LEAP into Language
Taboo is a word, guessing, and party game published by Parker Brothers in 1989 (subsequently purchased by Hasbro). The objective of the game is for a player to have their partners guess the word on the player’s card without using the word itself or five additional words listed on the card.
Learners played the game – Taboo in their LEAP class. This game was played in even numbers of groups. The group was divided into 2 teams and they were given few cards.
Each team got a minute time to guess as many keywords as possible in the allotted time. The player (giver) attempted to prompt his or her teammates using English language as a medium of communication. However, each card also had “taboo” (forbidden) words listed which were not suppose to be spoken. The giver was also restricted to use any kind of sign or Hindi language.
Once the team correctly guessed the word exactly as written on the card, the giver moved on to the next word, trying to get as many words as possible in the allotted time. When time runs out, the play was passed to the next adjacent player of the other team.
In the later half of the session, to make it more interesting the rules were changed. Each team got 2 minutes as allotted time and playing team received two points for correct guesses (Initially it was 1 point) and one penalty point if “taboo” words are spoken or for speaking in Hindi/ using sign language, instead of 0 points.
Skills focused:
Thinking skills -ÂÂ
Comprehension
Grasping meaning from material learned; communicating and interpreting learning.
Synthesis
Combining parts to create whole; creating, designing, developing and innovating.
Evaluation
Making judgments or decisions based on chosen criteria; standards and conditions.
Communication skills –
Listening
Listening to directions; listening to others; listening to information.
Speaking
Speaking clearly; giving oral reports to small and large groups; expressing ideas clearly and logically; stating opinions.
Social skills -ÂÂ
Adopting a variety of group roles
Understanding what behaviour is appropriate in a given situation and acting accordingly; being a leader in some circumstances, a follower in others.
Respecting others
Listening sensitively to others; making decisions based on fairness and equality; recognizing that others’ beliefs, viewpoints, religions and ideas may differ from one’s own; stating one’s opinion without hurting others.
Cooperating
Working cooperatively in a group; being courteous to others; sharing materials; taking turns.

