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Game On – Using Icebreaker Games in the ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
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]
Games as a Game-Changer in an ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
There are many benefits to using games in the classroom, including the creation of an engaging learning experience for students, a positive learning environment, and the potential for students to practice real-life situations with instant feedback. Also, gamification of learning can use students' natural inclination for socialization, achievement, and award. Thus, games can be a great tool for teaching English as a foreign language.
Reasons to use games
Ready-to-use games
Games in grammar and vocabulary teaching
Pitfalls of using games
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tassyn M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or... [Read more]
ESL teaching games for kids - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
1. Introduction to ESL Teaching Games for Kids
2. Benefits of Using Games in ESL Classes
3. Types of ESL Teaching Games for Kids
4. Tips for Implementing ESL Games Effectively
Incorporating games into ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for kids can make learning fun and engaging. Games provide an interactive way for children to practice and enhance their language skills in a stress-free environment. Whether you are a new teacher looking for fresh ideas or an experienced educator wanting to spice up your lessons, using games can benefit both you and your students.
There are numerous advantages to utilizing games in ESL classes for kids. Firstly, games help create a positive and enjoyable learning atmosphere, which can increase student motivation and participation. Additionally,... [Read more]
The Best Ice Breaker Games Every EFL Teacher Should Know - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
hi guys hey linda here from itt with another live session this week i'm so happy to be here again hope to see many of you guys today thanks so much for joining if you're listening to this as a podcast episode thank you so much for the download we recently just hit 3500 podcast downloads which is super exciting thank you so much for your support and um yeah today's topic i'm really excited about because it's something a little bit different than what i'm usually talking about and today i'm going to share with you the the best icebreaker games that every efl teacher should know so yeah i'm gonna be showing you guys what fun games you can play in your classes i know that some of you are already teaching and you probably know some of these games or you know versions of these games so feel... [Read more]
The Best Ice Breaker Games Every Efl Teacher Should Know - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
In this live session, TEFL expert Linda shares the best ice breaker games every EFL teacher should know. They can be applied to any level and any type of lesson. #TEFL #BestTEFL #TESOL Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Click here and get started today: https://bit.ly/37gs5vO What is TEFL Certification? Where is it valid: https://bit.ly/36ma2Fg Check out our wide range of TEFL Courses: https://bit.ly/3ltqt73 Teach English online from anywhere you want: https://bit.ly/3ltqEPL
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Games in the Classroom: What are EFL games? - TEFL Blog
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!
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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]
How can Game-Based Learning be Helpful to EFL Students? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Games are a useful tool for teachers of EFL students because they help with motivation, engagement, and graceful failure (Plass 260-261). I will present a successful example of a teacher using games in an adult grammar class from Indonesia. Second, since I plan to teach online EFL students, I will present free digital games online teachers can use in their virtual classrooms.
Advantages of the Theory
The First Research
Popular Games
Access to Materials
My Choice
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Christopher C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Many professional articles have been written showing... [Read more]
Online ESL Game Design Workshop for Teachers - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Teaching Ideas
Hello everybody and welcome to the ITTT weekly live stream. It's Liza here and I'm super excited that this stream happens every week and we can talk about teaching and TEFL and stuff like that. So welcome and thank you for joining me.
Watch the live session here
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Today, we are going to talk about online ESL game design. Last week I started showing you the game I was designing, it was Monopoly. Today I'm going to show you the outcome of the game and also tell you a little bit more about online game design.
Thanks a lot for letting me know that you are watching and right now please let me know at what stage of your ESL career... [Read more]
How Might Language Teachers Productively Blur the Line Between Tasks, Games, and Testing? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
In the following essay, I consider something like a continuum from task to the game to assessment, but only in the bookend learning moments of "input" and "output." I often think of learners in my classrooms as a gray box—not quite a "black box," the inner workings of which are completely mysterious, but a thing into which we only ever have uncertain, provisional insight. We can do all sorts of theorizing about language acquisition and psychometry but will never have anything as exact as a litmus test. However accurate my notion is, it motivates me to focus on things that are much more knowable and observable: the inputs and outputs of a learning situation.
My Personal Experience
Teacher as a Medium of Real Life Communication
Activate Phase of The... [Read more]
Games in the Classroom - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information
In the teaching of productive skills and the teaching of receptive skills activities will usually involve some form of game and our consideration here will be the use of games in the classroom.
Watch the video about this topic
A game is an activity that;
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We can start with a definition of what we actually mean by a game and basically this has three components.
1) Has rules2) Should have (for its use in the classroom) a teaching point 3) Should include an element of fun So that will be our working definition for a game that we are going to use in the classroom.
There are many different types of games and they range... [Read more]
Are there opportunities for TEFL teachers to teach English through games and activities? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
In the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), incorporating games and activities is a popular and effective method to engage students and enhance their language learning experience. Games and activities can range from simple word puzzles to more complex role-playing scenarios, all designed to make the learning process more interactive and enjoyable for students. By integrating these fun elements into lessons, teachers can create a dynamic and stimulating environment that motivates students to actively participate and practice their language skills.
There are numerous benefits to using games and activities in TEFL teaching. Firstly, games make learning enjoyable and can help alleviate the stress and pressure often associated with language learning. They provide a break from... [Read more]
How Games in the Classroom Create Valuable Lessons - TEFL Blog
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]
Using Digital Games in Teaching - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
What if you could send your students for a real-life treasure hunt without changing your location. What if you could have them have a conversation with "Queen Elizabeth". What if I told you all this would be possible one day, with us changing the games we play in class from analog to digital. in this essay I will show some advantages of integrating digital games as a solid part of any teacher's daily routine for teaching English to students of any age, background or disability and hopefully establish that updating our traditional methods with the surrounding technology can lead to a more successful and effective teaching experience both for the teacher and the student alike.
Using games and technology
GBL
So how can a video game help a teacher?... [Read more]
The Essence of Educational Games - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Educational games are methodical tools for achieving a learning goal. A successful learning game should combine motivating player's life and interesting learning content. Games should not just be practical gaps fillers in the learning process but also serve to impart certain knowledge and to consolidate skills through exercises.
Benefits of Games
Games Goals
How to Use Games Effectively
When can we use educational games to take benefit from them in English classes?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Toufik Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Games have a lot of advantages, such as they address... [Read more]
Incorporating Play and Games - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The Importance of Play in Teaching
Engaging Students Through Games
Benefits of Incorporating Play
Implementing Play in ESL Lessons
Creating a Playful Learning Environment
Using Technology for Interactive Play
Adapting Games for Language Learning
Encouraging Collaboration Through Play
Assessing Learning Through Play
Conclusion: Play as a Powerful Teaching Tool
Integrating play into teaching English as a foreign language can significantly enhance students' learning experiences. Play allows students to engage with the language in a fun and interactive way, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective. By incorporating play into lessons, teachers can create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment that motivates students to actively participate and practice their... [Read more]
Games in the Classroom ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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]
Interactive Group Projects and Games - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The Benefits of Interactive Group Projects
Engaging ESL Students Through Games
Incorporating Technology in Group Activities
Creating a Positive Learning Environment
Enhancing Communication Skills Through Collaboration
Tailoring Activities to Different Learning Styles
Promoting Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Fostering Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
Assessing Student Progress in Group Settings
Resources for Implementing Interactive Group Projects
Interactive group projects offer numerous benefits for ESL students. They provide opportunities for collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. By working together, students can enhance their language skills while also developing important soft skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. ITTT is a leading provider of... [Read more]
Teaching Grammar Through Student-Centered Games - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
As a new teacher, grammar was initially very difficult for me to teach. It was difficult to demonstrate grammar patterns succinctly. Luckily, the school that I work for has provided help by having an established curriculum. The key to teaching grammar, however, has been teaching variable inputs in otherwise unchanging structures as part of student-centered games.
Strategies on how to teach positive patterns
How to teach negative patterns?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Stephen W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
If I were to teach the pattern, "What does Billy like?/ He likes _____", then I... [Read more]
Using Games to Engage Students - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The Power of Gamification in Education
Benefits of Using Games in the Classroom
Incorporating Technology for Interactive Learning
Building Language Skills Through Educational Games
Creating a Positive Classroom Environment with Games
Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Fostering Collaboration and Communication Through Games
Tailoring Games to Different Learning Styles
Overcoming Challenges in Implementing Game-Based Learning
Resources for Finding Educational Games
Incorporating games into the classroom can significantly enhance the learning experience for students. By leveraging elements of gamification, teachers can make lessons more engaging and interactive, leading to better retention of information. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) recognizes the... [Read more]
ESL Games For Better Teaching Results - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Games are seen as time wasted. According to my, it is a pointless prejudice. Because some people suppose playing games in the classroom can only be as computer games; on the contrary, fun in the school is more instructive for students' self-improvement. Meanwhile, the research has shown that the classroom games affect students positively, such as having more motivation, having a controlled competitive environment, strategy simulator, peer positive, less stress, enhanced memory, class cooperation, and new knowledge. We will see how games are essential in our education.
Motivation
Methodology
Benefits
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video... [Read more]
5 Flashcard Games for Younger Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
I have been teaching English to young learners in China for almost a year and I tried to make my lessons with and without flashcards. And I can say for sure, that it's really hard to teach children (3-12 years old) if you don't have prepared flashcards for your classes, but only an interactive whiteboard and some stuff to play games.
There are some following advantages of using flashcards to teach children:
The games I use in my classroom are as follows:
1. Flashcard raise
2. Basketball with flashcards
3. What's missing
4. Hit the FC
5. Find flashcards
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kelly P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily... [Read more]
7 Non-Trivial Online ESL Games - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
There are many famous games used by TEFL teachers that students know like the back of their hand. If you want to change up your online lessons and bring even more fun in your teaching, check out these seven non-trivial online ESL games to help you in every stage of the TEFL class.
Listen to this blog post:
1. Connect The Dots
2. Simon Says
3. Online Word Chain
4. Catchphrase
5. I Went to The Market and Bought
6. Don't Say Yes or No
7. Would You Rather?
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For this activity, you will need to prepare a digital image and share it with a student during the online class. You... [Read more]
Playing Games in an ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning" – Diane Ackerman.
Game Rules
Adaptability to Age Differences
Other Groups Types
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Danila E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
I could not agree more with the quote above as playing games in the classroom has many advantages:The main thing needed for a successful process of learning is, of course, motivation. And playing games certainly increases students' interest and their willingness to participate in the class.... [Read more]
Interactive Games for Vocabulary Building - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Engaging Vocabulary Games for ESL Students
The Benefits of Using Interactive Games
Incorporating Technology in Vocabulary Building
Creating a Fun and Interactive Learning Environment
Enhancing Retention through Game-Based Learning
Adapting Games for Different Learning Styles
The Role of Interactive Games in ESL Curriculum
Encouraging Collaboration and Communication Skills
Monitoring Progress and Assessing Learning Outcomes
Resources for Finding Interactive Vocabulary Games
Interactive games offer a dynamic approach to teaching vocabulary to ESL students. By incorporating games such as word puzzles, vocabulary bingo, and flashcard matching, teachers can make learning engaging and enjoyable for learners of all levels. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) provides resources... [Read more]
Online Esl Game Design Workshop For Teachers Miro Canva Power Point - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Open description to navigate through the chapters! ✅ This live session will talk about game design for online ESL lessons based on a famous board game - Monopoly. As a bonus, everyone who'll stay till the end of the event will get a Monopoly template for Miro! #TEFL#BestTEFL #TeachEnglishOnline Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Click here and get started today: https://bit.ly/37gs5vO What is TEFL Certification? Where is it valid: https://bit.ly/36ma2Fg Check out our wide range of TEFL Courses: https://bit.ly/3ltqt73 Teach English online from anywhere you want: https://bit.ly/3ltqEPL Mentioned in the video: Canva 30-days trial for amazing visual design: https://bit.ly/3rlsQf0 Miro Collaborative Whiteboard: https://bit.ly/3lOiwe6 Plugins for Miro... [Read more]
The Writing Game - ESL Board Game - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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]
Games and Their Influence on English Acquisition - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Diane Ackerman coined the phrase "play is our brain's favorite way of learning" and we have discovered tough various studies and examples of how play in and out of the classroom improves learning skills and encourages involvement.
Motivation Level
Learning Experience
Types of Games
Games for Different Age Groups and Levels
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rebeccah G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Within the classroom teachers have discovered that using games can increase motivation and can benefit students in a variety of ways. It is often found that students will pay more attention, become... [Read more]
Games as a Booster of English Skills - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Foreign language teaching is a very exciting and responsible job. The new time requires teachers a new approach to this problem. One of the most important components in EFL classrooms are games. The game intensifies the mental activity of students; through the game, children learn social functions, norms of behavior; they develop comprehensively.
Reasons to use games
It is considered that the game is used in the following cases:
There are four types of educational games:
Effects
Engagement level
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Evgeniya D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The use of the game... [Read more]
Why Playing Games in Class is Important? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
All humans are raised with an innate love for games. Since we were all children, playing games was our pastime activity. When comes to teaching either young learners or adults, in-class games are the foundation stone of learning.
Business English
The Effect of Games
Strategy
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Pavlina M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Teaching Business English (BE) to clients/adults must be a fun procedure. There are many reasons why a teacher must use games when teaching English in class regardless of students' age or occupation.
To begin with, students can learn with... [Read more]
Features of ESL Games in the Classroom - TEFL Blog
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
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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]
