Pictionary Perfect.

A classroom language learning exercise, Pictionary Perfect, is described and documented. With this game, junior high school English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and bilingual students create illustrated dictionaries with a desktop publishing program and a computer. The students are introduced to computers and research skills while developing English vocabulary. Students work in heterogeneous ability groups for increased collaboration in language and idea development. Vocabulary words are suggested by subject teachers. Students must accurately research definitions that they understand using dictionaries, books, and magazines, and find appropriate graphic representations. The pictionaries can be thematic. The activity is currently in use by seventh and eighth grade ESL and bilingual students. It requires commonly available computer hardware and software and can be used in the classroom or lab by one or two students at a time. The activity allows students to produce a useful and creative document while having fun, socializing, and speaking English. A series of seven lessons is outlined, and a sample alphabet pictionary is included. (MSE)