Playing games allows children to PRACTISE language in a fun and relaxed environment.

These key words from the story are used: Brown Owl, cake, presents, birthday tea, three, family, friends, pizza, Auntie Lorna

This activity can be used as a filler, a station activity , for early finishers etc.  The game itself does not last long but the pupils will enjoy it so much that they play it over and over again!

Why not laminate the sheet so that it can be reused? Or children can place different coloured glass nuggets down instead of drawing OXO.

By playing a game of tic tac toe / noughts and crosses, children have to USE the new language and tactics to win the game.

They are in control of the level of language they use.

E.g. If they choose the square with the CAKE on it, they can say as long or as short answer as they like to get it:

cake

chocolate/birthday cake

I love chocolate cake!

Let's bake chocolate cake! (text from the book)

All key words are taken from the rhyming picture book 'Brown Owl's Birthday Tea', by Rachel Schmidlechner and Nadja Grace Bodner.

Have fun reading and rhyming with Brown Owl!