Esl Classroom Games

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences We must up our game as ESL teachers in the 21st century – both figuratively and literally. I use games to engage students and promote learning in my classroom for a wide range of learning objectives. Below is a short list of icebreaker games that I regularly use in my classroom, and I will discuss the learning target(s) that each game aims to facilitate and deliver as well as the context in which the game is used. Since I work with high school age and adult students, the games are geared for English Language Learners in these age groups. As learning communities become more globalized and data give more information on how people learn, one major challenge I find with gamifying learning in the ESL classroom is making the games that I use more...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A lot of activities can be settled and performed in a classroom to teach a non-native language. From tasks until routine exercises, a wide range of dynamics might be applied for a teacher. But games have different and unique features for a lesson, and its matter and characteristics need to be debated for developing consistent teaching of content. What is a Game? What is the Game for? Game Directions Sense of Competence Communication Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Fábio A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. First of all, it must keep in mind the concept of a game, which could be described as...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas ESL games are games that can be used in the classroom to practice certain language points and encourage active and creative communication between your students. Common misconceptions about games in the classroom How to use games in the classroom Good resources for games to use in the EFL classroom Listen to this blog post Get creative and have fun while teaching English abroad! Related Articles: There are many different games created specifically for use in the English language classroom that can be found online or in any number of resource books. But we are not limited only to those games designed for the class; the majority of games that we played as children or still play as adults can be adapted and used in lessons. Whether games are co-operative or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Learning an unfamiliar language is no easy feat and with the globalization of the English language, more and more people are faced with the task of learning English to better their lives. It is no secret that English is one of the more difficult languages to learn given its many peculiarities and the lack of clues to pronunciation. This makes learning English not only more complicated but often frustrating for students who have difficulties understanding certain concepts. This is where games can have a huge impact. Motivation and Interest Confidence Needs Useful Materials Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Randi B. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Most everyone has a favorite game that they play over and over again. Games go further than just a simple competitive interaction between two people or teams. In a way, games teach the average person how to navigate life with two outcomes; either the joy of winning or the disappointment of losing. Although it is not necessarily bad to lose it is an inevitable outcome for each person who participates. The idea is to learn from the failure to gain experience in which you can strategize a new way to achieve victory. The act of winning is simply the reward for playing the game as it is expected to be played. The main concept of games is competition and how we as human beings are constantly competing whether we realize it or not. As we go about our day to day...  [Read more]

There are many games that can be used in the TEFL classroom, from simple games that only require a pen and a whiteboard to more elaborate board games. There are some games that have been specifically designed to be used in English language classes, while other, everyday games that we usually play for fun can also be adapted to be used with your students. You can even create your own games! There are many misconceptions about using games in the classroom. Some people believe that studying should be serious and that there is no place for this kind of “entertainment” in the classroom. Others believe that games are only for children and that adults are not interested in playing when they should be studying. Neither of these assertions is true, research and experience has shown...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas "Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn." O. Fred Donaldson (Pulitzer nominated author, and renowned play researcher). Traditional Approach Two Styles of Teaching Effects of Game Play What Games to Use? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kristel-Ann I. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In a traditional school, students are expected to study the lesson from the book and from what the teacher discussed. It is a straight discussion without activities, and evaluation is through worksheets. They could only play games after school hours. Nowadays, schools...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The use of games in the class can activate the atmosphere of learning, reduce learning pressure, and stimulate learning interest more. Independent and selective learning is good for developing students' multiple intelligenceand promoting the formation of good feelings. There are five benefits of games in the classroom. Listen to this blog post: Creating positive atmosphere Stimulating interest in learning Positive attitude Good feelings Intelligence Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Michael F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The first is reducing students' learning pressure. Students are...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Learning English as a foreign language can sometimes become overwhelming. When people seek to learn English, their reasons can vary immensely. It could be because they want to travel to an English-speaking country, or it is possible that they are interested in English literature, or maybe it's their job requirement. In any case, their time in the class is important to them. Besides lots of expectations, there are also many inhibitions to overcome, and little time. Games are the most powerful tool to help release pressure, boost motivation and create a fun, friendly, positive learning environment. Games are very effective to increase confidence. Games can be used to practice target vocabulary and grammar. Games bring students together. Are you ready to...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I believe that using English learning games will have a great impact on the students in a positive way, having fun and integrating the new language in that activity is a big boost for learning. The coursebook is essential and a great study tool, but a variety of activity is very important. There are so many different types of games which is amazing because the fact that the teacher can provide a totally different game to play will keep the students' interest at its fullest, and that will make the student absorb a new language like a sponge. Types of Games Different Ways to Learn Downsides of Playing Games Build up Your Game Library Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

  What are ESL games? ESL games are games that can be used in the classroom to practice certain language points and encourage active and creative communication between your students. There are many different games created specifically for use in the English language classroom that can be found online or in any number of resource books. But we are not limited only to those games designed for the class. The majority of games that we played as children or still play as adults can be adapted and used in lessons. Whether games are co-operative or competitive, they provide students with a goal and in the English classroom this goal can only be reached by using the English they have learnt. Common Misconceptions about games in the classroom. "Games are fun but are not suitable for the...  [Read more]

  Throughout section on the teaching of productive skills and the teaching of receptive skills our activate activities will usually involve some form of game and our final consideration here will be the use of games in the classroom. We can start with a definition of what we actually mean by a game and it basically has three components. A game is an activity that has rules it should have for its purpose in the classroom a teaching point and by nature to the fact that it's a game it should also include an element of fun. So that will be our working definition for a game that we're going to use in the classroom. There are many different types of games and they range between the competitive and those will require cooperation and there are all sorts of games that involve both of these...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Education and teaching are always changing. Thus, teachers are constantly thinking of new ideas and techniques they can implement in their classroom and teaching plan to more effectively educate their students. Presently, the notion of games within the classroom is widely popular among teachers. One may think that this relationship between games and learning is ironic, as most individuals classify games as a hindrance to education. However, through its engaging attributes, the tendency to boost class morale and motivation, and overall improvement within student's creativity, games in the classroom that inspire education are very effective when teaching. Engagement Power Attention-Grabbing Power Revision Applicability Ice Breaker Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Teaching Ideas Growing up, hearing the word games in the classroom was almost always associated with a lack of concentration on the students' side or maybe just a side note on activities to be done during recess. Today, especially after taking this course, I have come to see just how essential academic games could be! From young learners to mature scholars, everyone always goes back to a classroom at some point and the fact that classrooms are now evolving makes the learning process more and more interesting. Classroom Games Importance Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brianna C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Learning through games has become more common over the years. The traditional academic-oriented learning method of repetitive memorizing is slowly becoming outdated, and most students prefer to learn in a fun and interactive environment. Boosting Curiosity and Creativity Exams vs. Games Benefits of Games Do you want to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Katherine I. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Children of all ages love to play, from the tiny infants to the toddler who sings ABC songs, to primary children who plays memory games. Children learn important skills by playing. Playing enhances children's...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Learning any language requires a great deal of effort. Playing games help students to make and sustain the effort of learning a particular language. Educational Games feel more like a form of entertainment than a method of learning. Because games include rules, definitive objectives, measurable goals, and competition, they deliver an interactive experience that promotes a sense of achievement for all of the participants/students. Games provide language practice in various ways –speaking, writing, understanding, listening and reading. They encourage students to interact and communicate with each other as well as with the teachers. Benefits The importance of games when learning English are: Results Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I think using games to teach is fantastic if you are using games in your class for the right reasons that are. Using games in your classroom just to pass the time or even games that aren't relevant to the content you are teaching. There are a lot of advantages to using games as well as some disadvantages. Choice of Activities Testing Potential Games Why we use games How to choose a game Advantages Disadvantages Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: There are a lot of games you can use. Just by doing a quick search on the internet, you will find an endless number of games and explaining how to use them. You can always change or adapt to your students, as well as for the content you will be teaching. Remember when...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching language to children is a rather delicate and complex process that requires a careful approach and patience from the teacher. To make this process more vivid and interesting for children, it is necessary to remember the existence of such an important and very useful tool as games. Listen to this blog post: Basis Motivation Approach to games Teaching point Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Aleksei K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In my opinion, games act like some kind of a magic wand which forms the foundation of trust between the teacher and the child, helps to build a...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas "Learning is not a game, although you learn by playing" 1. Useful Method 2. Students' Needs 3. Rapport Between Students 4. Way of Evaluation 5. Encouragement Listen to this blog post Are you ready to work with ESL students abroad? Related Articles: When we teach it is not only a matter of writing on the board and expecting the students to absorb all the information and knowledge we have, it's a matter of thinking and sharing what we know with the students. The best way of doing this is by connecting with them through games. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Juan G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. As a teacher, I believe that games bring you a methodology for teaching...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The use of Games in lesson plans for younger learners of the English Language is something that I think is very important. This is because they are excellent at providing a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere in the classroom. This helps in encouraging beginning students to participate. They also provide a challenge for more advanced students and are an excellent review tool (Ibrahim, 2017). Many types of games can be used in the classroom including board games, guessing games, matching games, and communication games. These can be used to teach vocabulary, grammar and speaking skills. Vocabulary Building Teaching Grammar Speaking Activities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Ramon Perez Teaching Ideas As teachers, we constantly strive to provide fresh and creative ways to transmit new information to our students. However, our secret weapon has been and continues to be, games! Games are great tools to spark interest and participation in our students. The common issue we face daily is the what, when and how to implement these games and activities. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here we will see what low and high-intensity games are, their characteristics, and a few examples of games you can use in your future lesson planning.  WHAT ARE LOW AND HIGH-INTENSITY GAMES? LOW-INTENSITY GAMES 1. Hide and Seek 2. Hopscotch 3. Online Games HIGH-INTENSITY GAMES 1. Basketball/Soccer 2. Simon Says 3. Connect 4 NOW IT'S YOUR TURN! Related Articles: Games have...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Games are one of the most important components in an EFL classroom. Foreign language learning games can be considered as a framework to provide a meaningful context for language acquisition. Students can improve their understanding of written and spoken English via games, as well as learn new words, structures, pronunciation, and spelling, all while having a great deal of fun. The Versatility of Games in the Classroom Games Are Not Just About Having Fun The Many Benefits of Games in the Classroom Games Are Not Just For Young Learners Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shiva R. Games can be used to warm up the class before your lesson...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Trying to make your class fun and exciting for young learners can be quite difficult at times. The best way to get around teaching young learners is to add games in each lesson. Kids can learn a foreign language without really trying, they soak up the new language like a sponge. It is up to the teacher to be the facilitator in the learning process and make it happen. To be effective in the classroom you have to be able to engage with your young students. By making your lessons lively and interesting you can achieve just that. Reasons to use games Games in the classroom can also improve cooperation with other children. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Edgar...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This board game aims to put more fun (and competition) into writing. With the prompts given on each square, players or teams try to make sentences and get to the finish line first.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When an English speaker is traveling in the Philippines, it is not uncommon for a friendly conversation with a local to end with the local stating they have a nosebleed and escape from the conversation. In Filipino culture, nosebleeds indicate that the brain is too stressed. Although Filipinos pride themselves in being fluent in English, many are not as confident to speak it when the time requires. BACKGROUND: Too Anxious to Speak INTRODUCTION: Work VS Play MOTIVATION SETTING CONFIDENCE CONCLUSION Are you ready to teach English in an ESL or EFL classroom? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Terence L. This phenomenon of foreign language speaking anxiety is not limited to just the...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas Teaching speaking skills is an important part of an ESL class. Sometimes, entire conversation classes are established that focus solely on speaking. Here are 7 great games for your ESL conversation class. 1. Mystery Party Guest 2. Choose Your Victim 3. Ice-breaker Jenga 4. 20 Questions 5. Apples to Apples 6. Get to Know You Bingo 7. Create A Game Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Write down the names and key points about five celebrities and assign them to the same amount of students in your classroom. One by one, a student enters a "party" with another student playing the host. The host must then find out the identity of each guest by having a conversation with everyone. Have your students stand in a circle. Choose a specific...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Outdoor games and activities can be motivating and fun for English language learners. According to my research, there are many different activities that teachers can use to practice and develop students' English language skills. Outdoor learning has many benefits: Students can be highly motivated and energized by being outside. When a class has become boring or the students disinterested, going outside can help students return to the classroom refreshed and more focused than before. Furthermore, being in the new surroundings opens up unique, memorable ways to teach English in the great outdoors. ESL Community Experience Choice of Activities Game Ideas Scientific Research Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Anyone who has ever been in a classroom knows how much students enjoy playing games. Playing games is exciting and a great time for the students to get to know each other better as well as feel more at ease with the teacher. Consequently, a good English Teacher should know how to use games I order to achieve goals like reviewing previously learned vocabulary, enhancing spelling skills, practicing grammar points, promoting a nice and positive attitude in the classroom and many more! Games For Young Learners Vocabulary Games Competition Hangman and Pictionary Do you want to teach English to ESL students abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Xenia P. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This Christmas board game is the perfect game to play in your ESL classroom to practice the present simple and present continuous tense.   Create a sentence, affirmative, negative, or a question, with the prompts in either present simple or present continuous tense, depending on the time word. Then answer the question with your own ideas. If a person isn't specified, use anyone you'd like.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas One of the things I have learned in this course is the importance of motivation. Both teachers and students have to be motivated so that the teaching and learning environment in the classroom can be a fun and enjoyable experience. The Easiest Way to Motivate Class Starter Experience Exchange Great Ideas Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Carol T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are many ways a teacher can motivate the student to learn, and one of the tools is the use of playing games in the classroom. Games are effective because aside from keeping the students interested, they are a great...  [Read more]