How To: Apples to Apples

• Lesson Objective: Strengthen students’ understanding of morphemes by prompting them to recognize, compare, and articulate connections between morphemes in meaningful ways.

• Grouping:  Partners

• Methodology:  Students work in pairs to review morphemes using their flashcards by matching, explanation, and repetition in a competitive format.

• Duration: 10-15 minutes

  
  

Apples to Apples: The Game of Crazy Combinations

My students would probably argue the morpheme combinations aren't that crazy and it's not exactly a "party in a box", but Apples to Apples did inspire this review game.

I introduce this game once students have at least 20 morpheme flashcards in their decks. It doesn't work particularly well with less than that. This activity goes beyond memorization by encouraging students to think critically about how morphemes relate to one another. It strengthens morphemic awareness, supports long-term retention, and builds flexible vocabulary knowledge. The writing element fosters metacognition, while the game format keeps motivation high. Whether students work in pairs or solo, it’s a powerful way to make review time meaningful and fun.

🖍 How the Routine Works

Students take turns drawing a morpheme card, then race against the timer to find and explain connections from their own flashcard decks. Matches can be based on similar meanings, opposites, word formation, or morpheme type, and each must include a brief written explanation.I include explicit directions on the Apples to Apples capture sheet, which you can check out below. My-coteacher and I circulate while students support each other.

Check out the Interactive Unit Guides to see how this lesson fits within each unit. The Apples to Apples template can be found here!