I Spy “Flip” Mini Board Game: Dinosaur Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Number of Pages: 6
Type of Resource: PDF
Coordinating Activities
I Spy “Flip” Mini Board Game: Dinosaur Theme
- I Spy “Flip” picture cards
- 2 I Spy game boards
- Token cards
- Game instructions for 2 to 4 players
This mini version is quick to prep and fits right into a small group or a short center time.
Required Materials:
- Card stock or the white side of scrapbook paper (so the cards are not see-through)
- Printer and ink
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
Standards for Vocabulary, Speaking and Listening
This dinosaur I Spy game supports early learning standards connected to naming pictures, describing what kids see and taking turns.
Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.5.C: Identify real-life connections between words and their use. Kids name each dinosaur picture they find.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups. Players take turns and name the pictures.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for English Language Arts and Reading
- PK4.II.D.1: Child understands and uses a wide variety of words to label and describe people, places, things and actions. Kids name each picture they find.
- TEKS ELA K.1(D): Work collaboratively with others by following agreed-upon rules for discussion, including taking turns. Players follow the game rules.
Virginia English Standards of Learning
- K.RV.1.F: Use newly learned words and phrases in discussions and speaking activities. Kids name each picture when they find it.
- K.C.1.A.i: Listen actively and follow agreed-upon rules for participating in discussions. Kids take turns and wait for each player to flip.
I Spy “Flip” Mini Board Game: Dinosaur Theme gives preschool and kindergarten kids a quick, fast-paced way to practice visual scanning and dinosaur vocabulary.
Players flip a card at the same time and race to find the picture on their game board. The dinosaur pictures include dinosaurs, palm trees, volcanoes and dinosaur eggs.
The first player to spot the picture wins a token. Keep playing until all the cards are flipped, and the player with the most tokens wins.
How to Play I Spy “Flip” Mini: Dinosaur Theme
- Print on card stock, laminate and cut apart the cards and tokens.
- Deal the cards face down to the players.
- All players flip their top card at the same time.
- The first player to find the picture on the board wins a token.
- Play until all the cards are flipped. The player with the most tokens wins!
Small Group: Play with 2 to 4 kids and name each picture together.
Center: Partners play on their own once they know the rules.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This I Spy Game
Every group has a mix of vocabulary, attention and visual scanning skills. These simple changes keep the game familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Name every picture on the board before playing.
- Play without racing so each child has time to look.
- Use fewer cards.
- Point to the area of the board where the picture is.
For On-Level Practice:
- Play by the full rules.
- Name the picture after each match.
- Count the tokens at the end.
- Switch boards for a new game.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Describe the picture without naming it and let others find it.
- Name the first sound of each picture.
- Play with both boards at once.
- Make up a new rule for the game.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Name the pictures together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use the pictures to build vocabulary.
- Play cooperatively when the goal is naming pictures, not winning.
I Spy “Flip” Mini Board Game: Dinosaur Theme Is Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Dinosaur themes
- Small-group instruction
- Literacy centers
- Speech therapy
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
