the knowledge sticks in a way that worksheets alone rarely achieve. Movement breaks the routine and brings energy back into the room.

Variations

The game adapts easily. For beginners, start with just two word classes (nouns and verbs). More advanced groups can add adjectives, articles, or even pronouns. You can also reverse the game: the teacher performs an action and children shout the matching part of speech.

For the whole class

This game works with any class size and needs no materials — just a bit of space. It fits perfectly as a warm-up at the start of a German lesson, as a quick break mid-session, or as a playful review at the end. Children ask for it by name.