Classroom Games

[Niko]

Classroom Games for ESL Students

There is hardly a language teacher alive who is not interested in tapping the power of games to elicit animated and motivated communication in language classes. Many books and papers have been written which describe games for language classes, and there seems to be a ready market for more books describing more games and other "fun activities" to "liven up" the language classroom.

I define 2 categories of games: Games I and Games II.

Games I

The games that are typically described in books and articles I call games I. Lke learning native songs and dances, playing these games is usually viewed as a peripheral, adjunct activity, "dessert" to go along with the more nourishing main course, the textbook and the learning activities prescribed therein. These may be simple games like:

• 20 questions
• What's My Line?
• Bingo
• Scrabble
• Crossword puzzles
• Spelling bees and so on.

Games I function in the classroom as "pace changers" and "reward activities", their effect can no doubt be positive.

Games II

These games are not widely known or understood. Games II are central activities toward the skillful playing of which a whole lesson or series of lessons, even a whole course, may be dedicated. And the increasing skill at playing these progressively more challenging games requires, of course, ever-increasing proficiency in using the language. The game and the motivation to play it well constitute a major driving mechanism of the course.



As a roundup, it is vitally important to use games in the classroom for the obvious reasons discussed above.

[ShelleyV]

I also believe in the power of learning through games, especially with children. In fact I have taught successfully using only games, songs and theatre, however I did have the luxury of a small class for the theatre.

The advantage of many classroom games is that they allow for listening and speaking practise which is so often missing in classrooms. It does take more energy from the teacher to manage a speaking game than hand out a worksheet, there is no getting around that. But most teachers want to be the best that they possibly can and are prepared to put more energy into their classes in order to receive the recognition and love in return from the pupils.

Where can I find about about "Games II" Niko?

In the meantime for "Games I" there are plenty of free games being given away on my site by email and many teachers have expressed their thanks for them, so please do visit the link below if you would like some fresh ideas. In particular these games are useful in a large class as well as a small group and allow you to play without too much classroom chaos, or too much waiting.

[Niko]

Games II

Using Games II means having the whole lesson evolve around the game. It's not as simple as just laying out a board game and rolling dice.

The teacher needs to consider the level of the students, and creatively design a game that encompases core learning objectives. Like an RPG (role playing game) where each student is accountable, and must achieve certain proficiencies before moving onto the next level and earning points for their team.

It's best to design a game in teams so that the stronger students can help carry through the weaker ones. It also develops human relationship skills amongst students.

To set this up takes a fair bit of time, but once done, can be replicated easily for your other students.

You could do a search on RPG game plans, and alter it to suit your classes.

[ShelleyV]

Thanks for your reply Niko.
These seem to be computer games with loads of monsters and cool characters that children would love. I'll ask my nephew...

[frankmartinez]

thanks for the info, i know that using games in the classroom provide a nice environment and make students feel more comfortable and that make students work better

[MASTERTALKER]

Hi.
We at MASTERTALKER are developing an interactive and enjoyable board game specifically for the ESL/EFL classroom.
It has numerous benefits for both teachers and learners and is suitable for elementary to upper-intermediate level learners.
Please check out our website for details.