The Missing Letters

📝 This post, The Missing Letters, was originally published in 2017 and has been updated with new information and resources.

I wasn’t looking for another Hanukkah book—I already had plenty! But the title caught my attention, and after reading the description, I knew this one would be coming home with me. Not only is it a delightful Hanukkah story, but it also makes a wonderful mentor text that inspires students to think creatively and design their own game.

The Missing Letters: A Dreidel Story

by Renee Londer

The dreidel-maker’s shop is busy, but trouble is brewing! The Heys, Nuns, and Shins are jealous of everyone’s favorite letter — the Gimel — and decide to hide them. But when the other letters realize the Hanukkah story isn’t complete without the Gimels, can they be found in time?

The Dreidel Game

A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top traditionally played during Hanukkah. Each side has a Hebrew letter that tells players what to do during the game. Before reading The Missing Letters, I like to make sure my students understand how to play because the story centers around those four letters and what they mean. All you need is a dreidel, some playing pieces (chips, pennies, or counters work great!), and the game directions.

💚 Grab the FREE Dreidel Game here

Invent Your Own Spinning Game

Now comes the fun part! Once your students are familiar with the traditional Dreidel Game, challenge them to invent their own spinning game, complete with original symbols and rules, and to decide how players win.

Students begin by creating four original symbols for their game spinner. Then they decide what each symbol means, write the rules, and determine how a player wins. Once everyone’s games are complete, students can swap with a partner and see if they can successfully play each other’s game by following the written directions.

Directions

✏️ Step 1: Brainstorm four original symbols for your spinner.

✏️ Step 2: Decide what each symbol means when a player lands on it.

✏️ Step 3: Write clear directions explaining how to play your game.

✏️ Step 4: Decide how a player wins.

✏️ Step 5: Exchange games with a partner and see if they can successfully play your game using only your written directions. Encourage students to revise their rules if anything is confusing.

Teacher Tip: Before students begin writing, have them explain their game aloud to a partner. Talking through the rules first often helps students organize their thinking before putting pencil to paper.

💚 Grab your FREE Create Your Own Spinner Game Template here.

Extending the Learning:

💡 Have students build their spinner and add their symbols.

💡 Have students create the packaging for their game. Keep all the games together for future play.

💡Take the games into other classrooms and teach other students how to play.

That’s it! Now you have a collection of original spinner games to add to your classroom game collection.

💚Click here to see more Hanukkah Activities!