Teach English in Luoyuan Zhen - Shangluo Shi

In traditional teaching method, game sounds like a distraction, it can distract the students from the class, therefore most of the schools don’t encourage adding games in their teaching plan. However, the advanced teaching method has shown the benefits of playing games in the class, it can increase students’ interests, reinforce their memory, and help achieving the teaching goal. English study is popular in many countries, and many experts dedicate themselves in perfecting the teaching methods, how to make English study easier for everyone, and as a result, the well-known common saying – interest is the best teacher – is the key to English study. There are lots ways in creating and increasing interests, and playing games is with no doubt one of them. First of all, young learners love games. Young learners who are five to nine years old can’t stay quiet and listen to instructions, they learn better when they are playing games during learning instead of sitting on their chairs. According to my teaching experience, it’s impossible to make a bunch of five to nine year olds sit still for forty-five minutes. They can’t concentrate for long time, they are lack of discipline, they can’t memorize well. But meanwhile, they are at the best age for second language learning. Hence, creating an active atmosphere in vital in teaching. There are lots games that young learners love and also can help them in English learning, singing dancing and chanting are the most basic ones which teachers use them constantly. Tapping the flash cards is one of my favorite games, it starts with simple sitting and tapping then elevating it into jumping running, by shouting out the words at the same time, it’s both fun and easy for students and teachers. With flash cards, there are many games can be arranged, or just an advanced version of tapping the cards. Putting them on the wall then hit it with a ball, hiding them in the classroom then asking students to find, scattering them on the floor asking students to jumping on the right words, a simple change can vary the game and add more fun in the game. Young learners at this age range are easily get bored with one game pattern, but they also can get confused with complicated rules, therefor arranging simple game with different changes can make the game more interesting. On the other hand, nine to thirteen year olds are different. They can concentrate much better than five to nine year olds. They can sit still for forty-five minutes even longer, however, it doesn’t mean they are into that. The key of getting their attention and increasing their interests is also by playing games. Sing, dancing and chanting don’t suit them anymore, neither do the easy games. They are easily get embarrassed, they may be shy in front of the opposite sex, therefore setting up the right games is the key. Physical activities can be reduced; game pattern doesn’t need to be changed very often; technology can play a big role in game setting. Rally table is a very useful game. In pairs, students alternate generating written responses or solving problems. It’s more important to let the students think than simply repeat, empower the students during games and let them gain the achievement can maximize the teaching result. At last, games are also important for adult learners. Some people think adults have better will power and they don’t need discipline hence there is no need for games just feed them the knowledge they required. It’s their advantage for sure, however, with playing games in the class, it can give them an example in how and when to use the target language in real life, create an easy way in learning and help them making English study not difficult and boring but easy and fun. For example, Charade is a good game for vocabulary study, sentence prompts can help the students with grammar and sentence making, and brainstorming can train their critical thinking ability, giving presentation can help practicing speaking ability. Playing games can give the students opportunities in using what they’ve learnt, it is much more important than just memorizing the textbooks. In conclusion, playing games are useful in both teaching younger learners and adults, finding the right games to fit students’ needs should be every teacher’s mission. As a teacher, our priority should be provide the best teaching methods to make sure our students can benefit the most, and in my opinion, games play a vital role in the classroom.