Games in the ESL Classroom Using Games

Games in the ESL Classroom

Using Games Why? Theory Role of games in the classroom Types of games Classification Game ideas

Why? Traditionally Warmer Filler Rewards

Why? (cont) Realistically Games should be built into the lesson Can be the main activity Are suitable for all ages and levels

Benefits of Games Meaningful practice Different skills are activated Emotions are involved Student-centered/lower anxiety Use a variety of intelligences

Types of Games Two major types Accuracy Communicative

Sorting Games These games involve sorting or ordering words into categories. They could also sort themselves into different categories. Ex: Give the students cards with words from 3 different categories (food, animals, school). Have them sort the cards into the appropriate place.

Information Gap General idea: One student has information that the other does not. Ex: One student has a picture, and must get his/her partner to draw a similar picture, using only voice instructions. Both students have pictures, but there are differences. They must find the differences by describing their pictures.

Guessing Games Students must find the right answer through various methods. Ex: 20 questions. One student chooses a word, or thinks of a word. Their partner can ask 20 yes/no questions. Pictionary/Charades (Crocodile): Same as above, but the student has to act or draw the word.

Matching games Pelmanism Students turn over 2 cards at a time, trying to find a match Snap A fast game, where each student has a pile of cards, they turn one over at a time. If they match, they must yell “Snap!” and grab the cards.

Card Games Go Fish Students are given cards, and they must try to find pairs by asking fellow students questions. The cards can be as simple as pictures/words, where the students must ask a simple question: “Pasha, have you got a banana? ” If Pasha does not have a banana, then he says “Go fish!” and the first student picks a card from the centre pool.

Board Games The most popular one is Scrabble. Any board game can be used, as long as the language and instructions are in English. Have the students create their own board game. This gives them power. They will be more enthusiastic about playing a game of their own creation.

Other Games Role plays Guess my quirk: Each student is given a card, where they have an unusual quirk. For example: You are an opera singer, and you sing every word. Students must then go around and talk to everyone, trying to guess what the various quirks are.

Other Games (cont) Scattergories: Students are given ten categories (countries, food, animals, hobbies, etc) and a letter. They must come up with one answer for each category, starting with that letter. If two students have the same answer, neither of them gets a point for that answer.

Other Games (cont) Treasure Hunt: Words are written on cards and hidden around the room. Students must read their clues, and find all the answers before the other teams do. Board races: Students race to the whiteboard to write the answer first. Can be done in teams as a relay race.

In Summary No one is too young or too old to play games Games can be used as the focus point of your lesson Children can play games and learn at the same time

Links http: //iteslj. org/games/ http: //genkienglish. net/kindergarten. htm https: //www. englishclub. com/esl-activities/ http: //www. eslkidstuff. com/Gamescontents. htm#. VS 4 jf. SGe. DGc http: //www. esl-galaxy. com/games. html