Unlock the Potential of Word Play for Your Students

Word play is a fun and engaging way of using language creatively to entertain, emphasise meaning and encourage deeper thinking about words. It’s important to explicitly teach the different types of word play to our students so they can identify them in texts and apply them in their own writing.

This one-page list is a handy reference for students to use when identifying and using word play techniques. Each entry includes the name of the technique, a clear student-friendly definition, and an example that demonstrates how it is used in context.

The list contains the following types of word play:

• Pun
• Spoonerism
• Neologism
• Nonsense Words
• Homophone Play

This list of word play examples downloads as a printable PDF or editable Google Slides document. Whichever file you choose, this resource will ensure your students always have access to clear explanations and examples of word play techniques when they need them most.

Using Word Play Examples During English Lessons

Teaching word play becomes more meaningful when students have opportunities to see examples in action and experiment with them themselves. This resource can be used in a variety of literacy activities to promote engagement and strengthen language skills.

Some ideas include:

• Vocabulary warm-ups – Display a different word play device each day and challenge students to identify or create their own example.
• Reading response activities – Ask students to find examples of word play in class novels, picture books or poetry and match them to the correct device on the list.
• Writer’s workshop – Encourage students to incorporate specific word play techniques into narratives, persuasive texts or poetry.

Download to Explore Examples of Word Play

Use the Download button above to access either the printable PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this list of word play examples. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

Perfect for student workbooks, this resource makes a great starting point when it comes to exploring word play techniques with your students.

Teach Play on Words with Teach Starter!

Teach Starter has more great resources to save you time when teaching word play and other poetic devices to your class. Click below for some more curriculum-aligned, teacher-created activities!

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