Classroom Games For Teaching English

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games have always been a medium that has an educational purpose to it, and this from a young age. Toddlers learn to interact with shape and physics with blocks, babies learn to talk with picture books and teenagers learn to socialize and develop logic with competitive games. Throughout human lives, games are essential tools. Nowadays, video games also take a big place in gaming, and I believe that as educators, we should maybe analyze how to integrate them with traditional games that are used in a classroom. This essay will describe both traditional and modern games and conclude with ideas on how to include both as language teaching tools. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Michael W. Please...  [Read more]

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. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tassyn M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Games should be used with a direct purpose and should be monitored carefully to see if the intended results are...  [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. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas "Play is our brain's favorite way of learning" – Diane Ackerman. 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. However, every teacher must ensure the group's understanding of the game rules and processes before starting the actual game....  [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. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tania H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas I am an English teacher for preschool children in a small village. My students are excited about the new English subject. However, after a period of studying, they become tired and distracted. "This is hard" or "why don't we play games?", My student said. I have found that traditional teaching methods make children feel bored and hard to absorb. So why don't we use games in the classroom? I tried applying some preschool games to the lesson. My students were thrilled and excited about the games. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Chinh T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I love the use of games for learning. I have utilized board games, card games, and role-playing games in teaching for the past 3 years. I am currently using them to connect with students at the high school, to talk about some important and serious issues, with the pretense of game mechanics. I use games as a warmer for a Bible study I conduct with other students before school. Using the game as the introduction to the lesson we will learn about that morning, to try to get them to relate the game, in a simplified way, to real-world lessons. I have also, since having children, always been on the lookout for short games, that do require long term strategies or hours of gameplay, because my wife or I may be pulled...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In my experience, the classroom can be a great learning environment when using games. We know that learning can be very intimidating to some students when learning a new language, also students might be hesitant to come thinking they will be bored. With the help of games, you have now created a better experience for them when learning and interacting with their classmates. As teachers, there is always the chance that you will throw too much information at your students and overwhelm them. Using games is a means of creating a stronger desire for learning, and the students are more engaged and involved. Another benefit of games can also be to break the ice with new students and help them get to know one another. The...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games are one of the most important components in the classroom. They include activities that have goals and rules at the same fun time. There are lots of benefits to playing games in the classroom. Students can practice important skills by playing an educational game in a small group or with a partner. Whole class games are great means to review skills for a test or at the end of the unit. When students need a brain break or during an inside recess, action games work perfectly. Games can be given for homework to provide fun, engaging and differentiated practice. Games can be played in all subjects and at all grade levels. Games are fun as well as beneficial. Here are important benefits that we should use games in...  [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. 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 psycho-emotional connection, and greatly diversify the learning process as well. Games, in my opinion, have a very...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games activity in the foreign language lesson is one of the basic ways of learning English at primary school. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Özden G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The game - one of the most important means of education of children. Lessons from the use of games are an effective means of training and education, as the rest of the common construction of the lesson and the introduction of the game story took the attention of the entire class. In the game pupils get into a situation that allows them to critically rate their knowledge in an active step, cause this knowledge into the system. In the present...  [Read more]

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. 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 in EFL classrooms contributes to the creation of the psychological readiness of students for speech communication. The game has great educational opportunities. At the same time, the game...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas One of the most vital teaching tools I feel are available to me is games in the classroom. This is one of the most engaging ways to teach a class a subject, especially a new language. Imagine you are in a foreign country, you don't speak the language, and find it challenging to connect with your new class, who don't have as much of a grasp of the concept as you'd like them to. I think one of the universal languages is found in games. Playing a game in the classroom is a great ice breaker for the students and teacher to establish a healthy relationship in a fun and educational environment. This post was written by our TEFL certification...  [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.   Games have been a part of our social and intellectual upbringing, since probably before we could start walking. Some games require different aspects of ourselves, may it be physical,...  [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. 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 using a game, make sure you are using the right game at the right moment. As there are different types of games. For example, there are games you...  [Read more]

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. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mihriban O....  [Read more]

Federico Riva Teaching Ideas Learning foreign languages is a very exciting and very responsible deal. A significant role in teaching foreign languages, in particular, English, belongs to games in the classroom. Games enhance students' mental activity, helps them consolidate material of the lesson, therefore it’s a very important activity. The developing value of the game we can find in itself, because where is a game - there is emotion. Where is emotion, there are attention improvisation and imagination. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ivan S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There can be different usage of the game - it can be entertaining, training aims...  [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. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Terence L. This phenomenon of foreign language speaking anxiety is not limited to just the Philippines. Anxiety is one of the vital factors when learning any foreign language. Multiple studies have shown that ESL learners struggle with the language because of the...  [Read more]

Anna Domiczek Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching grammar can be challenging, and it becomes especially tricky if we teach younger students, who learn differently than older students or adults. Whereas the latter group focuses primarily on learning vocabulary and grammar rules first, before applying those rules and expressing themselves in the new language, children need to be surrounded by the language and be able to sort it out. Comprehending abstract concepts and grammar rules is not the way young students connect with language and construct meaning. Young learners need to have opportunities to have engaging content, to be able to find patterns and make connections. Can grammar rules be taught that way? Certainly....  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas Holding a summer camp can be an intimidating challenge for new and experienced teachers alike. For these kinds of English camps, teachers typically create up to 10 lesson plans for the duration of the camp. Summer camps can last anywhere between one week and a month or even longer. The main goal of an English camp is to have a fun and memorable time with the students while practicing their English. While this might sound easy, English camp is so much more than just playing a couple of fun games. If you want to hold a successful camp session, you’ll have to do a lot of research and preparation. The following games are great activities for teaching English summer camp abroad. Props will make your summer camp a lot...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games have many elements that make them a powerful learning tool, many of them related to communication, collaboration, and a competitive motive that drives children and adults to do their best, encourage them to be creative, and use imagination. Playing games in the classroom have so many benefits and applying different approaches is not only a necessity in today’s context but also a way for the teacher to feel personal satisfaction with their work. Researches show that game-based learning fosters student creativity and enhances learning levels. The classroom is the place, where students feel comfortable to participate in activities and to explore and to study. When teachers are in the classroom it is important...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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 my favorite...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas As teachers, one of our biggest goals while teaching English to a class or individual is to keep them engaged and motivated during the lesson while also making them feel comfortable and confident as they learn. There are three critical ways in which playing games in the classroom can help effectively promote speaking English. By playing "warming" games, students can become more comfortable around teachers and students, making them more likely to participate during lessons. They can also keep students motivated and play a significant role during the "Engage" and "Activate" phase of the ESA approach. This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A student coming into a classroom every day looking at the board and listening to a teacher talk for hours can become mind-numbing. This can increase the chances of a student daydreaming or potentially even falling asleep. One way of preventing a student from becoming disengaged or having his or her learning hindered is by incorporating games into the classroom. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Robyn W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Games can be played with any age group which makes them very flexible, and they can be used in a variety of ways when learning a new language. Just by playing games, a tremendous amount of...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There are a variety of things a teacher can do in a classroom to successfully increase student participation, help learn new vocabulary, breaking the ice with the students, getting to know one another, and so much more. Looking at an ESA methodology model, the activate stage is the stage that usually involves students using any or all of the language they currently know. This is also the stage where the activities can vary from either doing role-plays, debates, story writing, and communication games. All of the activities that were just mentioned have their benefits when used in a classroom but we will be focusing specifically on communication games. There are so many games that can be played in a classroom such...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas “Who wants to play a game?” I would ask my students this question whenever I start a lesson. The resounding answer would always be, “Me!” In all my years of teaching, I have yet to see a student refuse to play a game. Games are effective teaching tools because it makes learning interesting and fun. I can tell you more reasons why games are good for teaching. Now let me give at least six of them. Firstly, games make you practice a lot. As the saying goes, ‘practice makes perfect.’ In everything you do, whenever you play a game over and over, your mind gets better at it too. For example, when students play ‘Boggle,’ they have acquired many three- and four-letter words by playing numerous times. When...  [Read more]

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...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences When I think of my earliest childhood memories, I remember that I used to love to play games in the classroom (charades, 7-up/head down-thumb up, categories, bingo, etc.). Going from a boring ‘copy from the board’ type of class to a competitive, fun and activity-filled class gave me the ability to open my mind, so I could find the subject being taught more interesting and made it easier for me to absorb the information. Young learners may not have an interest in studying because they don’t yet have any motivation from learning, so they are only interested in games, songs, and other fun activities. When playing most of the games in the classroom, young learners are compelled to communicate with each other...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Games and fun activities are a vital part of teaching English as a foreign language. Whether you’re teaching adults or children, games will liven up your lesson and ensure that your students will leave the classroom wanting more. Games can be used to warm up the class before your lesson begins, during the lesson to give students a break when you’re tackling a tough subject, or at the end of class when you have a few minutes left to kill. There are literally hundreds, probably thousands, of games that you can play with your students. EFL games are used to test vocabulary, practice conversing, learn tenses - the list is endless. Also read: The 5 Best TEFL Games For Adult...  [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. 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 are a great way to provide students with a goal to be achieved by using the English they have learned. “Games are fun but are not suitable for the classroom.” There is plenty of...  [Read more]