Tefl Games

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Game On – Using Icebreaker Games in the ESL Classroom 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...  [Read more]

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games as a Game-Changer in an ESL Classroom 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. Table of Contents Reasons to use games Ready-to-use games Games in grammar and vocabulary teaching Pitfalls of using games Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tassyn...  [Read more]

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas Games in the Classroom: What are EFL 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. Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 Federico Riva TEFL Information Games in the Classroom 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. Table of Contents Watch the video about this topic A game is an activity that; Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Watch the video about this topic We can start with a definition of what we actually mean by a game and basically this has three components. A game is an activity that; 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...  [Read more]

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Engaging Games With Flashcards Activities with flashcards it's one way to make a class more interesting especially when teaching kids. Table of Contents 1. Missing card 2. Jump over 3. Tower building 4. Sit on the flashcard 5. Pass the flashcard 6. Hide and seek Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Manling Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. 1. Missing card This activity you will have to teach first the words and make sure the kids know the words and when they see the picture they can be able to identify what it is, so what you have to do is spread all the flashcards on the...  [Read more]

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How can Game-Based Learning be Helpful to EFL Students? 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. Table of Contents Advantages of the Theory The First Research Popular Games Access to Materials My Choice Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Christopher C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Using Digital Games in Teaching 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. Table of Contents Using...  [Read more]

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Essence of Educational Games 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. Table of Contents Benefits of Games Games Goals How to Use Games Effectively When can we use educational games to take benefit from them in English classes? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Toufik Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 5 Most Popular ESL Games After doing some research online and asking some of my friends who are experienced teachers, I have compiled a list below of what we believe to be the five favorite flashcard games.Until I am a practicing teacher myself, I cannot come up with my favorite list and it would also, of course, depend on the age and ability of the students. Table of Contents 1. Musical Chairs 2. Bean Bag Toss 3. Blind Man 4. Bingo 5. Write Around the Room Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alessandra F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. 1. Musical Chairs This is a classic...  [Read more]

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Flashcard Games for ESL Classrooms Most of the teachers in my school would say that the purpose of flashcards is to simply introduce grammar points, concepts, review vocabulary; and most likely, they would mention the joylessness of flashcards when teaching unmotivated students. In truth, flashcards are known for being one of the most boring ways to study. Nevertheless, there are reasons why teachers still choose flashcards for conducting lessons. Russian people say: "Repetition is a mother of learning." I can not argue with the Russians. Indeed, repetition is crucial, but it often changes the mood of the classroom to "boring." Normally, it happens when the activities with flashcards are poorly organized, or when there are no other...  [Read more]

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching Grammar Through Student-Centered Games 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. Table of Contents Strategies on how to teach positive patterns How to teach negative patterns? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: 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...  [Read more]

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 5 Flashcard Games for Younger Students 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. Table of Contents 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 Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas ESL Games For Better Teaching Results 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. Table of Contents Motivation Methodology Benefits Are you ready to teach English abroad or...  [Read more]

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Playing Games in an ESL Classroom "Play is our brain's favorite way of learning" – Diane Ackerman. Table of Contents Game Rules Adaptability to Age Differences Other Groups Types Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: 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...  [Read more]

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas 7 Non-Trivial Online ESL Games 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. Table of Contents 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? Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Listen to this blog post: 1. Connect The Dots ...  [Read more]

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Games Can Boost Your Lessons One of the repeating themes of this TEFL course has been the games a classroom may participate in, and the many variants of games appropriate for the learning of English. Examples are hangman, crossword puzzles, word jumbles, 20 questions, and many more to mention. The games can often serve very specific purposes, which were perhaps not the original intentions for the games, however within the classroom they can perfectly fit into their role. Tongue-twisters are an excellent choice when practising pronunciations on students in the fluency stage of the lesson, as it allows them to make mistakes without the fear of embarrassment from failure (as failure is almost certain for everybody, at least once),...  [Read more]

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Organizing Games in the ESL Classroom Social, political and economic transformations in all areas of our society have led to significant changes in education as well. The status of a foreign language as a teaching subject has also changed. The state and society began to feel the need for people who practically speak a foreign language. In this regard, the foreign language within the secondary school has firmly taken the place of compulsory study, the teaching of which begins with the second grade for all students. Table of Contents Reasons to Implement Games Benefits Methodology Choice of Activities Rules Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification...  [Read more]

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The 5 Most Exciting Flashcard Games I love flashcards. Honestly, I really do. For me, they are a never-ending source of games and activities. Nowadays I work as an ESL teacher in a training center and I teach mostly young learners (students from 3 to 8 years old) and I am strongly convinced that this age group may learn a foreign language only through games, entertaining activities and live communication. Therefore, I am trying to be creative and use plenty of teaching aids and props, such as IWB, OHP, whiteboard, course books, board games, balls, balloons, hoops, various arts and crafts, etc. However, I find that using flashcards is simple yet one of the most effective tools to increase my student's vocabulary. And here are some of...  [Read more]

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Games in the Classroom Create Valuable Lessons 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...  [Read more]

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games and Their Influence on English Acquisition 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. Table of Contents Motivation Level Learning Experience Types of Games Games for Different Age Groups and Levels Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: 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. Motivation Level Within the classroom teachers have discovered that using games can increase motivation and...  [Read more]

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games as a Booster of English Skills 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. Table of Contents 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 Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Evgeniya D. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Wed, 15 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Effectiveness of Using Games to Educate Over the span of time, many educators from around the world have been using different techniques to encourage and productively teach students about any topic at hand. Oftentimes, various games or activities are incorporated, along with academic courses, to create more fun and encouraging the atmosphere for students to effectively acquire more knowledge from. Over the years, the format for classroom games has changed drastically, and now there are many more options that incorporate the use of technology and interactivity. Although this can be very challenging, and time-consuming, interactive games tend to motivate, collaborate, and encourage student participation in the learning process....  [Read more]

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Why Games Are Important in the Classroom 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. Table of Contents Games are very effective to increase confidence. Games can be used to practice...  [Read more]

Tue, 05 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why Use Games in Your ESL Lessons? 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. Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games in the Classroom: Good or Bad? Are games in a classroom a good idea? There seem to be two trains of thought regarding this. Games in the classroom can be seen as being a good thing and also seen as a time-waster and something that shouldn't be used at school once a student is out of the early years of elementary school. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Personal Experience Nature of Game Play Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brandie K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Listen to this blog post: Personal Experience At the school, I currently work at,...  [Read more]

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why Games in the Classroom are Effective Teaching English as a foreign language with little to no experience is a daunting task and one that should be seriously considered. There are many aspects to teaching that I was expected to know and implement while teaching English in another country. I had to learn how to teach in about two weeks and although I learned many techniques and strategies, one of the most important tools and one of the most effective was including games in the classroom. Table of Contents Games as a tool for learning Applicability Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Patricia C. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Importance of Games in the Classroom "Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn." O. Fred Donaldson (Pulitzer nominated author, and renowned play researcher). Table of Contents 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. Traditional Approach 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...  [Read more]

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Features of ESL Games in the Classroom 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. Table of Contents 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. What is...  [Read more]

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Why Playing Games in Class is Important? 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. Table of Contents Business English The Effect of Games Strategy Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: 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. Business English Teaching Business English (BE) to clients/adults must be a fun procedure. There are many reasons why a teacher must use games when teaching...  [Read more]

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Role of Games in The Classroom 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. Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]