The Game: You might know this word game by a whole bunch of other names like Hank Pank, Brain Train, Stinky Pinky, or Wordy Gurdy. The game is made up of a phrase that conveys an adjective paired with a rhyming noun (e.g., a funny bunny, or a big wig). Some people like to use the one-syllable word name for one syllable answers, and the two-syllable names for two syllable answers. But the idea of the game is the same.

Research Says: It is a fun way to practice language skills. The game helps with word recall and with understanding word meaning by playing with words. Hink Pink is a highly motivating game because it is so fun. It breaks a common perception that all learning should be serious in nature and that if “…one is having fun and there is hilarity and laughter, then it is not really learning” (Lee Su Kim, Creative Games for the Language Class).
Continue reading →