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Games for Language Learning Third Edition
Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers
This series, now with over 40 titles, offers practical ideas, techniques and activities for the teaching of English and other languages providing inspiration for both teachers and trainers. Recent titles in this series:
Learner Autonomy A guide to developing learner responsibility ágota scharle and anita szabó Personalizing Language Learning griff griffiths and kathryn keohane Teaching Adult Second Language Learners heather mckay and abigail tom Teaching Business English sylvie donna Teaching English Spelling A practical guide ruth shemesh and sheila waller Using Folktales eric k. taylor Learner English (Second Edition) A teacher's guide to interference and other problems edited by michael swan and bernard smith Planning Lessons and Courses Designing sequences of work for the language classroom tessa woodward Teaching Large Multilevel Classes natalie hess Using the Board in the Language Classroom jeannine dobbs Laughing Matters Humour in the language classroom péter medgyes Stories Narrative activities in the language classroom ruth wajnryb Using Authentic Video in the Language Classroom jane sherman Extensive Reading Activities for Teaching Language edited by julian bamford and richard r. day
edited by
Language Activities for Teenagers seth lindstromberg Pronunciation Practice Activities A resource book for teaching English pronunciation martin hewings Drama Techniques (Third Edition) A resource book of communication activities for language teachers alan maley and alan duff
Five-Minute Activities for Business English paul emmerson and nick hamilton Dictionary Activities cindy leaney Dialogue Activities Exploring spoken interaction in the language class nick bilbrough Five-Minute Activities for Young Learners penny mckay and jenni guse The Internet and the Language Classroom (Second Edition) A practical guide for teachers gavin dudeney Working with Images A resource book for the language classroom ben goldstein Grammar Practice Activities (Second Edition) A practical guide for teachers penny ur
Games for Language Learning
Andrew Wright David Betteridge Michael Buckby
UK Published in the United States of America by Cambridge University Press. Cape Town. or will remain. New York. Cambridge CB2 8RU. Singapore. . Madrid. São Paulo. and does not guarantee that any content on such websites is. New York www. Delhi. Subject to statutory exception and to the provision of relevant collective licensing agreements.cambridge.CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS Cambridge.cambridge. First published in print format 2006 ISBN-13 ISBN-13 978-0-511-66714-5 978-0-521-61822-9 OCeISBN Paperback Cambridge University Press has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of urls for external or third-party internet websites referred to in this publication. Melbourne. Dubai.org Information on this title: www. no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of Cambridge University Press. Tokyo Cambridge University Press The Edinburgh Building.org/9780521618229 © Cambridge University Press 2006 This publication is in copyright. accurate or appropriate.
11 Visualisation 1.2 Stand in a line 1.5 Find someone who … Variation 1 Things in common 1. SPECULATE 2.10 Jog! Jog! 1.7 Topics to talk about Variation 1 Something nice which happened Variation 2 A special object Variation 3 A special number Variation 4 A random word Variation 5 A colour 1.3 Pass on a sound 1.12 Lost in the fog 2 Mainly speaking IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE.1 Slowly reveal a picture . GUESS.1 Learning names Variation 1 Getting to know each other 1.Contents Preface to the Third Edition Acknowledgements Introduction 1 Icebreakers and warmers CARE AND SHARE xii xiii 1 11 11 11 12 13 13 14 15 15 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 19 19 19 19 20 20 21 22 22 24 24 24 v 1.9 Proverbs 1.8 All the words you know 1.6 Match the person to the information 1.4 Questions and questionnaires Variation 1 Questions about you Variation 2 Predict your partner's answers Variation 3 Yes/No questions to the teacher Variation 4 Questions to the teacher: what's the truth? 1.
6 2.1 Listen and draw 3.5 2.4 25 25 DESCRIBE 26 Describe and draw 26 Variation 1 Describe and draw in pairs 27 Describe and identify 29 Variation 1 Describe and identify a picture 30 Variation 2 Describe and identify a detail in a picture 30 Variation 3 Describe and identify a conversation in a picture 30 Variation 4 Describe and identify thoughts in a picture 31 CONNECT: COMPARE. GROUP 31 Two pictures 31 Variation 1 Three words 32 What's the difference? 33 Variation 1 Comparing pictures 35 Find a connection 35 REMEMBER 36 What can you remember? 36 Variation 1 What were they wearing? 36 Variation 2 What is my neighbour wearing? 37 Variation 3 Can you remember the picture? 37 CREATE 37 Stories with ten pictures 37 Variation 1 Adding to a story 38 Variation 2 Silly news reports 38 Variation 3 Tour and tell 38 Question stories 39 Variation 1 Question stories based on pictures 40 Variation 2 Question stories based on objects 40 Variation 3 Question stories based on a single word or phrase 40 What can you do with it? 41 What would you take? 42 A sound poem 42 44 44 44 46 2. OBEY 3.12 2. DRAW. MATCH.7 2.2 Liar! Variation 1 You're pulling my leg! 2.8 2.2 Act out a story vi . MIME.3 2.9 2.10 2.13 3 Mainly listening DO: MOVE.11 2.Contents 2.
7 Most important – least important 3.5 Which picture is it? Variation 1 Someone or something you know CONNECT: COMPARE.8 Put the story in order CREATE 3.9 Five-line poem 4.6 4.Contents IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE.6 Bingo Variation 1 Bingo definitions Variation 2 Bingo rhyming words Variation 3 Learner Bingo grid ORDER 3.10 What's in his pocket? 4. SPECULATE 3.11 Speaking to the world 4. GUESS.8 .3 Listen for the difference Variation 1 What's wrong? 3.9 Visualise and describe 4 Mainly writing IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE.1 True and false essays Variation 1 True and false sentences Variation 2 True and false dictation Variation 3 True and false definitions DESCRIBE 4.4 4.4 Repeat it if it is true 3. GROUP 3.7 4. MATCH. SPECULATE 47 47 48 49 50 50 50 50 52 52 53 53 53 54 55 55 58 58 58 59 59 59 60 60 61 61 62 62 64 64 66 68 68 70 70 71 72 vii 4.3 4.2 Draw the bank robbers Variation 1 Describe from memory Variation 2 Describe an object CREATE Bouncing dialogue Bouncing stories Bouncing letters Ambiguous picture story Rewrite a fairy story Story consequences Variation 1 New Year's resolutions 4. GUESS.5 4.
GROUP 5.12 Create an island 4.Contents 4.4 Texts word by word CONNECT: COMPARE.5 Pelmanism (reading) ORDER 5.2 Telepathy (texts) Variation 1 Guess the preferences of others 5. GUESS.9 Memorise and draw 5.8 Running dictation 5.13 Create a soap opera 5 Mainly reading DO: MOVE.2 I spy 6. MIME.6 Jumbled texts Variation 1 Stand in order 5. SPECULATE 5.10 Pass the message 6 Mainly vocabulary and spelling IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE.1 Feely game Variation 1 Touch and describe Variation 2 Identify an object and its owner Variation 3 Identify by listening to a voice Variation 4 Identify by listening to an object Variation 5 Identify by smelling Variation 6 Identify by tasting Variation 7 Identify by looking Variation 8 Building up a picture Variation 9 Strip of a magazine picture 6. DRAW.4 Stories in ten words Variation 1 Key words in a topic viii . MATCH.1 What's my mime? IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE. OBEY 73 75 80 80 80 81 81 83 83 84 85 85 87 87 88 88 90 90 91 93 94 94 94 95 96 96 96 97 97 98 98 99 100 101 101 102 5. SPECULATE 6.3 Silent speaking 6.7 Proverbs REMEMBER 5.3 Flashing a text 5. GUESS.
1 Simon says Variation 1 Film director Variation 2 Magicians. OBEY 102 103 104 105 105 105 106 106 107 108 108 110 110 111 111 112 113 113 114 115 116 116 116 117 117 118 118 120 120 120 121 122 123 123 124 125 125 ix 7.2 Can you stand on one leg? 7.11 A long and growing list 6.Contents Variation 2 Word webs 6.13 Would you make a good witness? CREATE 6.5 Mime and guess Variation 1 Mime an adverb 6.9 Vocabulary cards Variation 1 Pelmanism or remembering pairs Variation 2 Asking other learners ORDER 6. MATCH. hypnotists and robots Variation 3 Forfeits 7.14 Change the story 7 Mainly grammar DO: MOVE. MIME.3 Miming Variation 1 Present continuous and present simple Variation 2 Present simple .12 Kim's memory game Variation 1 Numbers and plural forms Variation 2 Adjectives and comparisons Variation 3 Containers Variation 4 Actions in the past Variation 5 Describe and compare 6. GROUP 6.8 Odd-one-out Variation 1 They're all odd! Variation 2 Somebody must go! 6.10 Hangman spelling Variation 1 Words with letters in common REMEMBER 6.6 Guess what I'm drawing CONNECT: COMPARE.7 Word associations Variation 1 Personal lists 6. DRAW.
15 Riddles Variation 1 Riddle and write Variation 2 Riddles and questions CONNECT: COMPARE.18 Delete a word 7. GUESS.7 Dramatised sequence of sounds 7.12 Twenty questions 7.11 Where's the mouse? Variation 1 Hiding place 7.13 Flashing a picture Variation 1 Flashing a text 7.10 Objects in a box 7.8 Paper fortune-teller Variation 1 Inventing fortunes for friends 7.16 Pelmanism (grammar) Variation 1 Phrasal verbs Variation 2 Knowledge quiz 7. MATCH.5 Telepathy (pictures) 7.14 How long is it? Variation 1 How wide is it? Variation 2 How big is it? DESCRIBE 7.9 Why did they say that? 7.17 Bingo grammar Variation 1 Bingo parts of speech ORDER 7.19 Word by word x . GROUP 7.4 Drama of sounds Variation 1 Mystery action and person 7.6 Random sounds 7.Contents Variation 3 Variation 4 Variation 5 Variation 6 Variation 7 Variation 8 Variation 9 Variation 10 Simple past Past continuous Past continuous interrupted by the past simple Present perfect Present perfect continuous Future with going to Future in the past Future in the past and simple past 126 127 127 128 128 129 129 129 130 130 131 131 134 135 137 139 139 140 142 142 143 144 145 146 148 148 149 149 150 150 152 152 155 156 157 158 159 159 161 IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE. SPECULATE 7.
1 8.17 8.6 8.21 Kim's memory game (Variations 6 and 7) Variation 6 Present perfect.24 Interrupting a story 7.15 8.20 Picture the scene Variation 1 Picture in groups Variation 2 Clothes Variation 3 A mini drama 7.4 8.22 Alibis 7.16 8.13 8.18 Folding vocabulary book Cards Match the cards Match the halves Word snakes Odd-one-out Different groups of words Mind map Word Sun Steps Add a word Add a sentence Favourites Lose the vowels Variation 1 Remember the vowels Write a crazy story Write a dramatic dialogue Be dramatic Make a crossword Index 161 161 163 163 163 164 164 164 165 165 166 167 167 168 171 174 175 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 185 186 187 187 188 189 189 190 191 xi .5 8.10 8.8 8.14 8.7 8.11 8. prepositions Variation 7 Present perfect and comparisons CREATE 7.25 Pattern poems 8 Solo games 8.2 8. past simple.3 8.Contents REMEMBER 7.23 Passing on a story Variation 1 Remembering and continuing a story 7.12 8.9 8.
We have included a new section. and has proved very popular. It has been translated into many languages. e. rather than on types of games. In this third edition we have drawn on this rich experience and made a number of changes accordingly.). or whatever. Over the years. we have gathered a great deal of information from teachers in many different countries concerning their experience of using our games with their students. cases.Preface to the Third Edition This book has enjoyed a relatively long life since its first publication in 1979. or Discriminate. • Concern for the individual learner has come to the forefront of teaching in recent years. that is. Picture games. kinaesthetic. However. They have reported to us that the games are essentially engaging and that their language concerns can easily be substituted for English in many. It does this through the idea of families of games. A revised and greatly enlarged second edition was published in 1984. Here they are: • The eight sections of the book are based on broad teaching aims. etc. the book continues to support those teachers who want to adapt our games or create new ones of their own. Within each section the games are grouped according to family. or Create. We have learned that many teachers of languages other than English have found the book to be useful. Our aim: If you can only take one book with you … take this one! xii . e. Solo games. but in this new edition we have tried to strengthen that claim. In particular we have tried to support the new teacher or teacher in training by offering a wide range of games which are easily adaptable to different classes and to different learner needs.g. auditory. as in earlier editions. games in which the learners Connect. and we have tried to reflect this in the choice and presentation of games.g. • The book has always been a basic handbook of games. though not all. Mainly speaking. serving language teaching (and language learning) needs in a great variety of schools and colleges across the world. and we have included games covering a wide spectrum of individual preferences in ways of learning (visual.
Julia Dudas and David A. Our editor at Cambridge University Press. We have benefited from their insights and practicalities. based on a detailed reading of our draft manuscript. any mistakes remain our responsibility. and from the many helpful suggestions. Paul Davis. concern for the practical needs of teachers. June Derrick. has been perfect. both in the classroom and through books. John Morgan. we have especially benefited from the advice of Eva Benko. Mario Rinvolucri and Jim Wingate. Alan Duff. We would also like to thank the many other colleagues who have contributed such a richness of games and activities to the world of language teaching over the last twenty-five years.Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge a debt to Donn Byrne. made by Carrie Loffree and Tom McCarthy. Hill. Josie Levine. In spite of all this wonderful help. Drawings by Andrew Wright xiii . Alyson Maskell. She has blended compassion for us as writers. Alan Maley. In working on the third edition of this book. and professionalism in steering the successive drafts of the book to its present form. Klara Czirle. articles and talks at conferences.
Competition against others is not an essential ingredient of games. where everyone feels inspired to 'have a go' and do their best. 3 To minimise competition and maximise challenge. although many of the games can be adapted for use with advanced proficiency learners as well. making players 1 . Competition may be stimulating for some. What is a game? For the purpose of all three editions of this book we have taken the word 'game' to mean an activity which is entertaining and engaging. but challenge often is. A testing question might be: 'Would the learners be happy to do this activity in their own language?' We would like all our games to pass this test. which might inspire them to adapt or create games of their own. The examples that are given are for learners of secondary school age and above. often challenging. 4 To minimise exposure to failure and maximise success for all learners. creation. play. but with an emphasis on beginners to intermediate. although teachers of younger children will be able to adapt many of the examples. and to maximise challenge. adapt or invent games. but it can also be destructive. and an activity in which the learners play and usually interact with others. with winners and losers. Who is the book for? This collection of language games is mainly for learners from beginner to intermediate level. 6 To help the teacher to use. We also hope that more experienced teachers will find that the range of games (and variations of games) makes this a useful collection. 5 To give examples of texts which are ready to use. 2 To give examples which are suitable for all levels of proficiency. We have tried to make the book of particular relevance to beginner teachers who would like to have a handbook of a wide selection of games. In selecting and describing our games we have tried to minimise competition.Introduction The aims of this book: a summary 1 To provide a wide range of games.
Why games? Language learning is hard work Language learning is hard work. probably better absorbed than learning based on mechanical drills. to repeat accurately. however. and they must speak or write in order to express their own point of view or give information. Games help and encourage many learners to sustain their interest and work. and neither helps learning. Central to learning If it is accepted that games can provide intense and meaningful practice of language. and the meaning of the language is thus more vividly experienced. One must make an effort to understand. Repeated use of language items Many games cause as much use of particular language items as more conventional drill exercises.Games for Language Learning anxious. then they must be regarded as central to a language teacher's repertoire and not merely a way of passing the time. It is. Games involve the emotions. is the quality of practice. By making language convey information and opinion. 2 . to adapt and to use newly understood language in conversation and in written composition. Games provide one way of helping the learners to experience language rather than merely study it. games provide the key features of 'drill' with the added opportunity to sense the working of language as living communication. The contribution of drill exercises lies in the concentration on a language form and its frequent occurrence during a limited period of time. Many games similarly provide repeated occurrence and use of a particular language form. Experiencing language Games also help the teacher to create contexts in which the language is useful and meaningful. with losers categorising themselves as 'no good' and the winners categorising themselves as 'very good'. Effort is required at every moment and must be maintained over a long period of time. and in order to do so must understand what others are saying or have written. some games do not. Neither of these things may be true. The learners want to take part. What matters. for this reason.
pair. going beyond what is possible in class work. It provides opportunities for intensive listening and speaking practice. in these cases group work is essential. However.Introduction Class. the teacher might choose groups according to ability: this is very much a personal choice. individual. once the groups or pairs are in action. if necessary. contributing and. although some mistakes of grammar or pronunciation or idiom may be made in pair or group work. is to go from group to group listening in. and to act as an intermediary between learners and teacher. First of all. If the learners are clear about what they have to do and the language is not beyond them. The leader's role is to ensure that the game is properly organised. What about mistakes? The greatest 'mistake' (if oral ability is an aim) is for the learner not to speak at all! Thus. Add to this games in which rows of learners (if that is how they are seated) 3 . Group work Some games require four to six players. and group work Opportunity for every learner to use the language Of the four types of grouping. the price is worth paying. individual. then it is advisable to work slowly towards it. If you have not organised group work before. The teacher's role The teacher's role. it is our experience that groups can operate perfectly well without a group leader. pair. Pair work Pair work is easy and fast to organise. make the learners familiar with work in pairs. However. If there is to be competition between groups. and group work are of especial value in ensuring that each and every learner has optimum opportunity for oral practice in using language. Pair work is usually better than group work if there are discipline problems. they should be of mixed ability. there need be few mistakes. there is much to be said for encouraging a reticent learner by giving the responsibility to him or her. Many teachers consider it advisable to have a group leader. If there is to be no such challenge. The leader would normally be one of the more able learners. correcting.
These games relate more to invitation than to challenge. by groups 6 key language. Caring and Sharing in the Foreign Language Class (Newbury House 1978). it is essential that the learners are very familiar with the games they are asked to play. removed from the board 7 the game continues. To minimise difficulties. This verb summarises the most important way in which the learners are engaged in the game. See games 1.1–1.) Once the learners are familiar with group work. CARE AND SHARE 'Caring and sharing' games include all those games in which the learner feels comfortable while sharing personal information with other learners. after perhaps several weeks. Types of game Being aware of the essential character of a type of game (see below) and the way in which it engages the learner can be helpful in the adaptation of games or the creation of new games.12. IDENTIFY or CREATE. The games in this edition of the book are grouped according to their family type within each of the eight sections.Games for Language Learning play against you or between themselves. new games are normally introduced in the following way: 1 explanation by the teacher to the class 2 demonstration of parts of the game by the teacher and one or two learners 3 trial by a group in front of the class 4 any key language and/or instructions written on the board 5 first 'try out' of the game. etc. (It is helpful if they are familiar with the game in their own language. The striving implied by challenge is incompatible with the notion of 'caring and sharing'. In every case this verb refers to the mental engagement on the part of the learners. The use of language arises out of the way the learner is engaged. Finally. for example.. 4 . The family name is always a verb. The origin of this established phrase is the title of the classic book written by Gertrude Moskowitz. ask the rows of learners to group themselves together to play a game between themselves.
11. or to put texts. 6. into a developmental sequence.10.1. See. for example.Introduction DO: MOVE. so well that the other learner can do something. 7. pictures. GROUP The learner is challenged to connect. for example. He or she uses language to describe or comment on the pairs or groups of information. Here the distinction between 'challenged' and 'invited' is worth making. 6. MIME. games 2. compare.18. perhaps pictures or texts. games 5. write a poem or produce some other kind of material using their imagination. by speaking or writing. SPECULATE The learner is challenged to identify something which is difficult to identify or to hypothesise about something which is then compared with the facts. OBEY The learner is expected to do something non-verbally in response to a read or a heard text. See. See. draw a picture.2. 5. also subjectively or objectively.6. match or group various items of information. for example.8. 4. communicating his or her own feelings and associations. The learner may describe something objectively or subjectively. 7.1. for example. REMEMBER The learner tries to remember something and then communicate what he or she has remembered. 5.16. GUESS. for example. See. subjectively or objectively. See.2. 7. objects.7. See. ORDER The learner is challenged to put various bits of information into an order of quality and importance. 7. games 3. objectively or subjectively. DESCRIBE The learner is challenged to describe something to another learner.15. 6. games 3. 7.4.21. 'Challenged' might 5 . for example. games 2. games 5.3.6. 7. IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE.1. CREATE The learner is challenged or invited to make a story. DRAW. CONNECT: COMPARE. MATCH. for example.1.
6.7. 'show interest'. For example. for example. etc.1. The teacher is like a gardener responsible for many different types of plant. games 1.3. games 2. 3.1. We have attempted to help you to do this by providing games involving a wide variety of learning styles. You can treat all your plants in the same way and watch some die while others flourish. 'encourage'. because sometimes the best way to stir the creative forces is to 'invite'.8. games 3. for example.1. the same person may sometimes want to be analytical and at other times may want to be creative. for example. In any one class there can be many different preferences. rhythm. 5. songs. 'I see what you mean.'I've put it together. etc.Games for Language Learning include those story-making starters in which you stipulate certain features: for example. size. However. or that the story must be exactly 50 words long. 6. 'I hear what you are saying. etc. 7. 6.3. or you can try to offer a range of different approaches and give succour to each and all of them. at last. Visual Some people respond best of all to information which is seen: pictures.22. writing.6. some requiring a lot of sunshine and others shade.' See.25. games 2.' See. Note also: colour. from 'visual' to 'dramatic'. Auditory Other people might respond to information which is heard: dialogues. 'Invited'. each person will probably have preferences. 7. 6. 6 .9. you stipulate that a certain tense form must occur very often. 7. 4. design. Kinaesthetic Others might need to move and to touch in order to learn efficiently.' See.13.1.14. 7.9. Learning styles are not considered to be exclusive. and so on. some requiring pruning and others to be left alone. See.4. Learning styles For some years now the idea that we all have different emphases in the way we perceive and learn has become part of every teacher's life. 5. for example. diagrams.
24. 7 . for example. games 1. Amusing Some people concentrate better if there is an element of humour and lightness in the experience. 6. 4.9. 'I love a good story. 'Let's have a go. for example.' See.11.13.3. to use them. 'I don't want to mess about.2. tentatively.' See. 8.2.8. 'Let's stop messing about and get down to the basic rules.7.' 'Don't take it all so seriously. 'I like to be left alone to get on with it. 3.18. for example. 4.9. 2. Individual Some people prefer to work by themselves. 2. 7. 7. 'It's really good fun to work with other people. for example.4. for example.' See. games 2.' See.' See.12. 3.8. Cooperative Some people like to work with others. 4. but get down to the real business of learning. looking for rules.10.9. games 2. 6. games 1. Dramatic Some people experience and absorb language associated with drama and story telling.7.6.4. 7. Having understood the 'bricks' of the language then they might feel able.' See.4. 2. 4. 5. 3. games 4.12. Analytical Some people like to analyse language forms. for example. Serious Some people can concentrate better if the approach is serious.11. 220.127.116.11.7. 4. games 18.104.22.168.17. 7. 3. for example. 2. games 2. 'I like a good laugh. 8.' See.Introduction Creative Some people need to use the language creatively even from the beginning.
for example. but comment on it afterwards or just make a note for yourself to do more practice of that point at a future time. for which we are very grateful: General ideas on using games 'Don't think that the use of the word "game" is a guaranteed way of motivating the students.' 'It is particularly important to make sure everyone understands what to do when the game is quite complicated!' 'Once the game starts it is difficult to help.' The importance of making the game clear 'Find a way of demonstrating the game as well as explaining it.10. 4.' 'Avoid games which need a long introduction and explanation. 2.' See. don't interrupt a game in order to correct a mistake.Games for Language Learning Real Some people prefer to deal with real examples from everyday experience.' 8 . so group work and pair work are essential.8. so try putting helpful phrases on the board or on an A2 poster. 7.' 'Don't tell the learners that they are going to play a game because they may not accept that some of them are games and they may protest and be distracted from a positive attitude to what should be a pleasurable experience.' 'Normally. Practicalities of organising games Teachers experienced in using games in their teaching report the following.9.4. 6. games 1. perhaps demonstrating it with the class as a whole or with selected students so that everybody can get the gist of it. It must be a genuinely engaging activity. The students will just turn off. 'I want to prepare for the real world.' Mistakes 'Of course. they may make mistakes when you are not there to correct them. But the biggest mistake is not to speak at all. They are too sceptical. It is essential that all the students know what to do before you let them go into pair or group work.13.
successful consequence if the language is used appropriately.' Determining the composition of pairs and groups 'People naturally choose to work with people they know well.' 'Think about group dynamics." In this way random groupings can be made quickly. better. What we need in the classroom is for everybody to experience success as much as possible. and so on. Ask the learners to stand in a line and then to go through the alphabet with A the first person. and more based on team work. for example. If you want to have five groups then the learners call out from A to E and then begin again at A. etc. be prepared to justify the use of games to the students in terms of their efficiency: the frequency with which the language point occurs.' 9 .' Pair work and group work 'Pair work is easier to organise and control than group work.' Success … and particularly how to avoid failure 'The problem with some games is that they tend to make one person the winner and the rest losers. fewer games based on individuals playing against each other. B the second. later.' Justify the use of games 'When necessary. memorability. "All As over there.' 'Maximise ways of making every student experience success.' 'Find the right level of game for the learners.' 'If there is competition between groups then make sure that each group represents mixed ability. Look for games or ways of playing games which allow for that. Correct mistakes later or. do activities which practise correct forms. but sometimes you might prefer them to be open to new working relationships. meaningful use of the language. This makes all the difference between success and failure. All Bs over here. When this is completed you point to one part of the room and say.Introduction 'It is not the right time to correct mistakes of language during the game if that impedes the involvement of the students and the flow of the game. Sometimes adding or removing one or two individuals from a group makes that group so much more productive. All Cs.
Write these discussed and agreed rules on a poster and keep it on the classroom wall. Index If you have a particular language point or function in mind. – Make the procedure for playing the game very clear to ALL the students. use the technique of raising your hand rather than trying to shout over the hubbub of a game in progress. – Be seen to be very fair to everyone.' How to use this book Level: In the grey panel at the head of each game we give the language point focussed on by the game and you are the best judge of which class and level of learner to use the game with. look in the Index to see which games focus on it. Time: Most games in the book are likely to last from 10 to 20 minutes. Here are some approaches which help discipline: – Establish a set of agreed general class rules at the beginning of the year. in any case. The raised hand spreads peace and the shout raises tensions. Material required: This important ingredient is included for each game under the heading Preparation. ruins the whole spirit created by enjoyable games. – If you need to stop the class. but different classes and teachers need different amounts of time.Games for Language Learning Discipline 'Discipline is important but cannot be established by shouting. 10 . which.
1 Learning names Family Language Variation Preparation CARE AND SHARE Introducing oneself and others. communicative.1 Icebreakers and warmers It is important for learners to feel comfortable with each other. Music playing. coloured cloths and smiling faces drawn on the board can all help to get the lesson off to a good start. Learner 1: Hello. To help this situation to develop. Procedure 1 Ask the learners to mill about. curious objects. All the games in this chapter belong to the family of games of CARE AND SHARE. if you wish. risk-taking. the furniture arranged attractively. Learner 2: Hello. 2 Ask them to stop in front of another learner and introduce themselves. It is an advantage if you can have some cheerful music playing and stop it when you want them to stop. the teacher can do 'icebreaker' games with a new class and 'warmers' at the beginning of a lesson with a class where the learners already know each other. thoughtful. learning names Sharing likes or other personal information. See Introduction. CARE AND SHARE 1. We would also like them to be creative. I am Zakia. pictures on the walls. 11 . nodding and smiling. in a space in the classroom. happy to work together with other learners. page 4. confident in themselves and focussed on the language lesson rather than on other distractions. I am Lars. learning names Set a friendly classroom atmosphere by putting on some music. Games and 'playfulness' as a way of warming people and helping them to focus their minds are complemented by the way the classroom looks and how you greet them. You can demonstrate this.
In this way it is a little more difficult to remember the information. Learner 1: She's Barbara and she's Yvonne and he's Harry. They can help each other to do this. the person who has just spoken should choose the next speaker by pointing at them. I'm Ferdinand. 4 The third learner repeats what the first two learners said and then adds his or her own information. job Favourite thing to do when not working. Examples of other types of information to add Family. anxieties about learning English Something really nice which has happened recently 5 To make it more challenging. I'm Rubino and I have a pet dog. Introduce yourself by saying. And so it continues round the circle. and in this way you will learn something about their possible learning style preferences. 3 The next learner in the circle repeats what the first learner said and adds his or her own information. he/she is. home area. Learner 1: You're Martine and you like football. Variation 1 Getting to know each other 1 Sit the learners in circles of about eight.Games for Language Learning 3 Let the learners mill again until you stop them and ask them to introduce themselves again. but someone sitting on the other side of the circle. 2 Give the class a moment or two to choose something which is important to them and can be referred to in one or two words. This is a very effective way of practising the paradigm of the present simple: I am. I'm Martine and I like playing football. 4 You can add to the challenge by asking them to point at and name the other people they have already met. Notes • You can focus on learning styles by asking the learners to relate their information about jobs and hobbies with likes and dislikes and an estimation of how good they are at each activity. for example. 12 . if necessary. favourite food Reason for learning English. This may not be their neighbour. You can begin as the model.
• In order to establish a true communicative classroom atmosphere you must include yourself in all of these activities. 1. word or phrase exactly Procedure Ask the learners to form a circle. This 13 . you might like to follow this up with the game below. 1. think of criteria you would like to use. you're before me. I must stand here. ask them to bend round into a circle and then say their names (or whatever criterion was used) in order.Icebreakers and warmers • Learning names is a necessary condition to establishing familiarity and trust and confidence in the other class members. (You might like to do the game above to achieve this. Tell them they should speak to each other in order to decide how to line up. for example. Learner 1: Oh.2 Stand in a line Family Language Preparation CARE AND SHARE Interacting with others using minimal language Since this activity is based on the learners having to arrange themselves in a line according to a specified criterion.3 Pass on a sound Family Language CARE AND SHARE Repeating a sound. 2 Once the learners have formed a line. for example: Names in alphabetical order Date of birth Favourite month Zodiac sign Favourite times of the day Procedure 1 Ask the learners to form a line according to the criterion you have chosen. 3 Once you have got the learners into a circle.) In order to build up a feeling of sharing and listening to each other you can now ask them to pass on a sound or a word or phrase. in alphabetical order of their names. I'm Eva. For example: Learner 1: What's your name? Learner 2: David.
invite the class to sit in a circle. and put questions to at least three other people.4 Questions and questionnaires Family Language CARE AND SHARE Getting to know others by asking questions Giving personal information by answering questions Procedure 1 Explain to the learners that all of the games in the variations (below) are based on questions which are used to find out more about other people in the class. mill about. 14 . Examples of sounds and phrases to pass on Ba! Ba! Ba! Ba! Baaaa! Ba! (the fifth Ba spoken slowly and drawn out) Hello. For example: What's your name? Where do you live? What's your job? Have you got children? What's your hobby? What's your favourite food/music. etc? Examples of more personal and demanding questions Are you married? What worries you? What is your greatest fear? What is your favourite type of holiday? What would you do if you found a lot of money in a park? 3 Tell the learners to leave their seats. and ask each learner to describe a classmate using all the information gathered. (or any other sentence originated by the learner) 1. The rest of the class should try to guess the person referred to. 2 Help the learners to brainstorm on to the board questions which they might ask a person whom they would like to get to know. (spoken very cheerfully) I'm John. 4 Finally.Games for Language Learning requires the learners to pay close attention to each other in order to copy exactly what the other person is saying or doing.
The learner at the end of the row must stand up and walk around to the other end of the line of chairs. The learners put their questions to the learner opposite. the answers to which would be revealing of their own personality. • Make two long rows of chairs facing each other. • Learners in groups of three take it in turns to question and answer. 2 Organise the class into pairs. After about three minutes. Allow learners to ask supplementary questions if desired. thus creating new pairs. ask the learners to put their questions to their partners and compare the predicted answers with the actual answers. 3 Invite individual learners to tell the class what they have learned about their partner.Icebreakers and warmers Here are some different ways of organising this activity: • The learners first choose a number of questions and write them on a questionnaire. Have the learners ask their partners the questions they have written. Variation 1 Questions about you 1 Ask learners each to write ten questions.) • The learners. tell the outer circle to move one place to the left. Make an inner circle of learners facing outwards and an outer circle of learners facing inwards. (Or you could provide each learner with a questionnaire which you have written yourself. 3 Finally. Variation 2 Predict your partner's answers 1 Ask each learner to devise and write down ten questions. After about three minutes. and then ask their classmates questions to complete their questionnaires. then they must ask another question. thus creating new pairs and allowing learners to repeat the same questions. interests and concerns. • Divide the class into two. The learners put their questions to the learner opposite. put the questions to their partner. tell the learners on one row of chairs to move one chair to the left. 2 Put learners into pairs and ask each learner to write the answers they would expect their partner to give in response to the questions. 15 . Reply honestly! 2 If a learner gets No as an answer. sitting in pairs. Variation 3 Yes/No questions to the teacher 1 Encourage learners to ask you questions inviting Yes or No answers.
Where do you live? Alternatively. let the learners themselves choose the topics and formulate their own questions. then reveal the answer. 2 Tell the learners to ask any questions they would like you to answer. Examples might be: 16 . providing that they only require a short answer. Let them guess.Games for Language Learning 3 If a question is incorrect grammatically. Write the truthful answers under the same column. However. Do you like sports? Teacher: No. two being false and one truthful. for example. 3 Write three different answers to each question. Learner 3: Do you …? Variation 4 Questions to the teacher: what's the truth? 1 Draw three columns on the board. 5 Invite the learners to play the same game in pairs or small groups. Find someone who lives in the same neighbourhood as you. for example. Procedure 1 Write three or four instructions on the board. The conventional way of doing this is to use the phrase Find someone who…. Learner 1: Do you have a car? Teacher: Yes. wait for the other learners to help him or her to get it right. Learner 1: Are you liking sports? Learner 2: (corrects Learner 1) Do you like sports? Learner 1: Thanks. 4 Ask the learners to work in groups and to discuss which set of answers they think is the 'real' you. 1.5 Find someone who … Family Language Variation Preparation CARE AND SHARE Asking and answering questions to get information about peers Finding out and reporting on what you have in common with other people Think of topics you would like the learners to explore. but without giving any clue to the learners as to which one it is. you may prefer also to provide the learners with the actual questions they should use.
.? / Do you have a .? Is your . None of us likes boring lessons. learning English as you. You may wish to provide some useful sentence starters or topics...? Can you . Some of us have a pet. 2 Each learner should tell the class about one of the things the group members have in common.. Help the learners by showing them sentence starters such as the following: She/He …. for example: All of us have (got) a brother or a sister. 2 Ask the learners to walk about the room talking to each other and finding out the information you have specified.? Do you like . Find someone who has a pet. Note You may wish to play this game in pairs.. for example: Have you got a .. Find someone who has the same reasons for. Find someone who likes the same music as you... Find someone who likes the same hobbies and pastimes as you. but I … We both … Neither of us … 17 .. A few of us can drive a car.? Learners may take notes. Find someone who likes the same food as you. or anxieties about. Most of us live in the same district of the city. Find someone who has been to another country. Variation 1 Things in common 1 Have the learners work in groups to find out what they have in common.? Have you ever . in which case learners should find out about ways in which they are similar to and different from their partner. We are grateful to Mario Rinvolucri for this example....Icebreakers and warmers Find someone who lives near you.
18 . 2 Have learners form pairs and tell them to ask their partner questions about each topic. hobby.7 Topics to talk about Family Language CARE AND SHARE Using general language to talk about a familiar topic Procedure 1 Ask learners to write down four topics related to themselves that they are willing to talk about. so that the handwriting on the two cards cannot be easily matched.Games for Language Learning 1. For the same reason it would also help to use a different pen for each card. then trying to retrieve a piece of information about them Learning names Cut two strips of card or paper about 10 cm x 2 cm for each learner. This is David. Card 2: I like walking in the country and looking at nature.6 Match the person to the information Family Language Preparation CARE AND SHARE Using general descriptive language Getting to know others by hearing. To do this. job. 3 Tell the learners to shuffle the group's cards together. reading. He likes walking in the country and looking at nature. family. 1. If they are correct. they turn two cards face up. 4 The learners take turns to try to find matching pairs of cards. Their partner should answer as fully as they can. For example: Card 1: DAVID. If they think they have found a pair. they keep the cards. they turn them back on the table face down. sport. Allow about three minutes per topic. for example. then lay them out face down on a table. 2 Put the learners into groups and have them take turns introducing themselves to the group and reading out their sentences. Procedure 1 Give the learners two cards each and ask them to write their name on one and a sentence about themselves on the other. they point at the relevant person and say. for example. If they are wrong. The name should be written in block capitals.
2 Ask each of the learners to pick a colour and to brainstorm. 2 Tell learners. the number of people in your favourite sport. on paper. Write the nouns on the board. 2 Ask learners to do the same working with a partner. working in pairs. then ask the learners to call out nouns beginning with that letter. Variation 1 Something nice which happened Ask pairs or groups of learners to take it in turns to tell each other about something nice which has happened to them recently.Icebreakers and warmers 3 Begin with yourself as a demonstration. Then each member of the group should put a personal possession on the table in front of them. 19 . 3 Tell the learners to share their associations with a partner. Variation 4 A random word 1 Invite a learner to choose a letter between A and Z. Variation 5 A colour 1 Brainstorm on to the board colours the learners can name. etc. 1 Ask learners to form groups. each to choose one word and talk about it for three minutes. letting the class ask you questions about a topic you have chosen. a lucky or unlucky number. if you wish. 2 Encourage learners to take turns saying anything they can about their object and answering any questions put to them by the other members of their group. the number of people in your family. personal associations with that colour. Variation 2 A special object Preparation Ask learners to bring a special personal possession to class. The number might be: a date. Variation 3 A special number 1 Write a number on the board and tell the class why it is important to you. too. Write it on the board. a telephone number.
and to introduce them to the different sounds of English in contrast with those of their own mother tongue. 2 Ask each learner to learn at least one of the proverbs and then use it whenever the opportunity arises during the lesson.g. Notes • The primary aim is to help beginners or near beginners feel confident that they already know something. 2 Challenge the learners to remember all the words by erasing them one by one. then asking the learners to reconstruct the list of words together orally. Compile a list of proverbs from the learners' own culture and look for English equivalents. etc.9 Proverbs Family Language Preparation CARE AND SHARE Learning and using proverbs in everyday experience Photocopy a list of proverbs for each learner. Tell me the names of some famous British people … famous American cities.Games for Language Learning 1. or list some English proverbs and be prepared to explain them. • This game could have more of a cultural focus according to your questions. 1. • Another aim is to begin to build a team effort.8 All the words you know Family Language CARE AND SHARE Boosting the confidence of beginner learners by compiling a list of familiar English words Procedure 1 Help the learners brainstorm on to the board all the English words they already know (English words used in their own language or words they know from general contact with the international use of English). 20 . e. Procedure 1 Share the list of proverbs with the learners and ensure that the meaning of each is understood by demonstrating how it applies to everyday experience.
stroke. nothing gained. 1. 2 Tell them to follow your instructions. The first instruction – and every second instruction throughout the game – is one that makes the learners circulate: Jog! Teacher: (starts jogging around the room) Jog! Jog! Jog! etc. Never say die.10 Jog! Jog! Family Language CARE AND SHARE Recognising and carrying out instructions (i. Learners: (patting their neighbour's head) Pat! Pat! Pat! etc. Teacher: (stops jogging) Pat your neighbour's head! (turns to the closest person and starts patting their head) Pat! Pat! Pat! etc. A change is as good as a rest. imperatives) requiring a physical response Procedure 1 Have the learners stand together in an open space.Icebreakers and warmers Examples of proverbs Nothing ventured. tap. For more proverbs see The Oxford Book of Proverbs. repeating the verb over and over as they do so. Learners: (jogging) Jog! Jog! Jog! etc. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Note Proverbs can be learned in each lesson and at every level. scratch. They are satisfying at the beginner level because it is a big thing learned.e. tickle. Teacher: (stops patting and starts jogging around the room) Jog! Jog! Jog! etc. Oxford University Press. Other instructions: touch. 21 . Rome wasn't built in a day. Experience is the best teacher. Don't judge a book by its cover. slap. Learners: (jogging) Jog! Jog! Jog! etc.
Hungary. imperatives) and using oral descriptions to create mental images Find or prepare a visualisation script. How do you feel now? Enjoy your walking. ask them to put their heads on their arms. with the learners looking at you as you speak. 3 Describe a situation for the learners to imagine. Open your bag. Are your things in the bag? Now. It is very quiet. close their eyes and relax as they listen. Sit on the grass. (See the example in step 3 below. Say (and act). Procedure 1 Introduce the idea of relaxing. Take off your bag. 1. At the beginning of a class. Look.) Most people can see pictures in their minds. As with all games in this book we consider that the teacher knows what is acceptable. Now you can walk again. Take two deep breaths and relax all of your body: your feet. your stomach and chest.Games for Language Learning Note We fully appreciate that making bodily contact is not considered appropriate in some cultures and with some individuals. your legs. particularly when the pictures are described. close the bag. Relax your neck and your face … 2 When you feel the learners have got the idea of relaxing. 22 . It's nice. and act out the idea of relaxing. your arms and wrists and hands. Put it down. Acknowledgement We first experienced this game with Nick Owen at Pilgrims. You want to sit down. then saw it developed by Julia Dudas at International Languages Institute. You are happy. for example: Relax. for example: You are walking in the country. there are no people or cars.11 Visualisation Family Language Preparation CARE AND SHARE Recognising and mentally carrying out instructions (i. There are trees and flowers and grass. You are carrying a bag. There is no bag on your back.e. a visualisation activity can help the learners to relax and focus on their work in the lesson ahead. It is heavy. It is on your back. and it emphasises both pleasure and success. Look inside. Is it closed? Put your bag in a safe place.
the other should be the on-shore coastguard. Turn left/right. C. Slowly open your eyes. simulating the problem of being in thick fog without radar..Icebreakers and warmers slowly or quickly. Routledge. Further reading Hall. What can you see? What can you hear? What can you feel and smell? Leave your bag. Scripted Fantasy in the Classroom.e. which may be written on the board. imperatives) requiring a physical response Clear an area of floor space in the room and place a number of small objects or pieces of card here and there. How do you feel? Keep those feelings. and Leech. This book contains many useful examples of visualisation scripts. It's OK to walk slowly. A bit further. Straight on. Hall.. Stop. Procedure 1 Ask each learner to choose a partner. The following phrases. 23 . E. It is a matter of judgement how many – or how few – pairs you choose to have on the floor at any one time. 1. One person in each pair should be the ship's pilot. 2 Invite a number of pairs to play. It's OK to walk quickly.12 Lost in the fog Family Language Preparation CARE AND SHARE Giving and carrying out instructions (i. You will go back later. will prove useful: Go forward. representing hazardous rocks and shallows in an imaginary sea. Open your eyes. 1990. Careful. The coastguards must talk to the pilots by 'radio' and attempt to guide them safely through the hazards and into the 'harbour'. A. The ship's pilots must keep their eyes shut.
It's a …) Using particular vocabulary or language points (as determined by the teacher's choice of picture) You will need a picture (drawn or from a magazine) which is big enough for the class to see (A4 size is usually big enough) and an envelope or a book to pull it out of. SPECULATE 2. Procedure 1 Put a picture. A better way might be for you to note the mistake and to give focussed practice on that point at another time.g. GUESS. if you think it necessary to do so. In these games the learners might make mistakes in their use of the language. Although some games are likely to cause the learners to focus on a particular language point. 2 Pull out a very small part of the picture and ask the learners to try to identify it.2 Mainly speaking The games in this section offer a reason for speaking. and only then pointing out a mistake in the formal use of the language. Some games give the learners considerable support in the language needed for the game. this section primarily offers practice in fluency rather than in grammar practice. in an envelope or hide it in a book. and thus they can give learners a confirmation and confidence resulting from the successful use of the language or a warning signal on the unsuccessful use of the language. IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE. I think it is a …) and certainty (e. but no specific language focus or support. a magazine picture.1 Slowly reveal a picture Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY: SPECULATE Speculating about the contents of a partially obscured picture using expressions of uncertainty (e. and other games offer a stimulus and context. As a general principle it is better not to interrupt the speaker but to wait until he or she has finished before first responding to the content. for example.g. 24 .
This makes everyone participate by using the language and expressing their view. Procedure 1 Give the file folders to four volunteers and invite them to look at what is inside. if you are comfortable doing so). The learners must immediately raise their hands on hearing an untrue statement and say what is wrong with it.2 Liar! Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE Main game Describing and answering questions about real and imagined pictures Questioning others with the aim of determining honesty and exposing lies Variation Scanning spoken text for untrue elements. For example: 25 . Encourage the drama of different opinions. Variation 1 You're pulling my leg! Preparation Think up a tall tale to tell learners (or invent one spontaneously as you are playing the game. i.e.Mainly speaking 3 Pull out a little more of the picture and ask the learners what they think it is now. who should invent a convincing description of an imaginary picture in an attempt to fool the class. 2 Have the four volunteers take turns giving a truthful description of their picture. 1 containing a blank sheet of paper. Procedure 1 Discuss the idea that there are always people who like to 'pull other people's legs'. 2. You will need 4 file folders: 3 containing pictures. Explain that this game will train the learners not to have their legs pulled! Explain that you will talk and include a few untrue statements. make them look a little foolish. 4 Gradually show more and more of the picture. 4 Let the class vote on who they think was the 'liar'. being careful not to reveal it to anyone. Ask them to tell their neighbour what they think it is. then have the four volunteers reveal the contents of their folders. except for the volunteer with the blank paper. 3 Encourage the rest of the learners to ask the four volunteers questions in an effort to expose the 'liar'.
are a traditional form of story in both the oral and the written traditions of storytelling..Games for Language Learning Teacher or Learner 1: Yesterday I went into town and saw a beautiful car. adjectives and comparatives of adjectives. Learner 3: You can't buy bread at the chemist's. sorry. except the volunteer by the board.. 2 Invite the class to describe the picture and tell the volunteer how to draw it. Use a technical drawing if you wish to focus on specialised language. prepositions of location. Teacher: Oh. Explain that the aim is to help the artist to make a good copy of the 26 . For example. vocabulary for shapes. they have wheels. entailing unlikely exaggeration. Notes • 'To pull someone's leg' means to tell them something that isn't true as a way of joking with them. Learners might prepare their own 'talk' in writing. Baron von Munchausen is one of the best known tellers of tall stories. Cars don't have legs. And they don't have six wheels. the picture can be displayed on a movable board. You're quite right. 2 Once the idea of the game is understood.. Learner 2: That's not true. Anyway. play it in groups or in pairs. it was going very fast. • 'Tall stories'. Then display a large picture which all the class can see. If necessary the picture can be held up by two learners.3 Describe and draw Family Language Preparation DESCRIBE Describing a drawing and reproducing it by following instructions Giving and following instructions using imperatives. Procedure 1 Ask a volunteer to stand by the board. I went to the chemist's to buy some bread . they have four wheels. It had six legs and went very .. perhaps for homework. DESCRIBE 2. and possibly specialised language You will need a picture or a drawing on paper or OHP transparency of a few quite simple and clearly defined objects (preferably not people).
in the middle or near the bottom of the picture? Learner 2: Near the bottom of the picture. Teacher: Is it a long rectangle or a tall rectangle? Learner 4: It's a tall rectangle. Teacher: Artist. Teacher: And where is the house? Learner 5: It's in the middle of the picture... is the line for the garden near the top of the picture. Here is an example. Now. a dog .. Teacher: OK. a long rectangle. The class can call out for him or her to make it longer or shorter.Mainly speaking picture. Teacher: OK. Now the house.. What shape is it? Learner 3: It's a rectangle. Teacher: OK. It is helpful to begin with a general description... draw a line near the bottom of the picture . two people .. some birds. Teacher: What's the shape of the picture? Learner 1: It's a rectangle.. draw a tall rectangle in the middle of the picture.. OK. Artist.) Teacher: What is in the picture? Class: A house . a tree . (The artist draws the rectangle. straight line.. 27 . a long. Artist.. please draw a rectangle ..
It's a picture of a house. or provide a photocopy of a picture (perhaps the same picture) for each pair. Tell the artist the basic shape of the frame. The picture is a rectangle. The artist must not see the original. for example. This is in order to provide a model both for how to communicate clearly and helpfully.e. and for the sort of language which might be required. It is better to do this game as a class game first of all in order to help to teach the learners the art of describing and the necessary language for it. a garden gate. Here are some tips: Give the artist an overview first of all.Games for Language Learning Note In the example given above. a tree. It is a tall rectangle [i. 28 . • It is an art in itself to describe a picture so that someone else can draw it. have the learners sit back to back so that the describer cannot see the copy being made! Notes • If each describer uses a copy of the same picture. for example. 1 Have learners sit in pairs in such a way that only one of them can see the picture you have put on display. The describer can see both the original and the copy being made. 2 Ask one partner in each pair to describe the picture to the other.e. some flowers. not landscape format]. to make the game more challenging. giving instructions on how to make an accurate reproduction. portrait format] not a long one [i. Variation 1 Describe and draw in pairs Preparation You will need a picture or a drawing on paper or OHP transparency of a few quite simple and clearly defined objects (preferably not people). Or. the teacher plays a major part. etc. then all the artists' pictures can be compared.
He or she must describe the meaning of the word on the card so well that others can identify what it is. 2 Rather than allowing the learners to call out. Indeed much of the success or otherwise of the artist's drawing is the result of the quality of communicative competence of the describers.Mainly speaking • This is a classic 'information gap' game of the communicative approach in which one person has the information which the other hasn't got and needs. 4 Give each learner a card and instruct them to prepare a written description of the word on the card. This task is ideal for homework. Procedure 1 Demonstrate the idea of this game by describing something and asking the class to identify what you have described. The words are going to be described by the learners well enough for the other learners to identify what has been described. one per learner.4 Describe and identify Family Language Preparation DESCRIBE Using descriptive language and vocabulary as determined by the teacher's choice of words or pictures Main game Defining words Variations 1 and 2 Describing images Variation 3 Scripting a conversation between two characters Variation 4 Imagining a character's thoughts and putting them on paper Write a single word on a number of small cards or pieces of paper. 3 Ask one of the more confident learners to take one of the word cards at random from your hand. The subject and language you use should be appropriate to the learners' level of proficiency and the language you want to practise with them. ask them first to tell their neighbours what they think you have described. Language is used to bridge the gap. 29 . plus a few extra. 2. Then ask for suggestions from the class. • This game represents a communal effort and there is absolutely no reason why the artist should feel humiliated if their drawing does not turn out well.
read their description to five other learners. It has four legs and a tail. Explain that they have to choose two people in the picture who might be having a conversation. 5 Ask all the learners to stand up. 6 Ask some or all of the learners to read out their descriptions to the whole class. and note down how often their listener can accurately identify the thing described. The pairs should not reveal their choice to others in the class. 2 Encourage his or her partner or group or the rest of the class to identify which picture has been described. Variation 1 Describe and identify a picture Preparation Bring a number of pictures to the lesson. Variation 3 Describe and identify a conversation in a picture Preparation Bring a large picture with a lot of people in it. 1 Ask one learner to describe a particular picture from a choice of at least five which everyone can see.Games for Language Learning Examples Cat: It's an animal. Variation 2 Describe and identify a detail in a picture Preparation Bring several pictures or a picture with many people and/or objects in it. her or it. 1 Show the picture(s) to the class and ask them to work in pairs. It eats mice. Town Hall: It's the place where the local government of the town have their offices. 2 Ask each pair to devise and write out a conversation between the chosen characters. 2 Encourage the rest of the class to identify the person or object which has been described. 30 . or several different pictures of people interacting. mill about. It says miaow. 1 Ask one learner to think of a person or an object in a/the picture and then describe him. and perform it for the rest of the class.
each showing a single object. Notes • An ideal picture for Variations 2.Mainly speaking 3 Invite the class to identify which two characters were being represented in each conversation. 3 Invite the learners to identify which person was being represented in each case. CONNECT: COMPARE. So are pictures you might already have hanging on your classroom walls. person or place. • Comic strips are good sources of pictures for all of the variations. • You may wish to make the game more challenging by requiring the learners to ask questions to gather information.5 Two pictures Family Language Preparation CONNECT Imagining and explaining connections between pictures. rather than having them listen to prepared descriptions. Procedure 1 Take two seemingly unrelated pictures and ask the learners to suggest a connection between them. In one sense. objects or words You will need two pictures big enough for all the learners to see. MATCH. Some learners will suggest very reasonable connections. without revealing their choice to anyone else. Some learners will suggest crazy connections. GROUP 2. 3 and 4 would be the famous Bruegel painting of children playing 90 different games. 2 Ask each learner to write what their chosen character might be thinking in the picture. 1 Show the picture(s) to the learners and ask each of them to choose one character. the latter are more useful since more people will pay attention and think about them! 31 . Variation 4 Describe and identify thoughts in a picture Preparation Bring a large picture with a lot of people in it or several different pictures of people. then to read his or her text to the rest of the class.
32 . ball.Games for Language Learning Example: Learner 1: She's going to the bank to get some money. etc. Then she plays table tennis on the table and uses a table tennis ball. organise a competition to find the most reasonable connection and the craziest connection. Variation 1 Three words Preparation (optional) Bring 3 objects to the lesson. for example. Procedure 1 Show the class three objects or write three nouns on the board. for example: The pencil and ball are on the table. table. or: She does her homework on the table and she uses a pencil. Note This game may be played in groups or with the whole class. pencil. 2 If you wish. 2 Invite learners to find as many things as possible which might connect them. Learner 2: She's going to the bank to steal some money.
The information may be verbal or numerical instead of pictorial. (See illustration on next page. Comparisons In one picture the monkey's thumb is longer than in the other picture. Colours In the first picture the walls are pink. You can draw in alternative bits if you wish. Tenses In one picture the man is going to fall. two pictures of different though similar bathrooms. may be used. a crocodile and a snake. and in the second picture the walls are blue. or articles of clothing. for example: Nouns In John's picture there are three animals: an elephant. Photocopy the drawing. you will need two pictures or sets of pictures which are very similar but contain several differences which the learners will be able to describe. you can have a lot of them.Mainly speaking 2.6 What's the difference? Family Language Preparation CONNECT: COMPARE Describing and comparing pictures or other types of visual input Using different language items. 2 Provide each player with one picture and warn everyone not to look at their partner's picture. Ten such pictures fit on to one sheet of A4.) d) Of course any information which is similar. naturalistic representations. though not identical. a cat. for example. For each pair of learners. Possible sources and types of picture a) Magazine or catalogue pictures: for example. or houses. c) Instead of one pair of drawings. then white out some parts. b) A line drawing. a dog and a crocodile. In this way you will have two very similar drawings but with interesting small differences. depending on the pictures chosen. 33 . perhaps from a magazine. Then photocopy the altered photocopy. And instead of being. It could be all three! Procedure 1 Divide the class into pairs. and in the other picture he has already fallen. In Helen's picture there are four animals: an elephant. they can be very simple or even abstract designs.
Games for Language Learning 34 .
2 Start play as in the main game.7 Find a connection Family Language Preparation CONNECT Arguing a connection between two cards You will need a set of cards for each group. 4 The game finishes when there are no more cards. 4 Finally.9 and 7. Repeat step 4. then continue to try to find more. to move again. with the aim of finding the differences between the two pictures. ask the learner who moved before. with partners describing and comparing their pictures orally. such as the ones used in Pelmanism (see games 5. let the learners look at each other's pictures and compare and discuss further. Variation 1 Comparing pictures 1 Put learners into pairs and give a copy of picture A to each Learner A. merely identifying it with a word or phrase. 5 The group must then try to argue why all the cards are related in one way or another to all the other cards! 35 . 6. 3 After two minutes. They can then choose any other picture card and keep it if they can argue a connection between the first card and the other one. and a copy of picture B to each Learner B. 2. 5 After a further two minutes. 4 Have the new pairs compare their conclusions concerning the similarities and the differences between their two pictures.16). And so on.Mainly speaking 3 Tell learners that both players should describe their own picture and/or ask questions about their partner's picture. Procedure 1 Divide the class into groups of about four and give each group a set of cards. 2 The first player starts with one card. 3 The group must decide if the idea is reasonable. ask Learner B from each pair to move to another Learner A.5.
. for example: There's a . 2 Explain to the class that they have to describe from memory what the two outside are wearing. 36 . Are there trees on both sides of the street? Learner 1: No. He/She's wearing . Alternatively.. there aren't any on the other side.. windows. you might ask what the learners can remember of the view through the window. the street outside the school: Teacher: Think about the street outside the school.Games for Language Learning REMEMBER 2. 2 Ask them what they think is behind them.8 What can you remember? Family Language REMEMBER Describing things one recalls seeing.... There are some . Note You may feel it is more profitable to let the learners look at or visit the selected place.. etc. You yourself might want to do this anyway.. for example. pictures on the walls. 3 Ask the two outside to come back in so that you can all check the accuracy of the class's description. Learner 2: Yes. there are! There's one by the grocer's. There aren't any . Procedure 1 Tell the class not to turn around.. Variation 1 What were they wearing? 1 Before you explain the game to the class. ask two of them to go outside the classroom. object or person before the game takes place. Ask for descriptions of the things they mention. Teacher: Yes.. furniture. They might refer to other people in the class. You could write on the board a summary of what they say. What can you remember? Learner 1: There are some trees .
Any pictures will do. but they should show a variety of places and objects and include several people. put them up on the wall of the classroom. writing and publishing them in a class book. CREATE 2. making use of the pictures in whatever order most appeals to them. 2 When everyone has finished. Challenge learners' memory by asking individuals to stand with their back to a picture which previously all of the class have been given time to look at. putting them on the web. Procedure 1 Ask pairs or groups to invent a story. Alternatively. Notes • The advantage of all the groups using the same pictures is that each group will be interested to find out what the others have written and to compare the different versions. 37 .9 Stories with ten pictures Family Language Preparation CREATE Making up stories. particularly past tense verb forms You will need approximately 10 pictures cut randomly from magazines. who are still looking at the picture. the learners could stand back to back. help the learners to share their stories by telling them to each other.Mainly speaking Variation 2 What is my neighbour wearing? Ask a learner to close his or her eyes and describe his or her neighbour's appearance. Variation 3 Can you remember the picture? Preparation Bring a picture to the lesson. Number the pictures. If the pictures are big enough for all learners to see. or displaying them on the wall. The number of the picture which corresponds to each part of the text must be written next to that text. using all the language at the learners' command. If not. provide one photocopy of the pictures for each pair or group of learners. to ask the individuals questions about it. Invite the rest of the class.
Variation 2 Silly news reports 1 Discuss with the learners the kinds of subjects which are reported on the television or radio news or in newspapers and list these subjects on the board. 2 Tell the learners that they will create a story together in the following manner: one learner (or the teacher) will start the story. 1 Give the pictures or objects to the groups of learners. for example. If you are using bigger pictures. Variation 1 Adding to a story Preparation You will need one picture or object for each learner. Each learner must refer to the picture or object in front of them at some point in their portion of the story. on the school 38 . 2 Now ask each learner (or pair of learners) to write a completely ludicrous news report. or 10 bigger pictures for the whole class to use. 1 Give a picture or an object to each learner. 4 When this has been achieved. 3 Ask each pair to read out their news. 3 When the stories are ready. then the next will continue where the previous person left off. as a book or a poster. Variation 3 Tour and tell Preparation You will need 5 or 6 small objects or pictures per group of learners. let the learners mill about and tell their group's story to at least three individual learners from other groups and also listen to their stories. 2 Ask each group to invent a story based on the objects or pictures. and so on.Games for Language Learning • The advantage of publishing or performing a story is that it gives experience in using language for real purposes and pride in being able to do so. orally. or tell them to look at the pictures on the wall. put them up on the classroom wall. ask the learners to study their group's story so they will be able to tell it to others. Notes • You can add variety by specifying that the stories must be told through different media.
pictures (Variation 1). objects (Variation 2). a policeman. a doctor. a young child. time) What is the weather like? What is he/she doing? 3 Follow by using a variety of questions in order to help the drama to unfold.) Where is he/she/it at the beginning of the story? (Ask them to be precise even to a particular location. as a play to be videoed. an elderly person. Tell them that anything you ask about must be included in the story. 2 Ask questions such as the following: Who is in your story? A man? A woman? A boy? A girl? An animal? (Then ask a few details about the person they choose. Who are they? What do they want? 39 . for example: What's he/she/it doing now? Something happens. Each of these types of story should then be displayed or performed for other people to enjoy. month.Mainly speaking website. some may not. as a play to be recorded on audio tape. Some of these will be appropriate. or a word or phrase (Variation 3) Procedure 1 Tell the learners that they are going to make a story and you are going to help by asking questions. for example: On the lowest branch of a big tree in a park in the middle of a city.) When does the story begin? (season.10 Question stories Family Language CREATE Using as wide a range of language as possible to create and tell a story in the present tense – and to retell it in the past tense – guided by questions (main game). a friend. What is it? Some people are watching him/her. 2. • You can introduce further variety and increase the demands on the learners by asking them to tell their stories as if they were telling them to a certain type of listener. an employer. day. a teacher. for example. This goal of displaying and performing is very motivating and makes the learners want to get the language right. a customer.
• The following day you can ask the class to reconstruct and retell the story. Ask them to make a story inspired by the objects. • Every five minutes you retell the story using past tenses. Examples of starting phrases She's crying. 40 . Tell the learners that they must make up a story based on the word. places. Tell them that these pictures are illustrations for their story. Variation 2 Question stories based on objects Preparation You will need a collection of objects. 1 Show the pictures to the learners. 2 Use the same question technique as above. and that they must make a story to fit the pictures. etc. Display the pictures on the classroom wall. 1 Show the objects to the learners. It was very valuable. The wind was blowing. Variation 1 Question stories based on pictures Preparation You will need many calendar-sized pictures of people. 2 Use the same question technique as above. Variation 3 Question stories based on a single word or phrase 1 Write a single noun or verb on the board. for example: Starting word: woman What does this woman look like? What is she doing? Where is she? What's her problem? etc. 2 Use the same question technique as above.Games for Language Learning Notes • You can collect the story in the present tense. There was silence.
Procedure 1 Reveal a small collection of objects to the learners or write a list of objects on the board. a paper bag. keep control of the collecting and retelling of the stories in order to keep the momentum of the drama going. for example. for example. Teacher: Yes. a hammer. the next day. what else can you do with a paper bag? Learner 2: You can light a fire with it. • It is better if you. see step 1). a mirror. a pram. However. an empty tin can. 2 Ask the learners to imagine different things which could be done with the objects. It can be made into a written and illustrated book or put on the school website. and used profitably. students can be asked to retell the story. Teacher: Yes. as teacher. Anything else? Learner 3: You can blow in it and then make a bang! Teacher: Lovely! What else? Learner 4: You could make it into a ball and throw it at someone to attract their attention! Notes • You might find it supports the learners if you write key phrases on the board: You can … You could … 41 . for example: Teacher: How can you use a paper bag? Learner 1: You can put things in it.Mainly speaking Notes • This technique of storymaking can be used. at any level. a table. Simple audio effects make a vivid contribution to the drama of the story. • The story can be retold or dramatised and recorded on audio or video tape. 2.11 What can you do with it? Family Language Preparation CREATE Brainstorming possible uses of objects using can (positive) and could (tentative) You will need a collection of objects (optional.
Learner: If I was going to be stranded on a desert island. then a neighbouring pair. 4 Open the discussion to the class as a whole. or isolated in a hospital room) for one full year.13 A sound poem Family Language CREATE Exploring stress. Note The element of discussion means that this is more than a focussed vocabulary game. • This game works best if you encourage fun and invention. 3 Invite learners to discuss their list with a neighbour.Games for Language Learning Or more extended sentence patterns: You can/could make … with it. 2 Say one of the words and revel in its sound as you might revel in its taste. For example. and may only bring five items with them. 2. pitch. tenor.12 What would you take? Family Language CREATE Expressing condition using would Explaining reasons for choices Procedure 1 Tell the students that they will be stranded on a desert island (or locked in prison. Emphasise or even exaggerate each sound in the words. 2 Give the learners a few minutes to make their list. You may wish to write the starter phrase (in bold above) on the board. for example soup – ssssoooop! 42 . and rhythm of syllables in creative combinations of words for food Procedure 1 Help the learners to brainstorm on the board all the words they know for food. I would bring matches so I could start a fire for cooking and keeping warm. being sure to give the reasons for their choices. 2.
speed and sound of the syllables working together.Mainly speaking 3 Ask Which is your favourite food? Encourage the learners to revel in the sounds of the words they choose. Help them to enjoy the rhythm. 4 Gradually help the learners to put some words or phrases together to make a 'sound poem'. Example of a very simple 'sound poem' Fish and chips (emphasising the crisp rhythm) Fish and chips Soup (extending the 'ou' sound) Soup 5 Invite each learner to write a food poem supported by the words for food written on the board. and make and perform a poem together for the rest of the class. Keep in mind that rhyming is not necessary. Ask one half of the class to say one phrase and the other half of the class to say another phrase. ask the learners to form groups. 43 . Then ask them to try it out on other learners. 6 Finally.
animal or place. object. keeping in mind that the learners will be asked to draw it. but at other times the meanings are implicit. animal or place and drawing according to the details described Possibly describing an imagined person. in a fair and accurate way. For example: 44 . Procedure 1 Read a description of a person. OBEY 3. object. summarising the text or making an objective valuation of it) or may be subjective (for example. Furthermore. animal or place using descriptive language Write a description of a person. object. For these reasons we include games in this section that call for a non-verbal response. MIME. The 'doing' shows. and understood. DRAW. and we must use our wits and imagination to catch the implications. ask the learners to listen to the whole description without drawing. When a learner's response to a text entails speaking or writing. Make an enlarged copy of the description to display. the extent to which the learner has listened. animal or place.1 Listen and draw Family Language Preparation DO: DRAW Listening for detail in the description of a person. that is to say.3 Mainly listening Sometimes we listen for the gist of what the other person is saying and sometimes we listen for a particular detail of information that interests us. responding with personal ideas. learners might be able to focus better on listening if they are not required to make an oral or written response. it may be difficult for us to judge if his or her inadequacies in speaking and writing also mean inadequacies in listening. Sometimes the speaker's meanings are explicit. First of all. feelings or associations). DO: MOVE. Responses to a text may be objective (for example. 'listen and do'. object.
We suggest that the learners draw in pencil until they are sure they have made a very accurate drawing. You may decide to encourage the learners to ask you questions for more clarity. She is always miserable and she has a long. 2 Then read the description again. pointed nose. Check the pictures against the text to see if the details are correct. She wears narrow trousers.Mainly listening My neighbour is a very tall. they may use a thin. 3 Display all the pictures drawn by the learners and display an enlarged copy of the text you have used. She never combs her hair. 45 Teacher: . She has big feet. thin woman. very big feet. She has a lot of hair. And she wears big black boots. She has two small eyes right in the middle of her face. When they are sure. and ask the learners to draw what you describe. She has a square face and a long. She wears a Tshirt. She has long thin arms and she always carries her little cat in her arms. Be willing to read the description several times. miserable mouth. slowly. black pen. It is full of birds.
2 Act out a story Family Language Preparation DO: MOVE Responding through action to what is said Think of a story or situation in which actions play a major part. Some other subjects which might be used for describing and drawing a street map on which learners have to write the names of the streets and key buildings a plan of a bedroom on which learners have to write the names of furniture and other objects a fantasy machine. in writing. • If the teacher describes. 46 . but if the learners describe. it is also a speaking game.13 Create a soap opera.Games for Language Learning 4 Let the class vote for the top five most accurate pictures. a subject that they can then describe to another pair for them to draw. See 4. For example. There is an information gap: the speaker has the information and the learner does not. • The tall thin woman and the animal could both provide the starting point for a fantasy set of characters and stories. e.g. The art of describing is a very necessary art in daily life. which learners have to describe in detail an abstract drawing in response to a poem a diagram showing a technique or process a graph or chart showing statistics 3. and must listen to understand it. how well he or she has understood. Descriptions and pictures can then be displayed. non-verbally. then it is a listening game for the learners. 5 Consider asking the learners to do a similar activity in pairs or groups. a machine for exercising dogs. The drawing shows. • For games in which the learners take on the speaking role. see pages 26 to 31. Notes • This is a classic 'communication game'. each pair of learners can be asked to describe.
but because you are tired you might make some mistakes when you read it. little cat. Give it some milk in a saucer.Mainly listening Procedure 1 Ask the learners to sit in a circle. Put the box on your desk. Otherwise. though not exclusively. Don't move. Say. For example: Teacher: You've got a little cat in a box. if you have enough room.3 Listen for the difference Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE Listening for differences in a spoken text as compared to a written one You will need a text on an OHP transparency or one photocopy of a text for each learner. SPECULATE 3.' Now stroke the little cat and say. for younger learners. 2 Tell a story in which actions play a major part. they may remain at their desks. Tell her what it's like and what it is doing. and encourage the learners to act it out. 'Sit still. Say. Now say. and they must tell you if you do. 'You're a nice cat.' Take the cat out of the box. Go to sleep. Then say that you will read the text to them. choose a text from the learners' textbook. Alternatively. Note This is a version of the classic TPR (Total Physical Response) game which is recommended particularly for the early stage of language learning and particularly. little cat. very carefully and slowly.' Pick up the cat carefully and put it back in the box.' Show your friend your little cat. GUESS. IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE. Procedure 1 Begin by asking the learners to look at the text you have chosen. Put it down. 'Do you like the milk?' Stroke the cat again. 47 . Let me put you in the box. Go to sleep. Don't spill it! Say. 'Stay there. 'Come on.
I'm sorry. For example: Teacher: It was raining and .Games for Language Learning 2 Read out the text and deliberately change some of it as you read. but then continue and say things wrongly again a moment later.1. They must put up their hands and correct you. Learner 1: It was snowing! Teacher: Oh. and it was on Friday… Note For other examples of well-known true/false games see 3. 2 The learners listen for information being changed rather than individual words being changed. dear. Learner 2: John was cold. Example of fact. dear. as in the main game. It was snowing and the wind was blowing. it was our class. You are right. let students play it in groups or pairs. John was cold and … 4 Once the game is understood. Variation 1 What's wrong? 1 Tell a story (or describe a place or a situation or an experience) known to the learners and change some of the information. misrepresentation and correction Fact The class had their annual fancy dress party on the previous Friday and the teacher came as a witch … Misrepresentation by the teacher Last Thursday the fourth year classes had a Christmas party… Correction by a student It wasn't the fourth year classes. dear. and it was a fancy dress party. John was very cold . Yes. Teacher: Oh.. 48 . The learners should follow their copy of the text and immediately stop you when they notice one of the changes you have made. 4.. not very cold.4... I need some new glasses. 3 Pretend that you are very tired or can't see very well and apologise profusely.
running. e..g. and give the class a point when they respond correctly (by repeating something true or ignoring something false). Teacher: That's one point for you.. Teacher: (holding up a picture of someone running) He's running. if it is true. climbing has got . any in. then you might say that three or more learners must make a mistake in order for the class to lose a point. Note You might like to play the game twice using exactly the same material to see if the class score improves. Class: (The learners refuse to speak because it is not a picture of swimming.) Teacher: Another point for you. 2 You can have a competition with the class. swimming. Class: He's running. Give yourself a point every time you can get the class to repeat something that is untrue.Mainly listening 3. 49 . keep in mind that each one should emphasise a single concept.. / hasn't got . on. next to Procedure 1 Hold up one of the pictures and make a true or false statement about it.. under. Teacher: (holding up a picture of someone reading) She's swimming. When choosing your pictures. The class should listen and repeat what you have said.4 Repeat it if it is true Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE Evaluating the accuracy of oral statements about images Selecting statements to repeat after the teacher You will need 10–15 pictures big enough to be seen the length of the classroom. some. If you feel it is potentially discouraging to hold a single learner responsible for losing a point for the class.
Games for Language Learning 3.6 Bingo Family Language CONNECT: MATCH Listening for chosen words or phrases within a given topic. etc. Procedure 1 Display a number of pictures and then describe one of them. Examples of subjects you might describe Objects or people in the classroom Places or buildings in the town Famous people Stories or programmes on television CONNECT: COMPARE. Variation 1 Someone or something you know 1 Describe anything known to the learners – objects. a place. 3 The learners can then take over your role.5 Which picture is it? Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY Listening to descriptive language with the aim of identifying what is being described Describing a person. and reacting as they are heard Variation 1 Practising vocabulary by identifying definitions of words Variation 2 Listening for rhyming words and practising different phonetic combinations 50 . places. etc. people. sports. 3 Let the first learner to make the identification correctly take over your role. or part of one of them. an object. which relates to their experience and language level. 2 Invite the learners to identify the picture or detail you have described. describing something well enough for the class or their partner to identify it. 2 Ask them to identify what you have described. MATCH. You will need a collection of pictures. GROUP 3.
etc. and reads out the list to prove the claim. 19 and 90). Procedure 1 Show the learners how to make a Bingo grid – a rectangle about 10 cm x 15 cm divided into four parts (or more for older and/or more proficient learners).g. box/books. Alternatively. 2 Tell the learners to write down any four of the items (words or numbers) from the board on to their Bingo grid. totalling not more than about 25. and write them on the board. making a note of them as you do so. instead of numbers. The first learner to cross out all four items on their list calls out Bingo!.g. for instance: either sequences (e. 51 . You may choose to practise numbers.). pin/pen. brainstorm with learners on to the board a number of words related to an area of vocabulary you would like to revise. Or. If the learners hear a word that they have written in their Bingo grid they should cross it out. 3 Read out the words on the board in any order.g. 1–25) or a selection of numbers which present listening problems (e. This person is the winner. you may wish to use minimal pairs (e.Mainly listening Preparation Decide on a group of words that you wish to practise. 13 and 30.
Games for Language Learning To make the game more challenging, you might want to put each item into a sentence, so that the learners must listen carefully for the words they have chosen, for example, Brenda lives at 19 Church Street. 4 If you wish, you could continue until you have read out all the words to enable all the learners to complete their grid and to be able to shout out Bingo!
More examples of items you can use in Bingo Phonetics: For example, you read out mouth; they cross out mouth but not mouse. Opposites: For example, you read out big and they cross out small.
Variation 1 Bingo definitions
Choose a set of words you would like the learners to revise, for example, clothing, office equipment, food, etc., and write these words on the board. Be prepared to give a definition of each word chosen.
1 Ask the learners to choose and to write down four of the words from the board. 2 Call out definitions of the words in random order. Learners cross out items on their list as they hear the corresponding definitions. For example, if the topic is clothing, and one of the words is mittens, you might say: You wear these outside in the winter to keep your hands warm. Learners with mittens on their list should cross it off. 3 When the learners are familiar with this variation of Bingo you can ask them to prepare a topic. They should choose from 10 to 20 words from a topic and write out a definition of each word. In order to ensure that other learners hear correct English, you might like to look at each learner's definitions and to correct them if necessary. The learners then carry out the activity with the rest of the class. Variation 2 Bingo rhyming words
Decide on which phonetic combinations you would like the learners to focus on, for example the sounds /a /, //; /ks/, /ɒ/
1 Introduce the game by writing on the board examples of words containing the sounds you have chosen. Have a different column for each 52
Mainly listening sound. Invite examples of rhyming words. For example, you might write box. Learners may suggest the following rhyming words: fox, chicken pox, locks, socks, rocks. 2 Ask the learners to choose and write down four of the words, each word containing a different sound. 3 Read out a list of words, some of which should contain the examples on the board and some not. The first learner to hear and tick off each of his or her four words is the winner. Make sure you keep a record of the words you have read out so that you can check the winner's claim to be the first with all of his or her words crossed out. Variation 3 Learner Bingo grid 1 Divide the class into groups of four to six. Each group represents a Bingo grid. Each learner represents one word. 2 When a learner hears his or her word called, he or she sits down. Note For more uses of Bingo see 7.17 Bingo grammar.
ORDER 3.7 Most important – least important
Family Language Preparation
ORDER Writing dictated sentences and ranking them (subjectively or objectively) in order, from most to least important Make a list of five sentences, keeping the learners' interests and concerns in mind. For example, in a business English class, you might want to use quotes from famous business entrepreneurs.
Procedure 1 Dictate five sentences. Tell the learners that they should think about the meaning and decide if they are important, not very important, or totally unimportant. If they are important, the learners should write them at the top of the page; if only slightly important, they should be written in the middle; and if unimportant, at the bottom of the page. 2 Then ask the learners to number each of the sentences they have written in the order of importance for them.
Games for Language Learning 3 Next, tell them to take a different colour pen and number the sentences again according to the order in which they think their neighbour might have placed them. 4 Finally, ask learners to compare their 'guessed order' with their neighbour's 'real order' and discuss the reasons for their choices.
Example Teachers must know a lot about their subject. Teachers must help all the students equally. Teachers must be kind and fair. Teachers must be very strict. Teachers must be friendly.
Note This activity combines all the characteristics of traditional dictation but involves an appreciation of (and response to) meaning. It is a technique that invites a follow-up discussion. Acknowledgement We first came across this idea in a Mario Rinvolucri workshop. See Dictation by Paul Davis and Mario Rinvolucri, Cambridge University Press 1988.
3.8 Put the story in order
Family Language Preparation
ORDER Writing a series of sentences dictated in random order, predicting and then determining their correct order You will need a text in which the sentences are in a clear order. Write your own text, or find one, e.g. a joke, a description of an event, etc. Tailor your choice of text to fit with the interests and concerns of the learners. For example, for a business English class, you may want to use 10 stages in developing a selling campaign.
Procedure 1 Dictate the sentences of the chosen text out of sequence. 2 Encourage the learners to predict whether the sentence is from the beginning, the middle or the end of the text, and to write the sentences 54
Mainly listening correspondingly at the top, in the middle or at the bottom of the page. Then ask them to number each sentence according to the order they think the text is in. 3 Ask the learners to compare their sentence order with that of their neighbour, then reveal the true order.
An example of a story you might like to dictate. Dictate the sentences below out of sequence. A man in Manchester had a vintage Jaguar car. It was very old and valuable. He loved it. One day he parked it in town and went shopping. When he returned he found a big dent in one door. He also found a note under the windscreen wiper. He read the note. 'Dear owner of the lovely Jaguar. My car hit your car. I am very sorry. I am writing this note because I want people to think that I am giving you my name and address. I am not a fool.'
CREATE 3.9 Visualise and describe
Family Language
CREATE Listening to a story for gist and detail Responding to the story subjectively, seeing mental pictures, then describing them in writing Choose or write a bare-bones story, i.e. one with very little description. You could, if you wish, provide some soft music.
Procedure 1 Read or tell a story to the class, who must sit with their eyes closed and imagine what you are describing. Read quietly, perhaps against a background of quietly playing music. 2 Every so often, stop and ask them to look, listen and feel in their minds for images of what you are describing. Give them two minutes to write down the answer to the question you ask about what they saw or heard or felt. Give each of your questions a number. 55
etc. etc.. . (4) (5) . singing or silent? 7 How do they feel? (crying / smiling / laughing / happy / angry / sad / surprised. It is the evening time... thin trees? (tall / dead / broken branches / leaves / bushes / grass / stones / rocks / stream..) 8 What happens next? (then / next / suddenly... etc.) 6 How are they coming? Walking or running? Quickly or slowly? Shouting. (3) .) 56 . .) 4 Who has come out of the house? Is it a man or a woman or a child? Or something else? 5 What do they look like? (old man / big man / like a mountain / thin / fat / long hair. etc.. (6) (7) ... Here is an example of a bare bones story with suggested questions below Close your eyes. etc.. .. Somebody is coming out of the house. ask the learners to work together and to exchange answers to each of your questions.) 3 What is the house like? Is it big or small? What colour is it? (stone / plaster / cracks / hole in the roof / broken chimney / broken windows / dark / lit windows / curtains / door / wood / painted / flower boxes / neat garden / grass / flowers / hens.. (1) (2) .... old trees or young.) 2 What colour is the sky? Is it dark or light? (sunset / red / orange / purple / clouds / storm / gale / wind / lightning.. In the wood there is a house – a strange house. inviting comparisons of different perceptions across the class. And now? What happens? . Imagine you are in a wood..) 4 Go through the questions again. (The numbering will help them to share responses to the same question. The stories can be displayed and the class invited to read each story and to vote for the strangest story of all. (8) You can ask the learners questions about what they saw and you can give them prompt words: 1 Are the trees big. They are coming towards you.. etc.Games for Language Learning 3 When the story is finished. 5 Later the learners might write up their notes as a story. .
writing. etc. However.Mainly listening Notes • 'Visualisation' is the word commonly used to refer to seeing pictures. • See also 1. • A few people cannot see pictures in their minds with any clarity. diagrams.. this does not prevent them from writing a description from their general imagination. in the mind.11 Visualisation. 57 .
marking the texts for errors of form. then the writer finds out if the reader was engaged. The games in this section assume this close relationship between form and communicative purpose. In this way form can be related to communication. the teacher. GUESS.4 Mainly writing There are different reasons for writing in the foreign language classroom: • We can see.e. Writing. IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE. If there is a response from a reader. advising. very readily. • Many who are visual learners need to write in order to engage their way of learning … they need to see the language. like speaking.1 True and false essays Family Language IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE Recognising or attempting to work out the definitions of words and to distinguish true definitions from false ones Using a dictionary to find the definitions of words Using a wide range of language to write plausible false definitions for real (and possibly imaginary) words 58 . is normally intended to communicate something to somebody. • Learners can be made aware of the many different purposes for writing in society: describing. i. This is the traditional and still useful role for writing. Writing with this purpose means that it is relevant even for learners who take no written examinations. narrating. the learners' proficiency level: what language items the learners can use correctly and what mistakes they make. It is thus an advantage if writing activities in the classroom result in someone reading the texts that the learners write and then responding to them in an appropriate way. You can then help the writer to reflect on his or her communicative success. the choice of words and the arrangement of them. was able to follow the ideas. or lack of success. and was able to appreciate the points made in the text. SPECULATE 4. rather than just you. etc. deriving from the form.
tell them to consult their dictionaries and check for themselves. 2 Invite the pairs to exchange their strips of paper and try to group them into true and untrue statements. and a sentence exemplifying its meaning and use. Variation 2 True and false dictation 1 Organise the class into pairs. ask groups of learners to do this preparation cooperatively. and ask the learners to decide which one they think is correct. complete with definition and exemplifying sentence. Variation 1 True and false sentences 1 Organise the class into pairs. 3 Once the class is accustomed to the game. Variation 3 True and false definitions Preparation Find a word unfamiliar to the learners. ask individual learners to prepare one true and two or three false definitions of words as well as exemplifying sentences for the rest of the class. Alternatively. Ask each pair to write ten statements on separate strips of paper. some which are true and some which are not. permit the mixing-in of an imaginary word. into the series of genuine words. and tell them that each essay must contain five things that are not true. 59 . then invite the writer to read it to the whole class. 2 Invite each learner to read at least three essays. as well as two or three false but plausible definitions and exemplifying sentences for the same word. and try to find the five untrue bits of information in each one. a definition of it. 2 Invite the pairs to take turns dictating their sentences to the rest of the class. and try to find the five things together. Provide dictionaries for the learners. 4 To add complexity and fun. or the learners agree to differ. who should write them down and decide which are true and which are not. 3 If it proves difficult to find the five untrue bits of information in a particular essay. some true and some false. 2 Once a decision has been reached. 1 Read all your definitions and sentences to the class.Mainly writing Procedure 1 Ask each learner to write an essay based on descriptions of real places and/or events. This could well be done for homework. Ask each pair to write five sentences.
you may want to draw a picture of him/her before writing the description. 2 Ask the learners to study your description of the bank robber and to make a large drawing of him or her on the poster. His right ear is as big as a plate. His left eye is very small and his right eye is very wide.2 Draw the bank robbers Family Language Preparation DESCRIBE Defining the appearance of a person in writing using descriptive language Reacting to written descriptions of physical appearance by drawing the characters described Provide a copy of a description of a fictional bank robber for each pair of learners. When inventing your bank robber. Procedure 1 Tell the learners to write WANTED at the top of a piece of A4 paper. His left eyebrow is longer than his right eyebrow and it is nearer to his eye.) Here is an example of the kind of description you might provide: He has got a very small head. 60 . His left ear is small and like a cup. (Don't let the learners see your drawing of the robber. His head is the shape of a pear. but do not show the picture to the learners. His eyebrows are very bushy like hairy caterpillars.Games for Language Learning DESCRIBE 4. if you did one.
Tell the learners to decide which picture they want to describe. 1 Show the four pictures all at once to the whole class. 7 Ask pairs to give this second description to one last pair. They should then try to identify which picture has been described. in turn. who try to make an accurate drawing of the person described. 5 Ask each pair to exchange their description with another pair. (substance) It's used for eating / fighting / working / feeding dogs. Examples of language items the learners might find useful It's red/green/brown with white spots. 4 Invite pairs to invent a bank robber of their own and write a description of him or her. (shape) It's made of wood / metal / rubber / plastic. who write a description of the person based on the drawing. asking at least three other learners to read their text and to see if they can identify which object has been described. Help the learners to appreciate the need for precision. 6 Tell each pair to pass the new drawing to yet another pair of learners. 10 seconds. 2 Ask each learner to write a description of one of the objects. 2 Encourage the learners to mill around. Variation 2 Describe an object 1 Brainstorm a list of objects on to the board. and not to let anyone else know their choice. to read their description. to look closely at it. and then (from memory) to write a description of it. Variation 1 Describe from memory Preparation Find four pictures of people who look somewhat similar. 3 Tell the learners to mill around. (owner) 61 . Give them a short period of time. guided by your description of your robber. 8 Invite learners to display and compare the sets of drawings and texts. e. (size) It's round / square / long. asking three other learners. (purpose) It belongs to Harry / an old man / a young woman.Mainly writing 3 Display all the drawings and discuss those that do not tally with the description. (colour) It's big / small / very small / smaller than a bottle top.g. who must try to make an accurate drawing of the person described. Set a time limit for this.
) Examples of other 'describe-and-do' activities Learner A describes a fantasy animal.) More advanced descriptions might proceed along the following lines: People may like an object or a situation or other person. Learner B draws an exact plan and location of each object. Learner B draws a street map plus features which are important in finding the way.g. It is made of wood and it is painted white. (Love. Teacher. Learner A describes an event or film or an institution or abstract concept and Learner B identifies it.) Or: It is a rectangle. Learner B represents the scene and actions with three-dimensional objects. but sometimes they may have a much stronger feeling. and the situation is that the teenager was given permission to come home at midnight. Learner B draws the route and the things which can be seen. (These four words describe a chalkboard. For example. but came home at two o'clock in the morning. e. Learner A describes his or her room. the other a teenage child.3 Bouncing dialogue Family Language CREATE Writing dialogue using role play and a wide range of language Procedure 1 Ask learners to work in pairs to create a dialogue between two characters.Games for Language Learning Note Even beginners can write descriptions by listing single words or short phrases. Learner A describes a route through a town. a box representing a house. and then carries out the actions. for example Green. Sometimes this strong feeling is positive in its effect and sometimes negative. It has a handle and a lock. one learner can be a parent. (A door. Write. Learner A describes a scene and a simple series of actions. Learner A describes a journey through the countryside. 62 . CREATE 4. Draw. an eraser representing a person. Learner B draws it.
might respond: Son: Dad! I can explain! Father: OK! I always enjoy your explanations! Son: But Dad! It really wasn't my fault. Example of a dialogue between father and son The first line written by Learner 1.Mainly writing 2 Tell the learners that they must not speak. Notes • You can add to the amount of work done by asking each pair to bounce two different dialogues between each other at the same time. I was … etc. Other ideas for bouncing dialogues Parent and teenage child discussing: Raising pocket money Bad behaviour reports from school Bullying Famous people discussing: What it is like to be famous Fictional characters discussing: The differences between their experiences and points of view The learners as themselves discussing: Learning English What they would like to be doing if they were not in school A totally fictional exciting experience The learners adopting names and characters and chatting as if on the Internet. acting as the father. might be: Father: So there you are! And Learner 2. • You could use MSN Messenger or Skype on the Internet so that your learners can actually chat to each other on the Internet. acting as the son. 63 . ask volunteers to act out their dialogue to the whole class. 3 Finally. but only read silently and write in response as they bounce the dialogue to and fro between them.
Either leave the cards blank and have the learners prepare them as explained below. at the same time. using a wide range of language (optional) Display three pictures on the classroom wall.g. but will all be related in theme through their relation to the same pictures. 1 You determine the amount of time allowed for reading the text already written and adding a sentence to it by ringing a bell and insisting that the text bounce back immediately.g. who each add a line and pass the paper to their right. 3 Instead of adding a sentence.5 Bouncing letters Family Language Preparation CREATE Writing creative letters using role play You will need one card per learner. Here are some conditions you might like to specify. and a box or other container to hold the cards. Julius Caesar) and/or famous fictional characters (e. Procedure 1 Brainstorm the names of famous people (e.4 Bouncing stories Family Language Preparation CREATE Writing a story collaboratively.Games for Language Learning 4. even if the sentence is only half written. for example. The stories will all be different in detail. the text can bounce along a line of learners. Procedure Invite learners to get into pairs and silently bounce two stories between them. 4 Instead of bouncing between two learners. before finally being returned to the learner who wrote the initial sentence. you can specify that the learners are only allowed to add a single word to the story before passing it back again. 2 You insist on all the stories relating to three pictures that you display on the board. or – to save time and keep up the tempo of the game – write the name of a different famous person or fictional character on each one. Give 64 . all passing the text they have initiated to their right. each one adding a sentence to the text passed to them by their partner. Mickey Mouse) with the learners. in which case it must be continued by the partner. It should go through about eight people. two normal-sized envelopes per learner (optional). 4.
Ask if they have it and if you can borrow it: May I ask if you have a .. job. 5 Ask for volunteer letter carriers.. asking to borrow something. for example. for example. 4 Tell the learners to assume their 'secret identity' and write a letter – in character – to the person named on the second card they took. You might like to specify the theme of the letter. For example: Letter carrier: (calling out the name on the letter) Julius Caesar! Julius Caesar: Here! 6 Let the learners open and read their letters. then ask each learner to take a card once again. Examples of a letter structure and some useful phrases to write on the board Introduce yourself: name.? May I borrow it? Say how long you want it for: I would like to borrow it for . Give them the letters and ask them to find the people they are addressed to.... Put the cards in a box (or bag or hat).Mainly writing a small blank card to each learner as they suggest a name and ask them to write it on the card... then I will be very grateful and I would like to . but it is very difficult because I haven't got a .. Continue in this way until there is one completed card per learner. for example. then learners should say either that the sender may borrow the object requested and what the 65 . a structure for their letter and other support.. Say how you will reward them: If you lend it to me. might happen. Say what you need and why it is important for you: I want to .. 7 Tell the learners to write back to the sender of the letter... Tell them to keep it secret! 3 Put the cards back in the box.. My name is ... etc: May I introduce myself. ten minutes.. according to their proficiency level. then . useful phrases. 2 Ask each learner to take a name card at random from the box to represent their new identity. If the theme of the letter was a request to borrow something. You may need to give the learners a format for writing letters. and set a time limit for letter-writing. If I can't . days/months/years.
Nobody will know. 4. an ambiguous picture similar to that on the next page. using a wide range of language Find. They like cats there. 8 9 10 11 Example of a letter from Julius Caesar to Mickey Mouse The palace Rome Dear Mickey. then invite some learners to read out both the letter they wrote and the letter they received. We learned this game from Michael Beaumont. 66 . It could be … It might be … It looks like … If the line is a road then the square could be a house. Who wants to be Emperor? Do you? May I borrow your cat-proof vest until the end of March? I will wear the vest under my toga. Julius P. give my love to Minnie! Note This is an opportunity to discuss the relatively formal style of the traditional letter in comparison with the informality of e-mail exchanges. Ask the letter carriers to deliver these answering letters.Games for Language Learning conditions will be or that the sender may not borrow the object and the reasons why not. I will give it back to you in April.6 Ambiguous picture story Family Language Preparation CREATE Speculating as to the subject of an ambiguous picture. Please. Please can you help me? Brutus and the others want to kill me. bind all the letters together in a book. Writing a story inspired by an ambiguous picture. I am sure they do.S. then I will export all the cats in Rome to Egypt. They think I want to be Emperor. using expressions of uncertainty. Finally. Best wishes. e. Let everyone open and read their letters. Display all the letters in pairs. If you lend me your vest. or draw. but I don't.g.
Learner 1: I think there is a flat field and there is a square house on it. 67 . Learner 3: It isn't! It's a square hole in a wall. 4 Invite the learners to mill about and read their finished stories to several other learners. Through questions.Mainly writing Procedure 1 Begin by asking the learners to say what they can see in the picture. Their reading might make them want to modify what they have written. 2 Take one of the interpretations and use questions to establish a story. then tell me about the room. Learner 2: No! It's a box in a room. 3 Then ask each learner to write the story beginning made by the class. Teacher: If it's a box in a room. Learner 2: It's in the cellar of the house and there is no window. Is it a big room or a little room? Learner 1: It's a little room. Learner 3: It's dark. but to finish the story in his or her own way. help the learners to establish the beginning of the story.
putting the ambiguous picture on the cover. 3 Display all the stories and have the class vote for the silliest one. then in half again.8 Story consequences Family Language CREATE Writing parts of a text. Give the book a title. Then. but allow learners to finish their stories later. A collection of stories by …. and in half one last time. but deprived of the ability to communicate with or see the contributions of one's co-authors Procedure 1 Divide the class into groups of eight players. refold the paper into zigzags.Games for Language Learning 5 Finally. perhaps for homework. The Mysterious Box. Here is an example based on Little Red Riding Hood: Little Red set off on her motorbike and went to the Pizza Max where she bought an extra large 'Four seasons' pizza for her grandmother. 4. for example. 68 .7 Rewrite a fairy story Family Language CREATE Rewriting a well known fairy story in a humorous. creative way Procedure 1 Ask the learners to rewrite a well-known fairy tale and to be as funny as they can possibly be. She bought an extra large pizza because she liked pizzas herself. If you have smaller groups then some of the learners must write two sentences or more. 4. Ask one learner from each group to fold a piece of paper in the same way. guided by cues as to general purpose. collect all of the stories and publish them as a book. 2 Encourage each learner to read his or her story to at least three other learners in turn. like the squeezy parts of a concertina or accordion. 2 Demonstrate how to fold a piece of A4 paper into eight strips: fold the paper in half. making all the folds parallel. guided by the resulting creases. Set a time limit.
until all eight contributions have been added. The last player has the task of unfolding the concertina and reading out loud to the others the full text of the little story that results. and so on. i. the topmost panel. The first player writes their contribution on the first panel of the concertina. so that no one else can see what was written. folding the panel over when they are done.e. then the third.Mainly writing 3 Explain that the game proceeds as follows. The story is guided by the following formula. The player should do this quietly and secretly. Next. the second player follows suit. which prescribes what each player should contribute: Fold 1 Fold 2 Fold 3 Fold 4 Fold 5 Fold 6 Fold 7 Fold 8 (time) … (place) … X (male character's name) met … Y (female character's name) He said … She said … The consequence was … and … Example 69 .
.. (resolution). if (name) says he/she will . (resolution). Example 4.Games for Language Learning Variation 1 New Year's resolutions In many countries it is customary. verb. and the fifth starts with if only and expresses a wish. guided by instructions as to the parts of speech (e. will .g. The idea of the 'New Year's Resolution' provides a basis for a variation of the above Story consequences game. adjective. noun. simile) to be included in each line Procedure Challenge the learners to write a five-line poem in which the first line is a noun. adverb) and figures of speech (e. the fourth begins with like and presents a comparison.. 2 Ask each group to make a four-part concertina (see main game) and add to it in turns. 1 Divide the class into groups of five learners. the second is two adjectives (joined by and) which describe the noun.9 Five-line poem Family Language CREATE Writing a five-line poem on any subject. Fold 1 Fold 2 Fold 3 Fold 4 I. (name). on New Year's Day.g. 3 Invite the fifth learner to read the complete text to the class. 70 .. the third is a verb and an adverb to describe the noun in action. to promise improved behaviour for the following year.
particularly objects collected on a journey or on an evening out.Mainly writing Here is an example by Sven Grüner. 8 A scrap of paper with 'petrol £25' written on it. (Alternatively the whole class could work from the same objects. 10 A beer mat with a name and number on it. and writing a report explaining the motivations behind their comings and goings. 4 A small brown paper bag from China. 2 Travel agency receipt. Provide a small collection of these objects or photocopies of objects for each group of about 6 learners.) Here is an example of a collection made at the end of a journey overseas: 1 Air ticket Manchester–Copenhagen–Oslo.10 What's in his pocket? Family Language Preparation CREATE Tracing somebody's movements over a number of days. 6 A postcard of the mermaid in Copenhagen. a Norwegian student: 4. 5 An envelope addressed to Norway with the stamp torn off. stamped but unused. 9 Two tickets for an art gallery. based purely on physical evidence Expressing oneself in writing using varying degrees of certainty Make a collection of any objects which could be carried in someone's pockets. 7 A list of 16 strangely assorted objects. You may wish to ask the learners to help you to make a collection of such objects. Invite the learners to behave like detectives examining physical 71 . 3 Various exchange slips from banks. Procedure 1 Either divide the class into groups and give each group a collection of objects (see above) or let the whole class work from the same collection of objects.
read out and display what they would say. Your government has given you a statement to read but you can say something of your own. 2 Ask the learners to prepare a full written account of what they have deduced about the identity and comings and goings of the owner of the objects. whom they have met. who lives at 12 Bielfeeld Road. Note If you use objects from a situation or journey you were on. the written accounts may be compared and displayed. or are familiar with. what their interests are. The ticket was for a flight from Manchester to Oslo via Copenhagen. 3 If all groups refer to the same objects. M2 OBH. 3 Have the class vote for the funniest. then the aim can be for the learners to hypothesise a description that is as near to the truth as possible.. what they have done. on 12 July. 72 . too. 4. and the most moving speeches. You have twenty-five words before the censors cut you off. etc. where they have been. the most serious.. (You might like to change this so that the statement is for the inhabitants of Venus to hear. Manchester. They should try to find out who the objects belong to. being sure to back up their claims with references to the pieces of evidence. While he was in Norway he met someone who had been to China (the bag appears to be genuinely from China) . bought an air ticket from Delta Travel Agency. Example of a written statement based on various objects Mr A.) 2 Encourage the learners to write. etc. Wright. Manchester. The whole planet Earth is waiting to see you and to hear what you say live on TV. who the person is.11 Speaking to the world Family Language CREATE Using a wide range of language to write a short speech Procedure 1 Tell the learners: You are the first person to arrive on Venus.Games for Language Learning evidence.
and ask the learners to copy the map into their notebooks. Draw it as big as you can. They must try to survive during that time. distances. so it can be displayed for all the class to see. rivers. lakes. 3 Introduce the idea of adventures on the island. if you wish the game to last longer). South is at the bottom. For example: Teacher: Draw an island on the board. Discuss and agree with them what provisions and tools they should take with them. etc. in which they will continue the adventure. West is on the left. guided by questions with a focus on geography (directions. mountains. Tell them that they will keep a travel journal in which they make entries including the date and time. How long is your island? Are there any mountains or hills on your island? Where are they? So the mountains are in the north of the island.12 Create an island Family Language Preparation CREATE Creating a map of a fantasy island. East is on the right.Mainly writing 4. copy it on to a large piece of paper (A1 or A2). North is at the top. as 73 . 4 Ask the learners to form groups of two or three. Procedure 1 Invite the learners to create a fantasy island on the board and help them by guiding them with statements and instructions. Begin by saying that you are the captain of a ship that is going to put them on shore and come back for them in a week (or more. and can be re-used in future lessons. How high are they? Has your island got any rivers? Where does the river begin and where does it finish? Has your island got any lakes/marshes/forests? Are there any villages/castles or other special places on your island? 2 Once the island is created on the board. And they are about five kilometres across.) Writing a travel journal describing travels and adventures using a wide range of language Adapting the travel journal into a story form Working collaboratively You will need a large sheet of paper (A1 or A2).
Games for Language Learning 74 .
2 Show the learners the two photos of people that you have selected. The map can be used again and again in reference and in full activities over the following months. adding to the sense of adventure and intrigue by singeing the paper. • Such an island becomes an important part of the learners' lives and a source of increasing creativity and a reason for writing as well as for reading. 4. hear. and tell them that these are the central characters. speaking. photos. listening and cooperating as a class. For younger learners you may prefer to choose two soft toys. 5 When their journey is over.13 Create a soap opera Family Language Preparation CREATE Using as wide a range of language as possible to continuously or periodically create and share a core of characters and episodes in their lives. sources of danger or fun or food. or letting it suddenly stop in mid sentence to show that the journey ended prematurely for these unfortunate travellers. buildings. the personality of the characters. after a week (or whatever other duration you chose at the beginning of the game). have the learners write their full story and draw a map to show their exact route. Residents can be introduced and their characters and concerns built up over the months. feel. tearing it. Learners might even want to display their notes. Notes • The potential of the created island is considerable. say. etc. Ask questions to establish an identity.Mainly writing well as notes about what they see. dropping stains on it. • Details can be added. as the 'series' progresses. Encourage the 75 . and the creative contributions of other learners Choose two photos of people as the starting point. and the situations which occur. etc. guided by questions. Display their maps and stories. names of characters. personality and concerns about each of them according to the learners' language level and level of sophistication. perhaps on separate paper: caves. you or the learners may wish to introduce other materials. Tell the learners that they will be creating a soap opera. Procedure 1 Discuss with the learners what they know about soap operas: titles.
a holiday. She is very warm. sex. for example. but he isn't. He wants people to think that he is intelligent. use of language. you might like to suggest that the learners think of a few aspects of the personality. pets. friendly and helpful. She is very ambitious. real objects) for homework which illustrate different aspects of the protagonists' lives. Any changes that do occur must be brought about through the forces of experience in the lives of the characters. He can't stop stealing things. This will act as a guiding model for the learners when they invent their own person. a house. etc. Emphasise that they must come to a consensus and may not arbitrarily change the information about the characters. successes. Examples of further character detail She is very pretty but not intelligent. a car. Write on a poster what the class has agreed about each aspect. She likes animals more than people. She is jolly and always singing. He is a bully and he is dangerous. In order to develop a feeling for character and the influence of character on the development of the story. He is very lazy. food/music preferences. concerns. friends. He lives in his dreams. appearance and abilities for each character. family. 3 Ask the learners to find pictures (or. 4 Display these photographs and real objects together with the pictures of the characters. etc. Further characteristics might be added: aspects of the character's personality and behaviour. job. in some cases. She works very hard. It is better not to imitate an existing soap opera. frustrations.Games for Language Learning learners' inclination to make the characters serious portrayals of real people or to create fantasy people. hobbies. 76 . Examples of character identity A character can be created based on age. Discuss and agree on the appropriate information about these aspects according to the learners' language level.
He is frightened of all animals and birds. Example of later descriptions He pretends that he is confident. 8 After this activity the learners can make a relationship diagram and write a description of the relationships. They can also write a letter to 77 . He can't sleep at nights. to choose a picture of him or her. exchange names and ask for other information and decide whether they want to be friends or not with each of the others. but really he is always worried. He is 25 years old. and to write down his or her particulars. This must be in their Soap Opera book. 6 Extend the community by asking each pair or group of learners to create another protagonist. Example of the first few lines of description His name is Henry Coconut. Discuss how the new characters might relate to the central protagonists. then introduce their character to the rest of the class. 7 The learners can then walk about in the class holding the picture of their character in front of them and pretending to be that character. He has nightmares. He lives with his mother. They can represent the two protagonists by their names.Mainly writing 5 The learners make a copy of this poster in their Soap Opera books. They meet other characters.
record everything in the Soap Opera book. contemporary issues. Again. It might be a city district. how they interact. Copies must be kept in their Soap Opera books. based on your teaching programme and in accordance with the living drama the class has created. said and did. invitations. industry. flora and fauna. 10 Introduce an event. what will happen next. which can be real. or a small town or a village. telling them about their meeting and why it was important to them. what stories they have to tell. for example. young and old generations in conflict about modernising versus preserving traditions Examples of ways of using writing in a class soap opera Creating a book of the characters. graffiti Writing a book of ghost stories set in the community Writing a history of the community and area Writing dialogues for particular events in preparation for video or audio recording Writing a journal about the characters and events Creating a real website for this fictitious community 78 .) relationships in the community: families. places and events Sending letters from one character to another Writing a community newspaper Designing posters.g. Help the learners explore what the different people do. find or draw pictures. with the learners.Games for Language Learning some of the others. It might be on an island. enemies dramatic events affecting the characters. 11 Decide. These are some of the topics you might introduce Creating … a village. history. Decide where each person lives. the electricity supply for the town breaks down. epidemic) differences in the community about issues. town or city district for the community (the topography. etc. what they thought. etc. natural disaster and its effect (flooding. 9 Discuss and agree on a place for these people to live. and record these in the Soap Opera book. Draw plans and maps. friends. You can help by asking questions about where the characters were. e. felt. e. etc. how they were affected. Ask the learners to write articles about the event for the local newspaper.g.
newspapers. there is no reason why parts of these dramas cannot be extracted and produced as video soap opera episodes. e-mails. • Many learners are familiar with this idea through computer games which allow the players to create characters and places and to create dramas with them. websites. Please note that in this game the learners are not primarily actors but creators of the characters and the dramas. • You. they can blend realism and fantasy in any way they wish.). It can be played at any language level. • This game offers a wonderful opportunity to recycle language and to introduce new language items. It also offers a natural context for all skills including writing and reading (letters. etc. there is an enormous feeling of good will. However.Mainly writing Notes • The procedure given here is one of the many ways in which a fictitious community can be established and the dramas created. • Because they are creating together. might like to use such an idea only occasionally or you might like to make it a complete alternative to the course textbook … or somewhere in between! 79 . party invitations. • Because the learners create the community and the drama. as the teacher.
when they search a text for some particular item in it. When writing or choosing sentences. The games in this section involve the learners in looking for and responding to meaning rather than responding to a text in a formal way. their feelings and their ideas. Alternatively. DRAW. that is to say. but also allow revision of a particular language point. or you could write them yourself. namely skimming for gist. MIME.5 Mainly reading We normally read in order to get information that is relevant to us. The games call for a manifested response. you may wish to favour ones that not only offer practice in skimming and scanning.1 What's my mime? Family Language Preparation DO: MIME Showing understanding of a text by miming it Skimming and scanning a series of texts to find one corresponding to actions being mimed Scanning a text for a particular language point (optional) Writing texts that focus on actions (with special attention to verbs and possibly combinations of verb tenses) Display on the board a list of sentences that express actions which could be mimed. Procedure 1 Reveal or distribute the list of sentences to the learners. rather than just a response that is private. Our practical reading skills are sponsored and developed by this aim. a response in which the learners do something to communicate to others their understanding. 2 Invite learners to take it in turns to mime any sentence on the list. and scanning. Two important skills are concentrated on. DO: MOVE. OBEY 5. The sentences could be written by the learners. when the learners find out at speed what content a text contains. 80 . Encourage the learners watching the mime to try to identify what is being mimed and then scan the list to find which sentence is referred to. give a photocopy of the list to each learner.
A boy is playing football. IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE. where learners walk around a line of chairs (one chair for each person) listening to music. Examples of more complex actions A waiter was carrying many plates of food on both arms when he fell over a child. One chair is removed and then the music stops and all the learners try to sit down.Mainly reading Examples of simple actions A man is walking. • There is a musical chairs version of this game. SPECULATE 5. An old man was reading a book when he heard his mobile phone and he looked for it in his pocket. The one learner who cannot sit down not only loses his seat. but must also mime one of the sentences before being out of the game. A girl finds some money on the ground. GUESS. A woman is swimming. A young woman was walking along the road when she saw a friend on the opposite pavement. Notes • This game can also be played in pairs.2 Telepathy (texts) Family Language IDENTIFY: GUESS Main game Creating and concentrating on mental imagery in response to texts skimmed for gist Attempting to 'read' the imagery in another learner's mind Variation 1 Skimming texts for gist in order to find the most 81 .
whether they believe in telepathy or not. in turn. 2 Display the texts you have chosen and ask for a volunteer. Either display these on the wall or board or provide a photocopy for each learner. and concentrate on it as hard as they can. (In this game it is remarkable how everyone wants to listen to everyone else.Games for Language Learning important one. lines from a poem. to try to guess which text was chosen. then to determine which one might be the most important to each of a number of other learners You will need four or five short texts. etc. If you (as we. ask the learners to read out their chosen text. Decide together whether the learners were successful in mind reading! Discuss whether the experiment proved or disproved the possibility of telepathy. Tell the volunteer to choose one of the texts. principles. headlines. then say so to the class. wise sayings. 5 Ask someone to stand by the board and to keep track of the number of votes for each text. Allow two minutes for this part of the game. 3 Invite the rest of the class. points from a set of notes. in an attempt to transmit telepathically to the rest of the class which text they are thinking of. 82 .) do not believe in telepathy. 6 When the votes have been counted. brief quotations. Good sources are: proverbs. Everyone wants to be right!) You may prefer to give each text a number and to ask the learners to refer to the text they chose by number. Preparation Procedure 1 Say that you intend to carry out an experiment to test telepathic communication. 4 After two minutes. ask the volunteer to say which text he or she was thinking of. picture it in their mind. the authors. Each learner should write down the text they have guessed.
The learners do not have to try to read the text word by word.5 Telepathy (pictures). Slowly build up the complete text with them. or on a large piece of paper. indications as to its general meaning. then find out who made the most correct predictions. Flash the text as many times as you feel is fun and effective.Mainly reading Note This game can also be played to practise the present continuous – see 7.3 Flashing a text Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY: GUESS Predicting the contents of a text based on brief glances at its contents. Procedure 1 Flash your chosen text at great speed. based in this case on empathetic understanding. and make no comment about whether it is correct or not. on the board. not on an attempt to read their minds. if you are using an OHP. For example. swing a book between the projector and the screen. 83 . Variation 1 Guess the preferences of others 1 Display the five texts you have chosen and ask each of the learners to decide which one they think is the most important. but may call out any part of the text that they have seen. To make the game easier you may tell them the topic of the text. 5. giving the learners only a split second's view of the text between swings. as well as familiarity with word order and the habitual grouping of certain words Display a short text on an OHP transparency. 2 Encourage the learners to guess at what has been seen. 3 Let the learners check their predictions. This makes the game challenging. 2 Ask each learner to try to guess which text each of the other learners in their group might have chosen. especially the first few times you reveal it.
Procedure 1 Reveal a text word by word. or you might like to have the words on cards and to prop them. for example the start of a children's story. or write it word by word on the board. 84 . a travel book. one by one. a children's book. a tombstone? Who wrote it? What kind of readers is the text written for? How does the writer want to affect the reader? Notes • You may like to write the questions about the whole text on the board and to ask the learners to work together in pairs on their answers. Examples of questions you might ask as the text is revealed What does the word mean? What sort of word is it? (noun. article. contents. You can show it on the overhead projector. on the shelf at the bottom of the board. verb. a holiday brochure. • If you use cards. 2 As you progressively reveal the text. a publicity leaflet. a letter.4 Texts word by word Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY: SPECULATE Speculating about the meaning. nature and purpose of a partially hidden text You will need a short text. source.Games for Language Learning 5. ask questions about the possible meanings of each word exposed and its relationship with the words already revealed. a financial institution statement.) What word(s) might come next? Examples of questions you might ask when some or all of the text has been revealed What is the source of the text? Is it from a magazine. Also ask questions to encourage the learners to speculate about the origin and purpose of the text. you can place a mark on the top of the card to represent the position of the word within the sentence. etc.
Alternatively. before picking them up. object or scene / a written description of him/her/it photographs / matching dialogue cartoon / caption (cut from comics. A simple way to do this is to invite them to muddle all the cards face up and then see how quickly they can pair them together. etc. and help them become familiar with the pairs.) Examples of text pairs word / definition quotation / author photo (from a magazine) of a person. 3 The first players in all the pairs then pick up two of the cards. 2 Ask the learners to shuffle the cards and lay them face down so that the pictures and/or writing on the cards cannot be seen. The pairs of cards can relate to each other in a range of ways. For example (if playing with word / definition cards): 85 . ask the learners to make the cards themselves. It doesn't matter if the players see the cards being put down and if they try to remember where the pairs were placed.5 Pelmanism (reading) Family Language Preparation CONNECT: MATCH Skimming for gist in order to match pairs of cards Make a set of 10 pairs of cards for each group of three to four players.) riddle / solution question / answer action / purpose Procedure 1 Invite the learners to form groups of three or four. The latter is both time-saving for you and more involving for the learners.Mainly reading CONNECT: COMPARE. MATCH. If they think their cards match. Give each group a set of cards. GROUP 5. they make some appropriate comment to the others. according to the language needs of the learners. (See below for examples of different types of matching pairs.
Games for Language Learning 86 .
an argument. a letter. an envelope for each jumbled copy of the text. 6 This continues until all the cards have been paired off. It has photographs and articles. (turns over the card … if the picture and the text make a pair. (c) the degree to which pictures (if there are any) help to give the meaning of the text. 5 When two cards are picked up which do not match. Player 1: ORDER 5. 4 The game can be graded in difficulty by (a) the text you choose. keep the following in mind: 1 Your text may be an article. a joke. sentences or even half sentences. 2 You may wish to cut the text into paragraphs. the player keeps them and takes another turn. a poem. (b) the number of pieces you cut the text into. the player leaves them turned over) 4 If the others agree that the cards are a pair. You can buy it every week or every month. When choosing and cutting up your text. an essay.Mainly reading (pointing to the back of a card) Magazine! (turns over the picture … if it is a picture of a magazine then they leave it turned over) (pointing to the back of another card) A sort of thin book with a paper cover. then scanning for detail to confirm its accuracy You will need a short text cut into pieces and reproduced enough times for each group of learners to have a copy. verses. 3 Interest is added if you choose illustrated texts. a story. one complete copy of the text for the teacher. Then the next player has a turn. The player with the most pairs is the winner. 87 . etc.6 Jumbled texts Family Language Preparation ORDER Cooperatively sequencing pieces of a jumbled text. first skimming for meaning to establish a quick order. they must be shown to the other players and replaced in exactly the same position from which they were taken.
and listening to those of their fellow learners. perceived value. Predicting a fellow learner's order Explaining the reasons for one's choice of order Make a list of ten proverbs. so you can check that their sequence is correct. Provide ten strips of paper for each learner. to read out their piece of text. Variation 1 Stand in order Preparation Take a short text and cut it into as many pieces as there are learners. wise sayings or statements on large pieces of paper to display on the board. ask the learners. Procedure 1 Give each learner ten strips of paper. 3 When they are ready. 88 . Keep a copy of the complete text for yourself. reading out the words in their own piece of the text. wise sayings or statements on strips of paper on the board. in turn. etc. 2 Ask the groups to tell you when they are ready. Ensure that they are understood. 2 Put ten proverbs. 2 Invite the learners to walk about in the classroom. Note You can make the game more challenging by mixing two or more texts. 5. The first group to finish with a correct sequence is the winner. 1 Give one piece of the text to each learner. Give one envelope of jumbled text components to each group. Ask them to arrange themselves in a line or a circle according to the sequence in which they think their pieces appear in the text.7 Proverbs Family Language Preparation ORDER Ordering or ranking sentences according to personal importance.Games for Language Learning Procedure 1 Divide the class into groups of about four learners. then ask the learners to read each of the pieces and place them in the correct sequence.
It's never too late to learn. Examples of wise thoughts Only the educated are free. Every cloud has a silver lining. Don't count your chickens before they are hatched. fairly important and not so important. A barking dog never bites. but they have also to be left to educate themselves. The leopard does not change its spots. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. for example. then to rank them into the order of importance for them. Better safe than sorry. Alternatively. 4 Then invite each learner to guess the order in which their neighbour has ranked the proverbs. Encourage them to discuss the reasons motivating their choice of order or ranking. most important. You cannot have your cake and eat it. A hungry man is an angry man. but by education widely different.Mainly reading 3 Ask the learners to copy the sentences on to their strips of paper. By nature all people are alike. you may ask the learners to divide the statements into three groups. C. Boys will be boys. B. 89 . Examples of proverbs Actions speak louder than words. Curiosity killed the cat. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Don't cry over spilt milk. Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence. then the learners can very easily keep a note of their decisions about rank order. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. 5 Ask learners to compare their results and discuss the differences with their neighbours. Children have to be educated. Don't cross your bridges until you get to them. Art is long and life is short. A. If you identify each sentence by a letter. etc.
) You could also use: Quotations (quality of advice. This wonderful game derives from the classic resource book. The great difficulty in education is to get experience out of ideas. display one or more copies of the text on the classroom wall or on a table.Games for Language Learning Knowledge is power. and we don't trust our head enough. read it. dietary value) Friendship (characteristics) Social behaviour (characteristics) School rules Advice to young people Personal objects (car. 3 Explain the rules of the game as follows: Learner A must run to the text. To be able to enjoy one's past life is to live twice.8 Running dictation Family Language Preparation REMEMBER Memorising and dictating a text Recording a dictated text accurately in writing You will need a text printed on paper. by Paul Davis and Mario Rinvolucri. Procedure 1 Depending on the size of the class. Dictation. Information is thin stuff. etc. 2 Divide the learners into pairs and have each pair decide who will be Learner A and who will be Learner B. unless mixed with experience. You might play this game using statements from topics such as: Foods (preferences. and try to memorise as much of it as possible before running back 90 . We trust our heart too much. Cambridge University Press 1988. humour) Extracts of poems REMEMBER 5. mobile phone.
) Display the description on the wall so that learners can go and consult it. Alternatively. skimming at first. Learner A can run to the text as often as is necessary to complete dictating the whole text. 2 Ask the learners to return to their desks and draw a picture of what has been described. In an earlier lesson or homework you can ask them to write a description of the picture or map that you intend using in this game. in which case the learner can respond subjectively. 5. so that an accurate replica of the original might be expected. Choose one for use in the game. 4 Finally. Notes • The text can be an objective description of a person. who should record it in writing. Note The written descriptions might be prepared by the learners themselves. 4 Applaud the first pair to finish with no mistakes. you may prepare the text yourself. show the original picture or map upon which the description was based. 91 . then scanning for detail and memorising the essential points of the description.9 Memorise and draw Family Language Preparation REMEMBER Skimming a description of an image. Ask the learners whose picture or map is the most accurate replica. place or object. Keep the picture or map hidden from sight until the end of the game. Learner A should then dictate what they remember of the text to Learner B. for the general idea. or the description might be subjective. scanning it for detail. 3 Display all the pictures and discuss which relate well to the text and which less well. Procedure 1 Invite the learners to leave their desks and read the description posted on the wall. (See an example on the next page. Let them return to re-read the description as often as they need.Mainly reading to Learner B. then memorising it in order to draw the most accurate replica possible You will need a picture or a map and a written description of it. Correct their descriptions and ask the learners to rewrite them.
Games for Language Learning 92 .
Are they changes which don't change the sense significantly? Are the changes due simply to grammar mistakes? Making a detailed analysis of these changes can be a very subtle and informative activity. Then introduce this game as an example of how easily words and meanings can be confused and corrupted.10 Pass the message Family Language Preparation REMEMBER Reading a short text seen for a very brief time and writing it down as accurately as possible from memory Write a short message on a slip of paper. for example one of the following: 1 Please phone me this evening. 3 I will be waiting for you just outside the swing doors of the swimming pool at a quarter to nine. ask the last one to read out what they have written down. 7 If you want to get some intensive language work out of this game. should eventually reach the last learner. usually much changed. 5. each learner writing down the message they remember. and to show it to their neighbour for five seconds. feed the cat and lock the door. discuss why each of the changes might have occurred. Procedure 1 Show the message to someone sitting at the front and to one side of the class. to read out the message they passed on. then take it from them and keep it. 3 Carry on with your normal lesson as the message is passed from learner to learner. You might first consider discussing the prevalent and destructive nature of rumour with the class. every learner will have his or her text responded to and will get the feedback of the drawing as evidence of the success of his or her description. 6 Now ask all the learners. The message. 93 . in turn. Let this learner see the sentence for five seconds.Mainly reading • If you collect all the corrected descriptions and then hand them out again randomly. 4 When the message has been passed through all the learners. particularly for advanced students. 2 Don't forget to empty the washing machine. There will probably be cries of astonishment! 5 Then read out the message as it began. 2 Ask that learner to write the sentence as they remember it on a piece of paper.
2 I Spy and 6. but I don't know what it's called. it may be necessary to draw attention to the form of a word as well as its meaning.g. I think it's a … I know what it is. and identifying the speakers Variations 4–9 As in main game You will need about ten small objects of different shapes and sizes and a piece of cloth.10 Hangman spelling. For pair work.. for example.6 Mainly vocabulary and spelling We can communicate with vocabulary more readily than with grammar. you should provide enough objects and pieces of cloth. Variation 1 Describing objects and speculating about them Variation 2 Asking questions about objects and their owners Variation 3 Speaking whole sentences. IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE. etc. which must be large enough to cover four or five of the objects. but our aim in this section is to help the learners experience the meanings of the words in context by using them for purposes which matter to them. to keep all the learners occupied.1 Feely game Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY: GUESS. SPECULATE 6. and naming objects: What is it? It's a … Expressing uncertainty: I don't know. e. 6. Occasionally. It could be a … I'm not sure. Learning vocabulary must be based on attaching meaning to the word. and a few games in this section do that. 94 . I know what it's called in (Swedish). Meaning can be brought to the new word through translation. rather than just remembering the form of the word. but I don't know what it's called in English. SPECULATE Asking questions. a thin towel. Extending the learners' vocabulary is important. or a headscarf. lines from a song. right from the earliest stages. GUESS.
then it is not really a challenge to identify them by touch. • If you think that the learners. This will require the use of descriptive terms and the language of speculation.g. Note Instead of a covering cloth. 95 . pens/pencils. for example: Learner 1: Learner 2: Learner 1: Learner 3: Learner 1: (feeling the object) It's hard. so choose some which are similar to feel. can collect a sufficient number of objects. you may choose to conceal the objects for touching in a box or bag. plastic bags/paper bags. coins of different denominations. 3 Ask a learner to feel one of the objects through the cloth and to tell you what they think it is. the language of uncertainty might be used (see the information box above). e. Let the learner remove the object to see if they were correct. (optional) You could provide some pairs of gloves. 2 Put four or five of the objects under the cloth on a table without the class seeing which ones you have chosen. • To make the game more challenging. divided into pairs. you will find the game easy to arrange for pair work. 4 Repeat with other learners. You might also make the 'feeler' wear gloves! Variation 1 Touch and describe Ask more advanced learners to talk about each feature of the object they are feeling in such a way that the rest of the class can identify it. What shape is it? It's long and rectangular. do not show the objects beforehand.Mainly vocabulary and spelling If the objects are very different. screws/nails. What's it made of? I think it's made of plastic. to make feeling more of a challenge. Procedure 1 Make sure that the learners know the names of the majority of the objects which you have collected. Notes • The language in this game can be restricted to: Teacher: What is it? Learner: It's a … Alternatively.
For pair work.Games for Language Learning Learner 4: Learner 1: Is it a ruler? Yes.. or other blindfold. Learner 2: Julia! Teacher: Yes. that is the question. for example. To be or not to be. and asks: Learner: What is it / are they? Who does it / do they belong to? That is to say. provide a barrier – books work well – or blindfold for every second person. Teacher: Who's this? Learner 1: To be or not to be.. 1 Blindfold a learner. provide a collection of objects. or a quotation from a song. belonging to a third person. the blindfolded person must identify both the object(s) and the owner. listen. or other blindfold. the two players change places. 2 If this is done correctly. is placed in the first person's hands. Variation 2 Identify an object and its owner Preparation You will need a scarf. to prevent the class from seeing what it is that you are doing. again. One of the other learners places an object (or objects) in his or her hands. 2 Ask another learner to come forward and stand quietly next to the blindfolded learner and say something to him or her. For classwork. for example. and the game goes on as before. that is the question . and a collection of objects. as above. If not. an English proverb. erect a barrier or screen of some kind on your desk. 1 One learner is blindfolded and sits in the centre of a circle. Learner 2: (blindfolded and listening to the voice) Eva? Learner 1: No. a cardboard folder. rhyme or textbook being studied by the class. another object. Variation 4 Identify by listening to an object Preparation As above. 96 . Variation 3 Identify by listening to a voice Preparation You will need a scarf.
e. all with distinctive smells. encourage learners to use the language of uncertainty (see information box above). coffee. 2 Repeat with different objects. cheese. all with distinctive tastes. it's a pencil sharpener. Blindfold a learner and invite him or her to identify something by taste. use a clean spoon for each learner. tea. Teacher: Yes. in the interest of hygiene. Check that none of the objects is unsuitable for use with the learners. a collection of objects. Learner 1: (dropping the same object again) No. or for reasons of diet (vegetarian. chocolate. Teacher: Learner 1: (holding the substance near the learner's nose) What's this? I think it's … Variation 6 Identify by tasting Preparation Provide a blindfold. and spoons for feeding the foods to the learners.). 3 Move into pair work. and. Learner 2: No. Learner 2: A coin. well done. Learner 1: (dropping an object behind the barrier on to the desk) What's this? Learner 2: A key. bread. Teacher: (dropping a pencil sharpener behind the barrier) What's this? Learner 1: A pen. if the pairs can get enough objects ready to drop. Teacher: Learner 1: (feeding the learner with a spoon) What's this? I think it's … 97 . it isn't.g. Variation 5 Identify by smelling Preparation Provide a blindfold and a collection of objects. whether for reasons of health (allergies).Mainly vocabulary and spelling 1 Drop an object behind the barrier and encourage learners to guess what it is. If appropriate. halal. apple… Blindfold a learner and invite him or her to identify something by smell. Learner 1: Yes. etc.
Variation 8 Building up a picture 98 . Teacher: Is it a man or a woman? Learner 3: A man. for example. Get them to speculate. 2 Keep asking the learners what they can see. There is then a reason for listening and speaking. Teacher: What is it? Learner 1: It's a head. starting from the top. or a distinctive building. or reveal it bit by bit from behind a book.Games for Language Learning Variation 7 Identify by looking Preparation Choose a picture with details which the learners can identify and name. Encourage different opinions. 1 Pull the picture slowly out of an envelope. Learner 2: Hair. a footballer. or an animal.
all of which the learners can name. It's an eye. There is an example on the next page.) Learner 3: It's a window.Mainly vocabulary and spelling Progressively draw (or have a learner progressively draw) the parts of a picture. and give each arrow a number. (Teacher adds another element to the picture. (Teacher adds another element. all the while inviting guesses as to what is being drawn. (draws a dot on the board) What is it?/ What do you think it is? Learner 1: It's a dot. 2 Tell the learners to check their guesses with what you have written on the reverse of the card. about 5 mm or 1 cm wide and as long as you like. you can ask them to make a magazine strip of their own. Variation 9 Strip of a magazine picture Preparation Teacher: Cut off a strip of a magazine picture. Draw arrows aiming at all the fragment of objects. and give it to you for others to play with. Note Select the pictures that you use for this game according to the topic and vocabulary area you want the learners to practise. Teacher: And what's this and this? Learner 4: Another window… and a door… It's a house. 3 Once the learners have seen how to do this. 99 .) Learner 2: It could be a door. Choose a picture which contains on the strip fragments of several objects. Write the names of the objects on the reverse of the card. Glue the strip on to a card which is slightly wider than the picture strip. 1 Ask the learners to try to guess what each numbered part of the strip is.
if necessary. (the initial letter of the word for the object you have chosen). 2 Invite the learners to try to guess what it is..Games for Language Learning 6. that I spy means I can see. Explain. Learner 2: Board? Teacher: Yes. Teacher: I spy with my little eye something beginning with B. 3 The winner takes over your role.2 I spy Family Language IDENTIFY: GUESS Vocabulary for objects in the room Procedure 1 Begin by choosing an object to refer to in the classroom and then say. Learner 1: Book? Teacher: No. I spy with my little eye something beginning with .. Learner 2: I spy with my little eye something beginning with … 100 .
Mainly vocabulary and spelling Note You could widen the scope of this game by asking learners to imagine that they are somewhere else, for example, Imagine that we are in a supermarket. I spy with my little eye something beginning with ...
6.3 Silent speaking
Family Language
IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE Any area of vocabulary, focussing specifically on pronunciation of limited sets of words, for example, colours, numbers, animals, minimal pairs Choose a topic you would like the learners to practise.
Procedure 1 Brainstorm on to the board words related to the topic you have chosen. 2 Select one of the words and speak it silently to the class, moving your mouth as if speaking it, but not making any sound. 3 Ask the class to identify the word. 4 Have the learners take turns doing the same thing with a partner.
6.4 Stories in ten words
Family Language
IDENTIFY: GUESS Using and recognising key words from any story or topic This may be objective when everybody agrees, or subjective when a personal explanation is necessary. It can be left as a vocabulary activity or lead to discussion. Choose a well-known story, e.g. Little Red Riding Hood.
Procedure 1 Ask the learners to guess the name of a familiar story by listing key words and phrases for them. For example: Teacher: I am going to tell you a story. Tell me what the story is. Girl, mother, grandmother, basket, forest, wolf. Learner 1: Little Red Riding Hood. 2 Ask learners to repeat this activity in pairs. One learner lists five to ten key words from a familiar story, and the other identifies the story. Then they switch roles.
Games for Language Learning Note Re-telling a story, using key words, is a good way of building confidence. The learners feel they have achieved something by identifiably representing an extended text. As a basic technique, in the earlier years, the volunteering of single words naturally leads to the volunteering of longer phrases and eventually of complete sentences. Variation 1 Key words in a topic
Prepare (mentally or on paper) a list of topics which you would like to practise, e.g. work, school, holidays, food, college or school, home, sports, hobbies, animals, seasons.
1 Write several topics on the board, for example: school, food, holidays, hobbies. 2 Ask learners to copy the words from the board and to write at least three words they associate with each topic. The teacher can say whether the three words should be general associations or personal associations. For example, we might all agree that school can be associated with teacher, classroom and chalkboard, but we may not all associate school with worry, bullying, noise, friends and games. 3 Each learner shows their collection of associated words to at least one other person who must try to guess which topic is referred to. Or, instead of showing their three words to other individuals, learners can display their words on a notice board so that others can read them and decide which topic or story they describe. Learner 1: (has written turkey, cookies, oranges, walnuts) Learner 2: Is the topic food? Learner 1: No. Learner 2: Is it holidays? Learner 1: Yes. Note This is a good way into the discussion of a topic area. Variation 2 Word webs 1 Demonstrate, on the board, how to make a word web centring on a topic, shown by a word or short phrase. The web of associated words can be general associations or personal associations.
Mainly vocabulary and spelling 2 Brainstorming with the learners, make a list of about 20 topics on the board. 3 Ask each learner to choose three topics from the list and make webs of words they associate with each one, being careful not to identify the topic on their word webs. In other words, the central circle should be left empty. 4 Tell the learners to circulate, showing their webs to at least three other learners, who must try to identify the topic of each web.
Example of a general word web for car
Example of a personal word web for car
6.5 Mime and guess
Family Language Preparation
IDENTIFY: GUESS Main game Adjectives that apply to people Variation Adverbs Decide what type of adjectives you would like to revise.
Procedure 1 Tell the learners what type of adjectives you will be reviewing. Help them brainstorm a list of five to fifteen adjectives and write them on the board. Here are some examples of adjectives describing feelings: surprised, bored, miserable, busy, frightened, angry. 2 To play this game as a class activity, ask one learner to mime an adjective. The rest of the learners should try to guess what he or she is miming. Alternatively, divide the class into two teams.
Games for Language Learning 1 Write one of the adjectives on a piece of paper and hand it to one player from the first team. 2 That player must mime the word and his or her team should try to guess it within a set time limit (say, two minutes). If they guess right, the team wins a point. For example: Mimer: (mimes action) Learner 1: Are you tired? Mimer: (shakes head, continues miming) Learner 2: Are you lazy? Mimer: (shakes head, continues miming) Learner 3: Are you bored? Mimer: Yes! 3 You could then encourage the other learners to find the reason for his/her boredom. For example: Learner 4: Are you bored because you have nothing to do? 4 Next it is Team 2's turn. Variation 1 Mime an adverb 1 Help learners brainstorm a list of five to fifteen adverbs and write them on the board. 2 Tell one learner to choose an adverb that will be easy to demonstrate, no matter what action he or she is asked to do. The choice should be kept secret. 3 Encourage the class to propose actions that the learner should perform in the manner of his or her chosen adverb. If nobody can guess the word, then the class can give one or two more actions to mime expressing the same adverb. For example, the mimer may have chosen angrily. Class: Open and close the door. Mimer: (opens and closes door angrily) Class: Noisily! Mimer: (shakes head) Class: Walk to the teacher's desk. Mimer: (walks angrily) Class: Quickly! Mimer: (shakes head) You might insist that learners' guesses combine the adverb with a verb in a complete sentence. For example Are you opening and closing the door noisily?
g. adjectives. 3 Allow the artist's team to call out what they think the drawing represents. for example. MATCH. CONNECT: COMPARE.6 Draw a picture / Guess what I'm drawing Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY: GUESS Vocabulary from any chosen area Decide what area of vocabulary you want to practise. if they are correct on their second try. on their third try.7 Word associations Family Language CONNECT General vocabulary Asking for and giving reasons. • You may decide to allow the use of miming after the drawing has been done. You must be the referee. Sometimes you 105 . one point. etc. 5 If the artist's team fails to guess the word after three attempts. Write words from the chosen area on small cards and drop them into a bag or a box for the learners to choose from. Procedure 1 Divide the class into teams of about seven or eight. This should be done as a fast game. 4 Award points accordingly. animals. e. Notes • The game is easier if you tell the class which topic they are dealing with. If the calledout word is not exactly the same as the word on the card you might still decide to award the points. give the other team a try and award them with one point if they guess correctly. in turn. verbs. 2 Ask one learner from one team to take a word card and to draw on the board what is on the card in no more than ten seconds. they get two points. using Why …? and Because … Procedure Each learner. If they are correct on their first try. animals. the artist's team gets three points. GROUP 6.Mainly vocabulary and spelling 6. says a word he or she associates with the word given by the preceding learner.
paper. 3 Ask one learner to begin to read out the words on his or her list and explain the connections between each item.8 Odd-one-out Family Language CONNECT: GROUP Almost any vocabulary area. 2 Ask each learner to put the words into sequence according to how they feel one word is associated with another. Grandma. because the English class is almost over. Learner 1: I am tired. You can use any words at all. Why did you say 'wolf'? Because of the story of Little Red Riding Hood. I look at the clock. I am happy. Wolf. animals. For example: Learner 1: Learner 2: Learner 3: Learner 4: Teacher: Learner 4: Teacher: Learner 5: Learner 6: Learner 5: Note You might like the learners to use a formula. After English I have lunch. household utensils More demanding examples include: extracts from poems. dog. Grandma. but here is an example: desk. Water. cat. such as When I hear 'water'. homework. Variation 1 Personal lists 1 Ask the learners to brainstorm a list of ten words and write them on the board. It is a good idea to set a time limit for this part of the activity. colours. countries. using Why …? and Because … Starting a discussion 106 . 6. I will eat a hot dog. clock. I think of 'tap'. for example. Kitchen. Asking for and giving reasons. Why did you say 'grandma'? Because I thought of my grandma's kitchen. tired. family relations. etc. names of famous people. Tap.Games for Language Learning or another learner may interrupt and ask why a word was chosen. OK. lunch. music. happy.
and could be from a topic of a specialist nature from sport to business to engineering. big. cow. Priestley. father. 2 Ask individuals to say which word they chose as the 'odd-one-out' and to say why. orange. they can be asked to compile their own sets of words. Variation 1 They're all odd! Instead of looking for the single word which doesn't fit with the others (as in the main game. Danube. soup. apple d) bicycle. Michael. each containing one they consider to be the 'oddone-out'. grandfather g) June. knife. • Once learners are familiar with this game. above). of course. bus. mouse. Thames i) Shakespeare. for example: a) horse. 3 The other learners should be asked if they agree. reflect the interests of the learners. uncle. 4 Each of the groups of words can be discussed in turn in this way. Alison. brown. or. on an OHP or on paper. London Present the words to the learners on the board. Notes • The words used should. motorcycle. New York. J. Andrew. bean. sister. January. Laurence Olivier j) Paris. Procedure 1 Tell the learners to identify the word from the first group that they think is the 'odd-one-out'. Adrian c) plate. if they disagree. each of which contains an 'odd-oneout'. red f) brother. fish b) David. Hudson. These sets can then be used in classwork. Spring. B. Po. lorry e) green. ask the learners to explain why each word can be seen as the 'odd-one-out'. car. to say why. 107 . sandwich. Milton. You should not say which answer you think is correct until this discussion is finished – partly because this would inhibit discussion and partly because there may be no one correct answer. Ottawa. March. May h) Rhine.Mainly vocabulary and spelling Preparation Prepare 10–15 groups of words.
2 Have each learner suggest who should be sacrificed and why. fish. 1 Present the list to the learners. comedians or lawyers. Horse is the odd-one-out because it is the only one which carries people. rock stars or actresses. fictional characters from fairy tales or television programmes. The latter is both time-saving for you and more involving for the learners. The list should include about six or eight characters. and explain that these characters are on a life raft that is overloaded and sinking. Two of the six (or three of the eight) must be thrown overboard in order for the others to survive. Alternatively. 108 .9 Vocabulary cards Family Language Preparation CONNECT: MATCH Vocabulary from any area Make a set of 10 pairs of cards for each pair of learners. members of different professions such as teachers. and the ethics underpinning the whole game.Games for Language Learning mouse. Fish is the odd-one-out because it is the only one which swims in the sea. Present the list on the board or on an OHP. 3 You may want to take a vote at the end of the discussion to determine which characters remain on the life raft. etc. Cow is the odd-one-out because it is the only one which is called cow! Variation 2 Somebody must go! Preparation Make a list of six or eight interesting characters – they may be known public figures such as politicians. 6. knife. get the learners to make the cards themselves. horse. Encourage debate and discussion about the relative importance and usefulness of each character. cow Mouse is the odd-one-out because it is the only one which is not useful to people. Knife is the odd-one-out because it is the only one which is not a creature.
g.g. sheep / grass) animal / a country it lives in (e. flowers. –ful / care) digit / number (e.g.g. purple or green fruit that you can eat or make into wine) British English word / American English word (e. etc. fatal / accident) verb / noun (e. play / football) verb / adverb (e.g. elephant / India) sport / an object which is typical of the sport (e.g.g. grape / a small. 109 . golf / club) map of a country (from travel brochures) / the name of the country photo of coin or stamp / the name of its country of origin pictures of different fish. listen / carefully) object / characteristic (e. tebl / table) Procedure 1 Give each individual or pair of learners the same set of cards and have them start to match the pairs of cards at the same time.) Examples of matching pairs mother tongue word / English word gapped sentence / missing word word / picture word / definition (e.g. / their name Collocations adjective / noun (e.g.g. 7 / seven) rhyming word / rhyming word (e. big / large) suffix / root (e. birds.g.g. round.g. (See below for examples of different types of matching pairs. beat / bit) phonemic script / word (e.g.Mainly vocabulary and spelling The pairs of cards can relate to each other in a range of ways. boot / trunk) opposite word / opposite word (e.g. trees.g. saw / carpenter) capital / country (e. big / small) Topic-based pairs animal / the food it eats (e. according to the language needs of the learners.g. gold necklace / valuable) object / category (e.g. Canberra / Australia) synonym / synonym (e.g. heart / part) phonetic pairs: long and short vowels (e. table / furniture) tool / job (e.
If the player thinks the cards match. he or she should make some appropriate comment to the others before picking them up.Games for Language Learning 2 As learners finish they call out Finished! 3 Tell the learners to check their matchings against the answer sheet. The pictures must not be put in pairs. in neat rows. for example: Player 1: (pointing to the back of a picture) Apple! (turns over the picture … if it is the picture of the apple. To use this game to practise grammar and syntax. see 7. Variation 1 Pelmanism or remembering pairs 1 Divide the class into groups of three or four. Variation 2 Asking other learners 1 Give one card to each learner. 2 Invite the learners to look at their cards and to try to find who has the matching card by talking to their classmates. face down so that the pictures and writing on the cards cannot be seen.16 Pelmanism (grammar). It doesn't matter if the players see the pictures being put down and if they try to remember where the pairs were placed. to use it to practise reading see 5. 6 This continues until the cards have been paired off. What have you got? 110 . they must be shown to the other players and replaced in exactly the same position from which they were taken. then he or she leaves it turned over) (pointing to the back of another picture) Apple! (turns over the picture … if it is the second picture of an apple. 3 The first player then turns over two of the cards. 5 When two cards are picked up which do not match. Note This game is a good one for making the learners familiar with the cards and preparing them for Variation 1. but randomly placed. one at a time.5 Pelmanism (reading). the first player keeps them and it is the next player's turn. Then the next player has a turn. For example: Learner 1: I've got a picture of the Canadian flag. 2 The learners lay the cards. The player with the most pairs is the winner. then he or she has made a pair and can keep it) 4 If the other players agree that the cards are a pair.
and draw a dash for each letter. write the letter above the appropriate dash. draw one part of the 'hanged man' as in the illustration. For each incorrect guess. five-letter words) Procedure 1 Think of a word that should be familiar to the learners. 2 Invite the learners to call out letters which they think may be in the word. 3 If a learner guesses correctly.Mainly vocabulary and spelling ORDER 6. draws 5 dashes on the board) 111 . Teacher: (chooses the word HAPPY.g.10 Hangman spelling Family Language ORDER Main game Spelling a word Variation Focussing on letter order and placement in words of a fixed length (e.
Variation 1 Words with letters in common 1 Think of a word of a certain length. 2 The learners call out words of the same length. Learner 1: Teacher: Learner 2: Teacher: 112 .Games for Language Learning Is there an E? No. In pre-Hellenic times the king. a five-letter word. and a learner calls out TEACH. or until thirteen mistakes have been made. who only ruled for a year. For example. Alternatively. • You may not want to use a game based on capital punishment! Instead of the drawing of the hanged man you might prefer to draw 12 dashes on the board and to add the letters to each dash as a mistake is made: I AM THE WINNER. so you do not write the T. The letter H is in both words. there are two Ps! (writes them in above the third and fourth dashes) 4 The game proceeds in this manner either until the learners guess the word. and is in the same position. write the letter on the board. over the appropriate dash. it is not in the same position. you may prefer to have 13 dashes and to write the words: NEXT TIME LUCKY. was sacrificed in the thirteenth month. You may then reveal the answer. Notes • You may wish to have the learners play Hangman in pairs. and the learners have been 'hanged'. so you write: H Although the letter T is in both TEACH and MOUTH. There was a thirteen-month year at that time. 3 You might like to write each word on the board as it is called out. you are thinking of MOUTH. the drawing has been completed. (draws one part of the hanged man) Is there a P? Yes. If any of these words contain a letter which is in the word you are thinking of and is in the same position. and draw the same number of dashes on the board. • Thirteen is thought to be an unlucky number. for example. instead of as a class. there isn't.
Mainly vocabulary and spelling REMEMBER 6. Procedure 1 Play in groups of four to six players. a skirt. a sausage. however cursorily. You might also want learners to have their dictionaries or textbooks. an apple and a car. a skirt and a sausage. a given sentence pattern – I went shopping and I bought … – must be completed by adding any words that make sense. a skirt. The rest of the class (or group. Learner 4: I went shopping and I bought a shirt. each of the items referred to. Encourage creative and humorous ideas! 113 . if the game is based on group organisation) might also mime at the same time. Learner 5: I went shopping and I bought a shirt. Each player must repeat verbatim whatever has been said by the previous player before making an addition to the list.11 A long and growing list Family Language Preparation REMEMBER Vocabulary for objects which can be bought a and an Can also be adapted to practise many areas of vocabulary and grammar. each player adding one word to the list when it is their turn. in this game. Learner 3: I went shopping and I bought a shirt. a sausage and an apple. while speaking. 3 Also explain that each player must act out or mime. 2 Tell the learners that. including the following: adjectives and adjectival phrases adjectives in alphabetical order nouns and adjectives starting with the same letter possession (have/has got) animals simple past past continuous Select several sentence patterns suitable for using with vocabulary items that are to be revised. For example: Learner 1: I went shopping and I bought a shirt. with the players sitting in a circle. Learner 2: I went shopping and I bought a shirt and a skirt.
rather fat. or objects in pictures Numbers and plurals Adjectives and comparisons Vocabulary for containers Past tenses Detailed written description 114 . I heard a dog singing. In some of the alternative sentence patterns and stipulated rules it might be essential for this preparation to be done. and I read Shakespeare. The object of all the variations of the game is to see how long and elaborate a sentence learners can devise.. the challenge of this game is to remember and repeat all the additions given earlier and then to contribute your own addition. bald with a long beard… (any adjectives and adjectival phrases) The teacher's cat is an active cat and a bad cat and a cute cat…(adjectives in alphabetical order plus a/an) This morning I bought a brown bag . in any case. and I saw the butcher slapping his goldfish. and I thought about my friend dancing …(past continuous interrupted by simple past) Whatever sentence pattern you choose. using dictionaries or textbooks as necessary.. before six o'clock. • You might judge that your learners cannot do such a game spontaneously and will need preparation time. and I've got an armadillo … (has got / I've got plus animals and a/an) This morning. David has got a python. preparation then involves everybody. and I …(simple past tense) Yesterday. 6. and. Tom has got a monkey. perhaps in groups. while I was brushing my teeth. for example: The teacher's cat is very old. (noun and adjective with the same initial letter) Kirsty has got an elephant.12 Kim's memory game Family Language REMEMBER Main game Variation 1 Variation 2 Variation 3 Variation 4 Variation 5 Vocabulary for any objects. I swam across the lake. and I argued with my neighbour.Games for Language Learning Notes • This game may be played using other sentence patterns which allow learners to focus on different types of vocabulary and grammar points.
Teacher: There was a paper clip. Kim was trained to be observant.Mainly vocabulary and spelling Preparation Assemble a collection of small objects or pictures of objects which you know the learners can name. Kim is the hero of the book Kim. but are you sure there was a pen? Learner 3: It was a pencil! 4 Finally. Teacher: What have you written? Learner 1: There was an apple. Here are some of the alternative ways of getting a collection together: – a number (nine to twelve) of small objects on a table – a number of small magazine pictures of objects on a table – a number of small. What else can you remember? Learner 2: There was a paper clip and a pen. for example pictures of four suitcases. 3 Tell the learners to write down as many objects (i. since you can simply cover the lens with your hand or a book. you do not need to switch the machine off. If you are using the OHP. as above. 115 . written by Rudyard Kipling. then hide them with a cloth or sheet of paper. nouns) as they can remember. for example by being asked to remember exactly what was on a tray before it was covered up.e. Procedure 1 Lay the objects and/or pictures on the table. quick sketches of objects on the board or OHP Have a cloth or piece of paper to hide the objects or pictures. or display the pictures on the board. Teacher: Good. remove the cloth or sheet of paper and let the learners compare their lists with the objects and/or pictures. Give learners practice in numbers and plural forms by asking them to write how many of each type of object they saw. Variation 1 Numbers and plural forms Preparation Assemble a group of objects. The total number of all objects must be enough for it to be a challenge. 2 Give the learners 20 seconds to look at the objects and/or pictures. Tell the learners that you are going to challenge their powers of observation and memory. Then ask them to tell you what they have written. three cameras and two CD players. only be sure to include several which are the same.
telling them to pay special attention to the actions that occur. The procedure is the same as in the main game. a tube of toothpaste. 1 Encourage the learners to use adjectives to describe what they saw in the picture. often present a large number of actions compressed into a very short time. for instance. a box of matches. Do not let them take notes during the video! 2 Ask the learners to try to remember what happened or was happening or was going to happen and in what order these actions occurred. No.Games for Language Learning Variation 2 Adjectives and comparisons Preparation Same as in the main game. The green case is a bit bigger than the black case and it's about the same size as the red case. You may want the learners to work in pairs and see which pair can accurately recall the most actions. a red. They may take notes at this point. etc. a tin of soup. with the focus on containers. as you can view it with the sound off. a packet of soap powder. 2 Tell students to use comparatives to describe the objects seen in a more detailed manner. a black and a green suitcase. shape. but restrict your choice of objects to containers of various types. a bottle of milk. 4 Watch the video again so learners can check the accuracy of their recollections. 116 . a bag of apples. for example. above. 3 Let the learners share their observations with the class. above. for example. Maybe it was tomato juice. it was a tin of tomato soup! Variation 4 Actions in the past Preparation Find a short video or DVD clip (no more than three minutes long) which contains a variety of actions. but you should include several objects and/or pictures which are of the same kind but are of different colour. size.g. (The clip doesn't have to be in English. What was in the tin? I'm not sure. Advertisements. Teacher: Learner 1: Teacher: Learner 1: Learner 2: What can you remember? There was a tin. e. Variation 3 Containers Preparation Same as in the main game.) 1 Show the video to the learners.
Examples might be: clothes – a page from a mail-order catalogue showing five men in different clothes 117 . As you hold up each object. 3 Ask each learner to check their neighbour's work as you hold up the objects and pictures again. is it? Was he right? Learner 2: No..21 Kim's memory game for Variations 6 and 7. Teacher: Tell me when John was right and when he was wrong. it's orange! Teacher: Well. big enough for the class to see. describing the objects in detail. he wasn't. yellow .13 Would you make a good witness? Family Language Preparation REMEMBER Vocabulary of whatever pictures you show: clothes. green.. and woolly. It isn't red. he did. etc.Mainly vocabulary and spelling Variation 5 Describe and compare 1 Show a class of more advanced students about 15 objects or pictures of objects and then ask them to write down what they remember. it's sort of red. and wrong when he said that it is green. Teacher: (asking John's partner) Did John remember it? Learner 1: Yes. yellow and woolly. 2 When the learners have written down everything they can remember. Teacher: (asking John's partner) What did he say about it? / How did he describe it? Learner 1: He said (reading from his partner's work) it was red. isn't it? Learner 3: And it isn't green. Learner 4: He was right when he said that the scarf is red. Teacher: (asking the class) Well. Asking and answering questions Choose a picture or make a montage. Note See 7. It is easier and equally challenging to show the objects or pictures one after the other instead of at the same time. tell them to exchange their descriptions with their neighbour. cars. discuss with the class its character. For example: Teacher: What's this? Learner 1: A scarf. 6. food. which will elicit the language you want to practise.
.. to ask each other questions about what they remember about the picture. Teacher: What were they wearing? etc. positive and negative statements 118 . Teacher: What can you remember? What was in the picture? Learner 1: There were some people. walk through the class making sure that all the learners see it properly. e. Are they good at remembering the details of what they see? Tell them you are going to test them.g. CREATE 6. For example: What did you see? How many people were there? What were they doing? What did they look like? How old were they? What were they wearing? What do you think they might have been saying or thinking? What colour.14 Change the story Family Language CREATE Writing narrative. If the picture is not very big. 2 Show the picture to the class for twenty seconds. shape.? 4 Interrogate the learners to discover what they can remember about the picture. Teacher: How many people? Can you remember? Learner 2: I think there were five or six people. etc. 3 Tell the learners. was the . then turn the picture away.Games for Language Learning actions – a general photo of a scene with a lot of people doing different things personal descriptions – a montage of portraits of people Procedure 1 Ask the learners if they think they would make good witnesses. with an emphasis on nouns Possibly practising other grammar points. size. working in pairs.
depending. As they pause in place of a noun. each learner substitutes a noun at random into their text before reading it. of course. or all positive statements can be changed to negative statements. omitting the nouns. and to underline all the nouns in their text. The result can be very amusing. You may wish to channel the learners' creativity by suggesting a topic. 3 Ask individual learners to read out their text. for example. adjectives instead of nouns. Note Other language items can modified or added. 119 . the other learners supply a random noun from the list. Alternatively.Mainly vocabulary and spelling Procedure 1 Ask learners to write a 100-word short story or description. 2 Help the class to compile a list of about twenty nouns through brainstorming. on comprehension of the word in context.
7 Mainly grammar The games in this section focus on particular points of grammar and give the learners the opportunity to experience the language in use in contexts that are meaningful and enjoyable. DO: MOVE.) 120 . remember and. For example: Teacher: Simon says. see the Index. they must do exactly. but anything said without Simon's name should not be obeyed.) Simon says. Look in the information box for each game to see what point of grammar is being focussed on. Note that many of the games are multipurpose. offering practice for a variety of language items. OBEY 7. MIME. Anything Simon says that they should do. DRAW. and to practise using them over and over again. This helps the learners to understand.) Stand up! (The learners should remain seated because the order wasn't given by Simon. to re-use the language. For a complete list of language.1 Simon says Family Language DO: OBEY Total physical response (TPR) Demonstrating understanding of imperatives by … Main game … moving appropriately in response to spoken orders Variation 1 … miming in response to spoken orders Variation 2 … obeying spoken instructions requiring movement Variation 3 … obeying written instructions requiring performance of a physical or mental task Procedure 1 Tell the class that you are going to give them instructions. sit down! (All the learners sit down. later. stand up! (All the learners stand up. in these and other games in other sections.
Dance. invite learners to take over the role of Simon (i. Touch something made of leather. Jump. – say please instead of Simon says.e. Smile. It must be full of action for acting out! Alternatively. you may invite the learners to choose or create the story. Variation 1 Film director Preparation Choose or prepare a story outline that can be easily acted out as if for a film. An example of a story outline A man has a robot who shops for him. 3 Once the game is familiar. Say 'hello' to a neighbour. Note You might like to: – write a sentence pattern on the board to give visual support to the learners' understanding and to guide pair or group games. choose a learner to be the 'film director'. 121 . Wave your hand. 2 The usual rules require a player to drop out of the game if he or she does the action when the order was not preceded by Simon says. Look sad. 1 When the story outline is ready. The girlfriend falls in love with the robot. etc. these are the learners who need most practice in listening. – show the instructions in writing on cards instead of speaking.Mainly grammar Other useful imperatives Open your book. However. or assume this role yourself. so ask them to continue playing but to remember how many mistakes they made and to try to do better next time. Close your book. Put your book on a chair. He sends the robot to his girlfriend's house with a rose. Walk. Turn around. Touch something red. keeps it and doesn't go to see her boyfriend again. Put your chair under the table. your role) either with the class as a whole or in pairwork. cooks for him. Look angry.
You are becoming younger and younger. You are lying in bed. for example. You are ill. Shout. Relax.' Sit down. who must write down exactly what the 'director' says. Now you are yourself again. 2 Tell the class that they must obey all orders! Examples for a magician and for a hypnotist Magician: I am a magician! You are a frog! Hop! Jump! Stop! Sit down! Go to sleep! etc. 'Mummy! Give me some juice!' Drink the juice. Shut your eyes. Relax. combining descriptions and instructions You are a man. hypnotists or owners of robots to tell people (or robots) what to do. Look at my watch (swings watch). please. prepositions. 1 It seems natural for magicians. the learners mime in response to their reading of the dictated text. Invite one of the learners to take on one of these roles or do so yourself. but you can't. 'Mummy!' Say. Say. (Other language points can also be introduced. Some sentences can summarise the situation for the 'actors' but most sentences will tell the 'actors' exactly what to do. Walk. You are getting older and older. You want some water. 122 . then each learner will take it in turns over a period of days or weeks to be the 'film director' and to read out their story for the others to mime. adverbs. Optional: Make a magician's hat by rolling a piece of paper into a cone. Hypnotist: Sit down.) 3 In groups. or a robot costume by putting a cardboard box on somebody's head. Cry. 'Thank you. hypnotists and robots Preparation You will need a cardboard box (optional). Fall over a teddy bear. An example of how the beginning of the story might be written. If every learner has prepared a story. You try to get the glass. 'Robot! Come here!' Variation 2 Magicians. You are now three years old. Relax.Games for Language Learning 2 Explain that the 'film director' will dictate the script to the rest of the learners. Stand up. Relax. using plenty of verbs in the imperative form. Shout. There's a glass of water on the table by the bed. You are cold. etc. Shiver! Groan! You are thirsty.
For example: Teacher: (challenging a learner) Can you stand on one leg? Good! Now.) Examples of forfeits Sing a song. 7.2 Can you stand on one leg? Family Language DO: OBEY Responding to challenges (that consist of the question Can you …?) by performing a physical or mental feat Creating such challenges and issuing them to others Procedure 1 Challenge a learner to do something. which gives them practice in using imperatives. Tell a joke.Mainly grammar Variation 3 Forfeits Preparation Make forfeit cards or encourage the learners to help invent and write forfeits. Stand on one leg and sing a song. can you stand on one leg for one minute? 2 Try to do the challenge yourself and fail miserably. Keep the cards in a Forfeits Box. Forfeits are a form of playful punishment. I can't stand on one leg. 2 If the class like this idea. in order to amuse the class and to use the negative form: Teacher: Oh. Laugh for one minute. Describe an embarrassing experience. not just in a game. and are usually expressed through imperatives. I can only stand on one leg for a few seconds! I can't stand on one leg for one minute! 123 . (In party games someone losing or doing something wrong often has to do a forfeit. Count from 100 to 1 as fast as you can. then introduce forfeits at any time. 1 Explain or demonstrate with an example what a forfeit is. You will also need a cardboard box to keep the forfeit cards in.
g. Variation 4 Past continuous for a continuous. Someone knocked on the door) Variation 6 Present perfect for an action implying that another action has occurred in the past (e. Examples of challenges Touch your toes. You filled a pan with water. What do I do in my job?) Variation 2 Present simple for actions performed at the same time every day (e. expressed in the past simple (e. Then you put the pan on the stove. You're carrying a gun) Variation 1 Present continuous for actions in progress (e.g. Have you hurt your thumb?). and past simple to identify this action (e.g. Did you hit it?) Variation 7 Present perfect continuous for an action that has just been completed (e.).g. 7.3 Miming Family Language DO: MIME Miming and watching mimed actions Speculating about mimed actions using the following tenses: Main game Present continuous for actions in progress (e. You've been sleeping) Variation 8 Future with going to for an anticipated action (e. Balance a pencil on your finger.g. both at the same time.g.g. and connecting words (e.g. Write a sentence on the board with your eyes closed. then. What do you do at 7 o'clock?) Variation 3 Past simple for a sequence of completed actions recalled in sequence (e.g. You were typing) Variation 5 Past continuous for a continuous action in the past (e.g. next. Pick up a pencil using your toes.g. etc. What am I doing?) and present simple for routine actions (e.g. Multiply 89 by 98 in your head. Pat your head with one hand and rub your stomach round and round with the other.Games for Language Learning 3 Once the learners understand the idea of the game.g. You were reading) interrupted by another action. uncompleted action (e. after that) to indicate that the actions are part of a single sequence. invite them to work out challenges and to try them on other learners in the class. You're going to dive) 124 .
g. they win a point. 2 Tell them that. The mimer can nod or shake their head as the team make their guesses. they should ask the class.g. You were going to dive) Variation 10 Future in the past for an action anticipated in the past (e. encourage the mimer to ask what the action might represent in terms of daily actions. Mimer: (nods head) Team: Is it a gun? Mimer: (shakes head) Team: Is it a stick? Mimer: (nods head) Variation 1 Present continuous and present simple 1 Invite a learner to mime a number of actions they do every day. each showing a different time of day. what do I do in my job? Learner 2: You are an author. 125 . or perhaps a teacher. Learner 1: So. that's right. What am I doing? 3 Once someone has guessed correctly. Variation 2 Present simple 1 Draw on the board a number of clock faces. (mimes reading a book) What am I doing? Learner 2: You're reading a book. You stopped him from diving) Prepare a list of actions which learners could mime. For example: Team: You're carrying something. Preparation Procedure 1 Divide the class into two teams. or a secretary. ask the question (before the mime.Mainly grammar Variation 9 Future in the past for an action anticipated in the past (e. For example: Learner 1: (mimes writing) What am I doing? Learner 2: You're writing. You were going to dive) which was halted by another action (e. Point at the first clock face.g. 2 Explain that you are going to mime what you usually do at those times on weekdays. while miming the action. 3 The mimer's team must try to guess what he or she is miming. Learner 1: Yes. 2 Randomly ask one learner from one team to mime an action (or sequence of actions). If they guess correctly.
have a break. taking out an egg. cooling the egg in cold water. cracking open the egg and removing the top. putting it in the pan. have a meal.. brush your teeth. a sequence of actions. Variation 3 Simple past 1 Mime. have lunch. eating the egg. get home. if I could.. being careful to choose actions which the learners can name. using I would like to . then. Teacher: (pointing at the first clock) What do I do at seven o'clock? (then miming waking up) Learner: You wake up. for example. Make use of various connecting words. • Ask the learners to mime what they would like to do at the different times of the day related to the clock faces. lighting the gas. Teacher: (mimes the whole sequence before speaking) What did I do first? Learner 1: You filled a pan with water. start work. Notes • Add variety by asking what the learners always or sometimes do at the weekends away from school.. next. 2 Mime all the actions and only then ask what you did. leave college. after that. 126 . get to college. have breakfast. watch TV. Other verbs suitable for miming are: get up. go to the gym. putting some salt on the egg. go to bed. o'clock?. putting the egg into an egg cup. then mime. You can ask the learners to retell the whole series of actions. opening the fridge door.. waiting for the egg to boil and looking at your watch for four minutes. get washed. catch a bus. putting the pan on the stove. get dressed. taking out the egg with a spoon. 3 Invite learners to take over your role once they are familiar with the game. or invite a learner to mime. leave the house. Teacher: What did I do next? Learner 2: You put the pan on the stove.Games for Language Learning so that the general symbolic nature of your mime is more important than the individual action) What do I do at . Sequence of actions involved in preparing an egg for breakfast Filling a pan with water.
Note You may wish to re-enact the sequence. The learners must then say what you did and what you didn't do. Then what happened? You knocked on the door. 'Fire!') What was I doing? You were reading. Sleeping interrupted by a dog barking. Variation 4 Past continuous Mime a continuous. Eating interrupted by someone knocking a glass over. Walking interrupted by falling over a body. 127 . Variation 5 Past continuous interrupted by the past simple Invite two learners to mime.Mainly grammar 3 Once learners are familiar with the game. opened it and shouted. 'Fire!' Examples of other situations for the past continuous and past simple Reading interrupted by replying to a knock at the door. but omit several actions. and then stop and ask what you were doing. encourage them to take over your role. Learner 1 mimes a continuous action and then Learner 2 interrupts Learner 1. Was I playing the piano? No. then stops) What was I doing? You were playing the piano. uncompleted action. Having a bath interrupted by a telephone ringing. Learner 1: Learner 2: Learner 1: Learner 3: Learner 2: Learner 4: (mimes reading) (after about five seconds knocks on the door and rushes into the room and shouts. What was I doing? You were typing. Teacher: Learner 1: Teacher: Learner 2: Teacher: Learner 3: (mimes typing.
and express this by asking a question. looking at the floor.Games for Language Learning Variation 6 Present perfect Mime an action that implies that something else has happened. for example. Did you hit it? (holds his/her thumb with an expression of pain) Have you hurt your thumb? (nods head) Did you hit it? (nods head) Did you hit it with a hammer? (nods head) Examples of other situations for the present perfect Broken something (mime: shock. Teacher: Learner: (rubbing his or her eyes and stretching) What have I been doing? You've been sleeping. it is natural to use the present perfect. Invite the class to try to guess what it is. looking around and under things. e. picking up the pieces) Lost something (mime: frowning. dismay. shaking head. the simple past tense is more relevant. exasperation) Seen a ghost (mime: look of pop-eyed horror plus wobbling knees and possibly pointing backwards to where the ghost was seen) Put your fingers into something horrible (mime: constant wiping of the fingers plus face wrinkled in disgust) Variation 7 Present perfect continuous Mime an action that suggests another continuous action that has just been completed. 128 . Have you hurt your thumb? When it is established that an incident has been completed.g. For example: Teacher: Learner 1: Teacher: Learner 2: Teacher: Learner 3: Teacher: Note When the learners are unsure about what has happened. regret.
Mainly grammar Examples of other situations for the present perfect continuous Washing (mime: drying your face) Brushing your hair (mime: looking in the mirror and patting your hair) Eating (mime: wiping your lips. to prepare a mime in which one learner is about to do something and then is prevented from doing so by the other learner. put your two hands on either side of your mouth. While miming ask. taking off your napkin. Learner: Examples of other situations to elicit the future with going to Going to brush your teeth (mime: squeeze toothpaste on to a brush and bare your teeth) Going to shout (mime: take a breath. What was I going to do? Teacher: (mimes 'going to dive'. pushing away your plate and standing up) Running (mime: panting for breath. Learner: Variation 10 Future in the past and simple past Invite all the learners. leaning forwards and putting your hands on your knees) Variation 8 Future with going to Mime an action that suggests very strongly what you are going to do next. in pairs. move to another part of the class (to place the action in the past) and then ask. open your mouth and move your head forwards) Variation 9 Future in the past Mime as for the future tense but clearly stop the mime. then stops and moves to another part of the class and even points back to where he or she was standing) What was I going to do? You were going to dive. What am I going to do? Teacher: (standing with your legs together and your arms outstretched together in front of you) What am I going to do? You're going to dive. 129 .
IDENTIFY: DISCRIMINATE. Examples of verbs that can be identified by sound sleeping closing a door coughing dancing drinking eating jumping driving knocking playing football playing a guitar running singing sneezing speaking swimming walking washing watching football 2 Demonstrate the idea of the game.g. in order to contextualise the present continuous. SPECULATE 7. GUESS.) Variation 1 Using the past continuous in reference to actions that were heard Procedure 1 List on the board verbs the learners know which can be acted out. then identified by their sound alone. while the rest of the class sit with their eyes closed and try to identify the verb.g. Somebody is/was dancing. Encourage the class to call out their ideas while the action is going on. I think someone is …. What did I do? You stopped him.Games for Language Learning Learner 1: Learner 2: Learner 1: Learner 3: Learner 2: Learner 4: (mimes 'going to dive') (after about five seconds Learner 2 pulls Learner 1 backwards to stop him or her diving) What was I going to do? You were going to dive. Ask the noise130 . which is for one or two learners to make a noise to represent one of the verbs you have written on the board.4 Drama of sounds Family Language IDENTIFY Main game Using the present continuous in reference to actions as they are heard (optional) Using expressions of uncertainty (e. I think it is …) (optional) Using the word somebody (e.
5 Telepathy (pictures) Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY Asking questions about the content of hidden pictures using the present continuous (e. • You may like to practise the use of someone. present perfect (Has she just dropped a plate?) or future tense (e. Teacher: Learner 1: Teacher: Learner 1: Note You may like to increase the game element by awarding one point for any learner who volunteers an idea and two points for the learner who guesses correctly. Is he running?). encourage them to play it in pairs. for example.Mainly grammar makers to sustain the noise in order to give time for the listeners to describe their action while it is still happening. Is he going to jump?). Teacher: What is David doing? Learner 1: He's dancing. actions. (It is better to have all the pictures showing either a male or a female. Who was it? I think it was John. What did you hear? Someone was coughing. asking the question after the action has stopped in order to contextualise the past continuous. Notes • So often the present continuous is practised in the classroom by reference to actions that are seen.g. Teacher: Alyson! Do you think David is dancing? Learner 2: I think he's running. for example. 3 Once learners are familiar with the game.g. Someone is coughing. listen and try to interpret what they hear. 7.) 131 . I think it is John.g. or emphasising another language point (e. In this game the learners close their eyes. adjectives: Is it a green apple?) Prepare or procure six to eight picture cards of. Variation 1 Mystery action and person Follow the same game procedure as above. being sure to try to identify the verbs while the action is continuing.
Games for Language Learning 132 .
Each time record if the 'message' was received within the three attempts. 5 Then suggest that the same experiment be done in pairs. (Or they might write down three or four short sentences evoking actions in the present perfect. with three chances each time. It is then inevitable for people to feel the need to try it again. Select one of the picture cards at random and show it to only half the class. They should count how many times the right guess is made within the first three attempts.2 Telepathy (texts). The other learner then has three guesses. They should be able to remember all of them. of course. See 5. For example: Learner 1: Is he swimming? Teacher: No. Learner 2: Is he running? Teacher: Yes! Well done. 133 . Do it perhaps five times. Notes • You could ask the learners to do the experiment ten times with the utmost concentration. then involves reading the texts and thinking about them. Tell them they must concentrate on the card. Each learner should draw three or four stick people showing different actions. and try to send out telepathic signals about what the person in the picture is doing.Mainly grammar Procedure 1 Make sure the learners know the picture cards in your hand. 4 Tell the other half of the class that you will give them three chances to receive the telepathic signals. 3 Say that you will do an experiment.) Then one learner in each pair takes both sets of drawings and. places his/her finger on one of them. raising interest in whether or not there is any truth in it. hiding them from the other learner behind a book. • This same game can be used for practising areas of vocabulary and. 2 Discuss telepathy with the class in the mother tongue for a few moments.
Procedure 1 Ask the learners to close their eyes. expressions of uncertainty (e. I thought I heard a …) and/or expressions of speculation (e. Invite them to listen carefully to every sound they can hear. Teacher: What did you hear. I can hear some girls playing. 134 . Mario? Learner 2: I think I heard a plane. They should be listening for all the 'natural' noises of the classroom. Yes. I think I could hear …). 2 Let everyone listen for two or three minutes. simple past. perhaps even to rest their head on their arms. 3 Then ask them about what they heard. 4 Alternatively.g.Games for Language Learning 7.g. and to try to identify the sounds. using the past continuous. Note Being able to use the present continuous depends on the particular sound continuing long enough to be able to comment on it. I think they are playing with a ball. you can ask the learners to describe the noises as they hear them in order to contextualise the present continuous. For example: Learner 1: I heard some girls. the building. and outside.6 Random sounds Family Language IDENTIFY: SPECULATE Speculating orally and/or in writing about the sources of sounds. Learner 2: I think I can hear a plane. They are laughing and calling to each other. and then write down what they heard. It's probably coming into the airport. I can hear it (bouncing). For example: Learner 1: I can hear some girls. Teacher: What were they doing? Learner 1: They were talking and laughing.
B – Say. 135 .7 Dramatised sequence of sounds Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY Acting out a series of actions with a co-actor. using one or more of the following tenses: past simple. present perfect. using the imperative Write down a sequence of actions on a piece of paper. 'I'm sorry. Cry for about 20 seconds. present simple. Shut the door. When getting ready to play the game for the first time with a class. 'Shut up!' Learner 3: Then Brian cried. Teacher: Then what happened? Learner 4: Susan said. 3 Let the two learners act out the sound script you have given them. then narrating them. and give them each a copy of the sequence of actions you have written so they know what to do. ask A and B to return to their places. prepare two learners to demonstrate. B – Listen to A for 20 seconds and then shout. 2 Select two learners. future (with going to) Writing scripts for a series of actions featuring two actors. Learner 2: Then Susan shouted. 1 Ask everyone to close their eyes and put their head on their arms. 'I'm sorry. (See below for an example. Teacher: What happened? Learner 1: Brian was singing. Before the class open their eyes. following instructions given in the imperative Listening to a series of events without watching them.Mainly grammar 7. present continuous.) If your class has never done such a thing before. Example of a sequence of actions A – Sing for 20 seconds. past continuous.' Then walk across the room and out of the door. it would be better to prepare your two actors before the lesson begins.' Teacher: What happened then? Learner 5: Susan walked out of the room. 'Shut up!' A – Begin to cry.
and this invites more creativity and participation by the learners. The advantage of recording the dramas is that background sound effects can be added. Teacher: Yes. in pairs or groups. Show them how to write the instructions. Teacher: Here is Julia's Sunday. daily actions or actions related to a particular activity. The question you ask then prompts the use of the present simple. Comment on it as it happens using the present continuous and then ask for a description of the whole sequence using past tenses. to prepare. 136 . 5 Once the sequence is correctly reported. Present simple Present a sequence of actions which are established. e. Sound recordings of mini sound dramas can be used to promote the use of all the tenses. Using sound recordings of a mini drama to focus on different tenses Present continuous Ensure that each action continues long enough on the recording to be identified using the present continuous while the sound of the action is continuing. she sleeps. She sleeps until what time? (sound of clock chiming eleven) Learner 2: Until eleven o'clock.Games for Language Learning 4 If there is some confusion over the sequence of events. even if it is in an amateurish way. 6 Ask the learners.g. using imperatives. Note Any of the sound drama sequences may be recorded. Also the recording can be replayed very easily. ask everyone to watch as the performers present it one last time. etc. as in the example given above. write and present their own sequences. What does she do every Sunday morning? (sound of gentle snoring) Learner 1: She sleeps. tell the class to close their eyes again and ask the two learners to repeat their performance.
The usual exchange between English children is as follows: A: Who do you love? (referring to one of the names on the fortuneteller) B: Simon.? Reading and writing sentences containing reference to the future with will Make a paper fortune-teller. you can keep stopping the recording and asking them what is going to happen next. Present perfect You can pause the recording as an event is completed. for example g-r-e-e-n. five times. ask some children aged nine or ten! Write names and numbers on the outside surfaces. or try using colours instead. Procedure 1 Show the class your fortune-teller and tell one or two fortunes.Mainly grammar Future with going to Once the learners are familiar with the recording.) On the inside write eight sentences referring to the future. Past continuous After listening to the recording.. A: S-I-M-O-N (alternately opens and shuts the device as he or she says each letter). What number do you want? 137 .. and ask What has just happened? 7.8 Paper fortune-teller Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY Asking questions with Who . This device. folded in paper.. If you are not sure how it is made. you can ask the learners to tell you about longer or repetitive actions. (The fortune-teller should then be opened and closed according to the number of letters in the colour.. is known to children in many countries. or wait until the end of the recording to ask about them.? and What . Simple past You can pause the recording periodically to ask learners to report on short actions that have just occurred.
3. 3 Organise the making of the devices so that each learner has one. and writes names and numbers on the flaps. 4. 8 (alternately opens and shuts the device as he or she says each number) What number do you want now? B: 3. 7. A: (opens the flap with the number 3 written on it and reads out the fortune written beneath) You will have 16 cats! 2 On the assumption that at least some people in the class will know how to make the device and will help those who don't. 6. For example: You will go to China. 138 . ask everyone to prepare eight appropriate original sentences referring to the future. 5. writes eight sentences referring to the future (using will) in the middle. A: 1. 2.Games for Language Learning B: 8. You will win a prize.
and reacting orally with an appropriate exclamation or question Procedure 1 Write ten exclamations and/or questions on the board. 139 . The going to future tense brings the future action vividly into the present. This invites a natural use of the future in the past tense and the simple past tense. then to write a fortune or prediction for each member of their group.9 Why did they say that? Family Language IDENTIFY Imagining and writing explanations for exclamations and questions Listening to descriptions of extraordinary circumstances. or highly unlikely. Notes • The learners need not know each other well. invite them to give each of the fortunes to the learner concerned. 3 Invite learners to read their fortunes out to their group and comment. Did you meet a strange person? Learner: Yes. even if the prediction is clearly without any foundation! • At some future time you can ask if the fortune telling proved to be correct or not. each learner writes three or four fortunes. or just what they had hoped for. In other words. People love having their fortunes told. I did. 2 When the learners have completed this first step. for example. on whether some of them are the same. Teacher: What happened? 7. cool prediction or even a command. Teacher: John said you were going to meet a strange person.Mainly grammar Note The future tense using will suggests a dispassionate. Variation 1 Inventing fortunes for friends 1 Ask learners to form groups of four or five.
using the question Have you got a …? You will need a box or bag big enough to hold 10 small objects. 'Would you like to kiss my tarantula?' No! A man told his friend he was going to get married.10 Objects in a box Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY Naming objects and describing them in as many ways and as much detail as possible (using adjectives. 4 Once they are ready. reading out their extraordinary explanations and asking the other learners to identify the exclamation it refers to.Games for Language Learning Examples of exclamations and questions No! Good luck! Really! Yes! Good luck? Really? Sorry! Bad luck! Wow! Sorry? Bad luck? Not now! Never mind! Careful! Of course! Never mind? Careful? 2 Invite pairs to write a sentence explaining a reason for somebody saying one of these exclamations or questions. 7. Ask learners to take turns reading out their sentences. and the rest of the class to identify which exclamation or question is being referred to in each case. 'Good luck!' And the man said … Good luck? 3 Ask the learners to take another exclamation and to invent an even funnier reason. invite the learners to stand up and mill about. 140 . His friend said. making true statements about them) Using possessives to indicate the owners of objects (optional) Guessing the name of a hidden object. Example 1 Explanation: Exclamation: Example 2 Explanation: Question: A pet owner said to a friend.
(walk towards Learner 3) Learner 4: It's fast. make use of possessive forms in returning the objects to their owners. Ask the learners to name each object before you put it into the box or bag.? 3 Explain that the learner who guessed correctly has won the object.. Learner 2: A/The watch. 2 Put your hand into the box. take hold of one of the objects but do not take it out. Teacher: Whose is this? Learner: It's mine/his/John's. You may ask learners to guess what you're holding by telling them to ask you Have you got a . (guessing. because the learners cannot see what the teacher is holding) or: The comb. and immediately change direction if another learner says something true about it. (walk towards Learner 6) Learner 7: It's like a person.Mainly grammar Procedure 1 Go round the classroom picking up about ten small objects. Teacher: Yes. Start to walk towards the learner to give them the object. It has a face and two hands. unless someone else can call out something true about it before you hand it over.. (walk towards Learner 4) Learner 5: It's ticking. (walk towards Learner 5) Learner 6: It's not Big Ben. (if only one comb was put in the box) Teacher: No. 141 . Teacher: What have I got in my hand? Learner 1: A comb. for example: Learner 1: It's black! (walk towards Learner 1) Learner 2: It's small! (walk towards Learner 2) 4 Learners may continually attempt to 'win' the object by calling out true statements: Learner 3: It's a silver watch. (walk towards Learner 7 and give it to Learner 7 if no other learner calls out anything before you get there) 5 When the game is over.
g. Procedure 1 Invite the learners to take it in turns to imagine being a mouse. Variation 1 Hiding place 1 Send one or two learners out of the room. (This will prevent the 'mouse' from cheating!) 2 Challenge the other learners to ask questions to try to find where 'the mouse' is. Is it under the table?) in an attempt to locate something (optional) Asking questions using the present perfect (e.g. Have you hidden it near the door?) or the passive form (e.g. for example: Learner 2: Are you in the cupboard? 'Mouse': No. Is it hidden at the back of the classroom? or Has it been hidden at the back of the classroom?) (optional) You may like to bring a picture showing lots of places in which a mouse could hide (see step 1). Learner 3: Are you under the desk? 'Mouse': No. For example: Learner 1: Let's hide this watch. (Alternatively. for example the school or the town.Games for Language Learning 7. 142 .g. The 'mouse' should think of a hiding place in the room.g. show the class a picture and ask the 'mouse' to imagine where in the picture he or she is hiding.11 Where's the mouse? Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY Main game Asking questions using Are you + preposition + place (e. Discuss with the class what small object they would like to hide and where it should be hidden. Learner 2: Let's hide this coin. Learner 3: Let's hide it under the box of chalk.) Ask the 'mouse' to write down their location on a bit of paper. Let's hide the watch on top of the cupboard. or in a larger place. Learner 4: Let's hide it in the cupboard. Are you on top of the cupboard?) in an attempt to locate someone Variation Making suggestions using Let's + verb + object + preposition + place (e.) Asking questions using Is it + preposition + place (e.
Learner 1: Is it on top of the cupboard? Class: No.Mainly grammar 2 When the object is hidden. the learner(s) who went outside the classroom can be asked to use the present perfect (e. (Choose the most appropriate label. The questions must be put so that they can be answered by Yes or No. place. they should go to the place. a person.12 Twenty questions Family Language IDENTIFY Asking questions to acquire information in an attempt to reveal the identity of an unknown animal. you can invite one of them to start off the game. This is an advantage. 3 When the 'seekers' guess correctly. find the object. an object or an idea. Is it hidden at the back of the classroom? or Has it been hidden at the back of the classroom?). hold it up and say: Is it this (watch)? Note As so often in games. 2 Invite the players to put twenty questions to the acting 'question master' in an attempt to discover what they are thinking of. a place.g. For example: Learner 1: Is it at the front of the room? Class: Yes. It is an animal / a person / a place / an object / an event / an idea. because it gives you the opportunity of showing the class how to narrow down the range of possibilities. you may decide that it will help the learners if you give examples of phrases on the board for them to make use of. object or idea Procedure 1 Think of an animal. 143 . At an intermediate level. once the learners are familiar with Twenty questions. 7.) Alternatively. Have you hidden it near the door?) or the passive form (e.g. person. call the learner(s) in and challenge them to find the object by asking questions. and introduce the game as follows: Teacher: I am thinking of something.
and spin it very quickly indeed so that the learners receive only a momentary flash of it. You will need a picture (from a magazine or drawn on paper or OHP transparency) no bigger than magazine-page size. using certain tenses (as determined by your choice of picture and influenced by the questions you use to guide the learners). Present continuous: A man. What is he going to do? He is going to jump off a building.Games for Language Learning Examples of questions that narrow down the possibilities Is it bigger/smaller than a car? Can you eat it? Have you got one? Would you normally find one in a house? Is it made of (wood)? Can it be easily broken? 3 Award a point to the learners if they discover what it is in less than twenty questions. Variation Predicting the contents of a text based on brief glimpses of its contents. What is he doing? He is sitting in a chair. Going to future: A man. indications as to its general meaning. as well as familiarity with word order and the habitual grouping of certain words. You can choose a text to focus on a grammatical point or a function. for example: Past continuous: A man. and that requires the language you want the learners to practise in order to describe it. Choose or draw a picture that consists of reasonably simple shapes rather than intricate details. Mount paper pictures on card in order to be able to flick them over quickly. 2 Hold the picture towards you and upside down. (Practise this at home! The first few 'flashes' should be really fast!) Make sure that 144 . Procedure 1 Explain that you are going to test the learners' ability to see at great speed. What was he doing? He was running.13 Flashing a picture Family Language Preparation IDENTIFY Describing pictures of which one has only seen brief glimpses. the point goes to the 'question master'. Otherwise. 7.
but others will have seen some colours and someone might. 145 . 5 Finally. At no point should you confirm or deny the learners' observations. based on the words they have glimpsed. Just provoke the differences between their contributions in order to promote opinion gaps and a reason for listening and speaking. Learner 1: There is/was a woman. Flash the text and invite students to reconstruct it. Some will have seen nothing. Teacher: Yellow? Learner 2: Orange. but it is/was yellow. amazingly. show the picture. Teacher: What is/was she wearing? Learner 1: I don't know. and gradually work towards a correct description in broad terms. have seen the gist of the whole picture. Variation 1 Flashing a text Preparation Find or write a short text which contains an example of the grammatical point you wish to focus on.Mainly grammar everyone can see it – there should be no heads in the way and the angle should not be too acute for learners on each side of the class. 3 Ask the class what they saw. 4 Continue to give the occasional flash. Write the text on a card or OHP transparency. perhaps a little slower.
Games for Language Learning 7. For example: Teacher: Which is the longest line. Robin? 146 . superlatives (widest. of a different length and be straight. narrowest) and expressing conjecture (e. smaller). COMPARE Using comparatives (bigger. Robin? Learner 2: I think Mary's line is the longest. (The lengths should not be too varied. John's line). I think…) in speculating about.14 How long is it? Family Language IDENTIFY: SPECULATE.g. Each line should be in a different colour. For example: Teacher: Don't you think the red line is longer than the green line. You will find it natural to use comparatives as you discuss the opinions put forward. and which the shortest line. Rachel? Learner 1: John's line.) It helps the game if the lines are crossed. Procedure 1 Invite four or five learners to take it in turns to draw a line on the board.g. 2 Challenge the class to judge which is the longest. Teacher: What do you think. then judging … Main game … the relative lengths of lines Variation 1 … the relative widths of angles Variation 2 … the relative area of squares The main game also involves the use of possessives (e.
ask each learner to write down their judgements. which of the statements are true and which false. The yellow line is the longest. David? Learner 1: I think it's shorter. Tell the learners to exchange their papers with a partner. guide the learners into individual work. judging by eye. What do you think. Staying with the same game and language practice. Below the lines they should write a number of sentences. some true and some deliberately false. The brown line (B) is longer than the black line (D). Finally. and then into pair work as follows. concerning the relative lengths.Mainly grammar Encourage the learners to use the comparative form by questioning them in the following way: Teacher: I think the blue line is longer than the brown line. for example: The green line is the shortest line. Ask each learner to use a ruler to draw a number of coloured lines on a piece of paper. The green line is shorter than the brown line. After some further discussion. who must determine. 3 4 5 6 147 . for example: The red line (A) is longer than the green line (C). The red line is longer than the green line. The brown line is longer than the red line. measure the lines and write the measurements next to them.
Games for Language Learning Variation 1 How wide is it?
Draw the above diagram on the board or prepare it on a poster before the lesson.
1 Ask the class as a whole whether angle A is wider or narrower than angle B. 2 Measure it, cover the outer lines and explain the illusion. 3 Encourage each learner to draw several examples of this type of diagram, adjusting them slightly so that they are not necessarily the same size, and then to make a true or a false statement that their partner must judge. Variation 2 How big is it?
Mainly grammar
Draw the above diagram on the board or prepare it on a poster before the lesson.
1 Ask the class as a whole whether rectangle A is bigger or smaller in area than rectangle B. In order to decide exactly how big each rectangle is, measure two adjacent sides and multiply them to establish the area. 2 Encourage each learner to draw several examples of this type of diagram, adjusting them slightly so that they are not necessarily the same size, and then to make a true or a false statement that their partner must judge.
DESCRIBE 7.15 Riddles
Family Language
DESCRIBE Main game Writing riddles using present simple questions and statements, and solving riddles presented orally Variation 1 Writing riddles using present simple questions and statements, and solving riddles presented in writing Variation 2 Asking questions in the present simple about the characteristics of an unknown object, in an attempt to identify it
Procedure 1 Launch this activity by demonstrating the idea of a riddle for the class: describe something and then ask the class to say what it is. Make the first example very easy! For example: Teacher: It is made of glass. It is a rectangle. You can see through it. What is it? Class: A window! Teacher: Yes! Teacher: It is an animal. It has got four legs and a tail. It barks. It eats meat and bones. 2 If you would like, brainstorm on to the board words and phrases that are useful for describing things (or people) that are found in particular places, for example, the classroom, a busy street, a farmer's field. Ask the learners to write five riddles using a selection of these words and phrases. 3 Invite learners to take it in turns to describe something for the other learners to identify.
Games for Language Learning
Useful language for describing people and animals It is / has ... It lives in / for ... It eats / drinks ... It likes / doesn't like ... It can ...
Note You can make this game more challenging by limiting to three, for example, the number of sentences allowed in the description. Variation 1 Riddle and write 1 Invite each pair or small group of learners to write a five-line riddle describing an object, place, person or animal. Ask them to write their riddles on A5 paper and display them on the wall or on a table. Here is an example of a riddle for cat. I am smaller than a big dog. I am faster than a fat dog. I can climb like a squirrel. I like to lie in the sun. I drink milk and I purr. 2 Invite all the learners to tour the classroom, reading and trying to solve all the other riddles. 3 Finally, make a book of riddles. Variation 2 Riddles and questions
Think of several words (object, place, person or animal) that can be the basis of a riddle and write each on a separate card. If the learners need a lot of support, write about 10 questions on a poster to help guide their queries.
1 Give a word card to one of the more proficient learners in the class, who must pretend to be the person or thing on the card. Tell the class: Teacher: Tom is pretending to be someone or something! I wonder what he is. Is he a table? Is he a chair? Is he a tree or a bird? Let's ask him questions and find out. Here are some questions you can ask. (Put up your poster of questions.) 150
Mainly grammar
(Any language point can be focussed on in this game!) 152 . GROUP 7. place. Learner 1: How big are you? 'Pretender': I am small.Games for Language Learning 2 Encourage the learners to ask the 'pretender' questions. person or animal? Examples of questions about an object How big are you? What are you made of? Are you valuable? Examples of questions about an animal Where do you live? What do you eat? How big are you? Can you climb trees? Do people like you? Examples of questions about a person Are you alive? Are you a man or a woman? What do you do? What do you look like? Do you appear on television? Examples of questions about a place Are you a building? Where are you? What do people do there? CONNECT: COMPARE. using the language point emphasised by the set of cards utilised.16 Pelmanism (grammar) Family Language CONNECT: MATCH Matching cards containing text and/or pictures. MATCH. An opening question if you don't identify the category yourself Are you an object. until they can name the word.
hear / be heard) sentence / reported speech version (e.Mainly grammar Main game Matching pairs of cards visually.g. on / We play football . happy / happier) noun / adjectival form (e. challenged by the hiding of the cards' faces and the need to memorise the location of those glimpsed. Variation 3 Preparing question and answer cards.. slow / slowly) infinitive / past tense form (e.g. Sundays..g. and challenging others to match them orally or visually.g.) Preparation Examples of matching pairs English word / gapped sentence (e. 153 .) active / passive (e.g.g. (See below for examples of different types of matching pairs. The latter is both time-saving for you and more involving for the learners. What's wrong? / He asked me what was wrong. telephone / was invented in 1876) Note This game is called Pelmanism in Britain and Concentration in North America.g. The pairs of cards can relate to each other in a range of ways. help / helpful) adjectives / adverbial form (e.) adjective / comparative form ( e. kind / unkind) two halves of one sentence pattern (e. stand / stood) word / opposite (e. ask the learners to make the cards themselves.g. Variation 1 Matching pairs of cards visually. look / after) part of speech / example (e. past tense / ran) invention / date (e. Make a set of 10 pairs of cards for each group of three to four players.) two halves of a phrasal verb (e.g. Demonstrating understanding of the meaning of pairs of cards by making a sentence containing the words in question.g. challenged by the hiding of the cards' faces and the need to memorise the location of those glimpsed. Alternatively. according to the language needs of the learners. Variation 2 Searching for the owner of a card matching one's own by offering and requesting information orally and visually. I get up / every day at seven o'clock.g.g.
before picking them up. It doesn't matter if the players see the cards being put down and if they try to remember where the pairs were placed. If they think their cards match. For example: 154 . 2 Ask the learners to shuffle the cards and lay them face down so that the pictures and/or writing on the cards cannot be seen. they make some appropriate comment to the others. A simple way to do this is to invite them to muddle all the cards face up and then see how quickly they can pair them together. and help them become familiar with the pairs. 3 The first player then picks up two of the cards. Give each group a set of cards.Games for Language Learning Procedure 1 Invite the learners to form groups of three or four.
These are perfect for matching card games. If the sentence is grammatically 155 . Then the next player has a turn. they must be shown to the other players and replaced in exactly the same position from which they were taken. It is not a minor point that we are suggesting that each item is written on its own card. • Matching cards. • Card-matching games can be used by you in classwork. but they are so flexible that you can also have packets of them ready to give to individuals or groups of learners who finish activities before the others. once prepared. 5 When two cards are picked up which do not match. Notes • This is one of the richest families of language-learning activities … and so easy to offer to the learners. 1 Allow play to proceed as in the main game above. make a key for each set of cards so that the learners can check against the key if there is any dispute. 2 Challenge learners who succeed in turning over two cards that match to make a sentence with the phrasal verb. If you laminate them they will last even longer and look smart. can be used again and again. They can 'get a grasp' of the idea. • You can complicate the game by making the examples very close or by including extra word cards that have no partner. • In most countries small printing houses throw away thousands of strips of card. the player keeps them and takes another turn. Variation 1 Phrasal verbs In this variation. Note that it is possible to do matching entirely by reading and writing. • To reduce arguments.Mainly grammar Player 1: (pointing to the back of a card) Apple! (turns over the picture … if it is the picture of the apple then they leave it turned over) (pointing to the back of another card) The apple has been eaten! (turns over the card … if the picture and the text make a pair. The player with the most pairs is the winner. the player leaves them turned over) 4 If the others agree that the cards are a pair. The physical handling of these cards is a key and a gateway to better learning for many people. 6 This continues until all the cards have been paired off. the cards used should be verbs that can be paired with prepositions to make phrasal verbs.
Edinburgh. 156 . then the same set of questions can be given to the class as a whole. All living things would die. 3 If a set of questions is particularly difficult for the pairs who try to answer them. It turns green. Picasso. Eleven. In Russia (at Yasnaya Polyana). A photograph.Games for Language Learning correct they win a point. either orally or by physically matching the cards. the other is knocked out. sir. 2 Ask the learners to exchange sets of cards with each other and attempt to answer the questions. Variation 2 Knowledge quiz 1 Invite pairs of learners to create sets of cards containing general knowledge questions and answers. The one with the largest feet. We get water. Here are three types of subject with a few examples: General knowledge Where is the Taj Mahal? Where was Tolstoy born? What is the capital of Scotland? How many players are there in a cricket team? Who painted 'Guernica'? Jokes Which king of England wore the largest shoes? What can you have when someone has taken it? What is the difference between a nail and a bad boxer? Waiter. there is a dead fly in my soup! Cause and effect What would happen if the sun lost its heat? What happens if we combine oxygen and hydrogen? What happens when we add blue to yellow? It's in India. One is knocked in. Yes. You might like to ask the learners to write down their sentences in order to allow you to judge their correctness. it's the hot water which has killed it.
and doing sketches that represent these sentences Matching spoken sentences with sketches Variation 1 Matching spoken determiners (a. A woman is smiling). plural noun.17 Bingo grammar Family Language CONNECT: MATCH Matching randomly-chosen information offered orally with written or pictorial information on cards that can be manipulated by hand Focussing on any language point. verb of motion. verb – past tense.). adverb. pronoun. singular noun. any) with written names of foods. preposition.g. noun. Variation 2 Matching spoken words with written names of parts of speech (e..g. some. etc. article. etc. Main game Making sentences in the present continuous indicating physical actions (e. an. conjunction. adjective. verb.Mainly grammar 7. 157 .
'verb – past tense'. You must do this or the learners will not be ready at the same time. Such distinctions as 'verb of motion'. of course. adverb. etc. Note By using pictures. Give them exactly 10 seconds to make each of the drawings. etc. one in each square. 3 The game is then played as follows: you call out the sentences in random order and the learners cross out the pictures sketched on their Bingo grid if they illustrate the sentences you call out. 2 Ask the learners to make a Bingo grid by dividing a piece of paper into four squares. A woman is smiling. the learners' attention is focussed on the meaning of the sentences. for example: A footballer is kicking the ball. conjunction. A learner might decide to have more than one box for a given part of speech. he or she shouts Bingo! 5 Play the game several times to give each learner the chance to do well and. pronoun. Variation 1 Bingo parts of speech Preparation Make a list of words or set of cards representing different parts of speech. You can in this way give practice in the recognition and identification of any parts of speech. 2 Tell each learner to decide which parts of speech they are going to listen out for and write one into the top of each of their boxes. They might choose from: verb. Procedure 1 Ask the learners to draw a Bingo grid of four or six squares (or 'boxes') on an A4 piece of paper. A boy is shouting. 'singular noun'. article. noun. 158 . to give more practice in the chosen language form. 4 When a learner has crossed out all of his or her pictures.Games for Language Learning Procedure 1 Brainstorm twenty sentences in the present continuous indicating physical actions and write them on the board. Tell them to choose any four of the sentences and illustrate them with quick sketches. preposition. adjective. 'plural noun'. may of course be added with your guidance.
(optional) Copy the sentence on to strips of card. (It would. a deletion must be made that entails (a) the removal of one word. step by step. and the learners tick off the other one if it is on their Bingo grid.16 Pelmanism (grammar).e. using appropriate stress. and the meaning of the increasingly short sentences that result from the deletions may also be altered. They only need one word in each box in order to say Bingo! 4 Make sure you keep a record of the words you have read out. or (b) the removal of two or three consecutive words. (Two or three words that are separated in the sentence by other words may not be deleted. may be different from the meaning of preceding sentences. to the shortest possible length that is still grammatically correct and makes sense.Mainly grammar 3 As you call out words. i. rhythm and intonation Discussion of meanings and changes in meanings Making suggestions. of course. For more matching games and topics that can be used in the Bingo game see the examples of matching pairs in 7.) Procedure 1 Write a complex sentence on the board.) The punctuation of the sentence may be altered at any time as required. it is preferable to using the board since the game can be played more easily this way. one card per word. you call out one of the pairs. 159 . or on strips of card (one word per strip). in fact. be virtually impossible to play this game without altering meanings!) Deletions that would make the sentence ungrammatical are. In Bingo. (Although preparing strips of card requires a little preparation time. agreeing and disagreeing Select or write a complex sentence appropriate to the proficiency level of your learners. 2 Tell the learners that the object of the game is to take the given sentence and reduce it. the learners write them into the correct square on their grid. which you should then affix to a wall or display board. not allowed.18 Delete a word Family Language Preparation ORDER Deleting words from a sentence without compromising grammatical correctness Reading out loud. 3 At each step. ORDER 7.
to suggest which word or words to delete. announce that they have brilliantly succeeded in reducing the sentence! Example of a text for reduction Consider the following sentence. a spade. After yet more deletions. a kettle. Example of how the text might be reduced One word removed: Everything in the ship was spoiled by the sea water. I managed to save wine and tongs. 160 . using appropriate stress. from a children's version of Robinson Crusoe: Nearly everything in the ship was spoiled by the sea water. the sentences can be further reduced to: The ship managed. Suggestions which prove unacceptable can be more quickly corrected – by you replacing the word strips which you have just removed – than if you used board and chalk. it is easier to manage discussion of suggestions from the class as to which word or words might be deleted. though I managed to save some casks of wine. A later step: The ship was spoiled by water.Games for Language Learning 4 Encourage the learners. When they do this they should also read out the new sentence or phrase that would result from the deletion. a kettle. 5 Towards the end. rhythm and intonation. working together as a class. which might entail a good deal of rubbing out and writing in of words. an axe and a pair of tongs. as recommended above. so that the others can hear as well as see before judging whether the suggestions are acceptable. Once everyone agrees that no further deletions can be made. though I managed to save some casks of wine. it may be a matter of debate as to whether what is left constitutes a valid sentence or phrase. a spade. an axe and a pair of tongs. If strips of card are used.
3 Ask the next learner to add a word that will make some sort of sense when put either in front of the first word or after it. 5 Encourage the learners to continue building the sentence orally. focussing on people's appearance. Learner 5: The black cat climbs high . Learner 3: Black cat climbs. paying particular attention to grammar rules Procedure 1 Tell the learners to form groups. 6 Finally. and to say the resulting phrase of three words.. REMEMBER 7. For example: Learner 1: Cat. and the rest of the class should judge as to whether they are grammatically well formed (even if incomplete) and make sense.19 Word by word Family Language ORDER Making phrases and sentences orally. so that all groups start off the same. using the past simple (e. and to say the two words together for the other players in the group to hear.g. say a word yourself. Learner 2: Black cat. in a class discussion. passing it round and round the group in this manner until they have made as long a sentence as possible. then the rest of the words as play advances. ask all the group secretaries to read out their completed sentences.. word by word.Mainly grammar 7.g. Alternatively. word by word. actions and surroundings. He was standing at a bus stop) 161 . 4 The following player has to add a word that will make sense when put in front of or after the previous two words. I saw a man) and past continuous (e. in cooperation with others. Learner 4: The black cat climbs.20 Picture the scene Family Language REMEMBER Main game Describing a picture from memory. 2 Choose one learner in each group to act as secretary and write down the first word. then ask the first player in each group to say a word.
etc.g. Teacher: Was anyone else standing at the bus stop? Learner 2: Yes. Preparation Procedure 1 Before showing the picture. I think it was a jersey. letting the learners look at it as you pass.g. Teacher: Can you tell me what the boy was wearing? Learner 2: He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans. For example: Teacher: What did you see in the picture? What can you remember? Learner 1: I saw a man … Teacher: Yes. show it from the front of the class. using the past simple (e. walk slowly about the class. 3 If the picture is big. She had a green sweater on) and past continuous (e. 5 Finally. tourist brochure. 162 . 2 Then tell them that you are going to show them a picture of a street for a few seconds and that they must try to remember as much of it as they can. Teacher: Was he really wearing a T-shirt? Learner 3: No. Discuss with the class the difficulties of being a reliable witness. ask if any of the learners have witnessed an accident or crime in the street. from a magazine. What was he doing? He was standing at a bus stop) Variation 2 Describing from memory what someone was wearing using the past simple (e. You may have to prompt the learners or cross-check their answers. using the past simple (e.g. They were wearing ski goggles) Find a picture of a busy street scene. a boy.g. 4 Hide the picture and ask the learners to tell you what they saw.Games for Language Learning Variation 1 Preparing and asking questions about the appearance. road safety publication. show the picture to the class again. actions and surroundings of people in a picture. for example. and answering this type of question.g. He was wearing a baseball cap) Variation 3 Describing the appearance and actions of performers from memory. What was he doing? Learner 1: He was standing at a bus stop.g. If it is small. What did you see in the picture? I saw a man) and past continuous ( e. They stole the box of chalk) and past continuous (e.
and carrying the remainder. Variation 3 A mini drama Preparation Arrange for a smash-and-grab raid in the classroom! Before the lesson starts. 1 Give the collection of clothing and accessories to one learner. 3 Either ask the two groups to join together and invite the first group to ask their questions. have a number of questions ready. 163 . they should not turn their backs on the class. Variation 1 Picture in groups Preparation You will need a picture of a scene containing objects and people for each group of learners. Alert the 'thieves' to the fact that everyone needs to be able to see what they are doing. for example.g. 2 Then ask one learner to show their group's picture to another group for 30 seconds. and put their questions to them. seize a variety of objects. So. putting some into a bag. gloves) large enough for learners to wear over their normal clothes. others into their pockets. sunglasses. The whole 'raid' should not take more than a few seconds. and ask them to leave the classroom and put on some of the items.Mainly grammar Note In case the learners find it difficult to talk about the picture. Variation 2 Clothes Preparation You will need a collection of clothing and accessories (e. Tell them to dress up in strange clothes. 2 Invite them to come into the classroom for a few seconds before going out again. They should then leave the classroom. or ask each of the learners from the first group to find a partner from the second group. enter the classroom. They must prepare 10 to 15 questions on this picture. explain your plan to two learners. 1 Give each group a picture of a scene including objects and people. 3 Ask the class to try to describe what their classmate was wearing.
next to …) You will need a collection of objects.g. as in the main game.21 Kim's memory game (Variations 6 and 7) See 6. prepositions Language Preparation Detecting and describing changes in position orally using the present perfect (e.g. 7. past simple. taller. Change the position of one of the objects. and/or inside other objects. or a learner.Games for Language Learning 1 Stand back in mock helplessness as the 'raid' takes place. and to tell you which objects were 'stolen'. next to. Make sure that several of them are positioned. making them longer or shorter. ask the learners to look away.12 Kim's memory game for the main game and Variations 1 to 5. greener. on top of. Variation 6 Present perfect. for example. Teacher: And where was it? Learner: It was next to the watch. and prepositions (e.g. 164 . Teacher: What have I done? Learner: You've put the tape underneath the dictionary. underneath. ask the class to describe the appearance and actions of the 'thieves'. 2 After 20 seconds. You've put …). Some of the objects might have colour on them. past simple (e. change some of the drawings. ask a number of learners to draw some simple objects on the board. 2 Once the 'raid' is over. Variation 7 Present perfect and comparisons Language Detecting changes made to a drawing and describing them orally using the present perfect and comparatives (e. You've made the tree taller.) 1 Instead of using objects or prepared pictures. 2 Tell the learners to close their eyes whilst you. It was …). fatter.g. etc. as in the main game.) 1 Place six to eight objects on a table. (See also step 1 below.
CREATE 7.22 Alibis Family Language CREATE Collaboratively making up an alibi accounting for one's location. and 10 p. 165 . attempting to find inconsistencies in the 'stories' and looking for contradictions between them. or: Teacher: What is different? Learner: The tree is taller. pencil and rubber. Encourage the class to question the first 'suspect' at length to find out the details of the alibi. imagining that they have to create an alibi for a given evening.m. For example: Teacher: What have I done? Learner: You've made the tree taller. using the past simple in both cases Asking questions about past events.m. If not. Note The learners can play the same game in pairs using paper. tell one pair that they are now being called into the police station for questioning. using the past simple Procedure 1 Invite learners to work in pairs.Mainly grammar 3 Challenge the class to tell you what you have done. during the evening. 2 When the learners have prepared their alibis. and let the class subject him or her to a similar interrogation. 3 Invite the second 'suspect' in. then try to memorise all the information they have invented. Ask one of the two 'suspects' to wait outside while the other faces the rest of the class. actions and motivations for a three-hour period of time. the alibi is broken and the class wins. and attempting to memorise all the details Independently narrating invented past events and answering questions about them as accurately as possible. Tell them they must produce a story that accounts for every minute between 7 p. If they find any. the two who made up the alibi win.
The first team to note an inconsistency wins.m? Who else was there? What time did you leave? What did you do next? Why did you go there? Did you speak to anyone? How much did it cost? Who paid? Did you get any change? When did you leave? How did you get home? Note An alternative procedure is to divide the class into two interviewing teams. A time limit is given. Each team takes it in turn to interview each learner. so the learners will continue the story in the past. Make sure to include a verb in the past tense in your starting phrase or sentence.15 p. If neither team notes an inconsistency between the statements of the two 'accused' then they are proclaimed innocent and free to go! 7. each learner in turn adding a sentence or part of a sentence. five minutes.23 Passing on a story Family Language CREATE Making up stories collectively. You can contribute to the story periodically if you feel it would help to give it a boost.Games for Language Learning Examples of questions that the class might prepare. using the past simple and past continuous as well as a wide range of language points Procedure 1 Explain to the learners that you are going to begin a story and that they must continue it. for example. and then use when interrogating the 'suspects' Where were you at 7. 166 .
Learner 2: .. Learner 3: .... a piece of cake . using present.. 167 . I heard the wolves howling ... Teacher: It was eating . only in this variation ask each learner to remember and repeat all the previous contributions! This should not be seen as a test! Learners may help a classmate who is stuck. in the kitchen. The woman was crying.. ask the learners to write their version of it.. Learner 1: . and drinking tea from a bucket.. past or future tenses according to the tense forms the storyteller uses Procedure Try to tell a story or describe an experience in less than five minutes.. Learner 4: 'Don't you have milk in your tea?' 3 When the story is finished. Some examples of sentences you might begin the story with In the middle of last night I was lying in bed when I heard a strange noise .... Teacher: I said . Variation 1 Remembering and continuing a story Follow the same game procedure as above. in sequence. 7.. Challenge the learners to prevent you from doing so by interrupting you with questions about the story (any questions!) which you must stop your storytelling to answer.. I opened the door and there was .. and she said ..24 Interrupting a story Family Language CREATE Asking questions.. Teacher: I saw a horse sitting ... Last Saturday I went to the shops and I saw ....Mainly grammar 2 Retell the story with each learner contributing his or her sentence.
g. Note You might like to divide the class into two teams and give them one point for every question asked. Possible 'frames' are presented below. and contrasting them with activities in progress. 5 Encourage the learners to brainstorm together at least ten sentences containing the present continuous. I get up at seven o'clock). about their everyday lives.. using the present simple tense. tell all the groups that they should add a new line. You need only choose a 'frame' in which poems can be created. What was his name? Henry. 3 Invite the learners. There was a man who . What did he eat for breakfast? 7. They should write them in a list under the first line of Every day. following a model provided to channel the poet's creativity Focussing on almost any language point through the writing of poetry The poetry-writing activity presented here requires almost no preparation. 2 Ask the learners to write five more sentences of their own. Their sentences should represent their ideal dream alternatives to their everyday lives! 168 .g.Games for Language Learning Teacher: Learner 1: Teacher: Learner 2: Teacher: Learner 3: etc. and concentrate on the intended language focus. to select a total of four of the sentences taken from any of the ones they have written. I am lying in bed). Procedure 1 Help the learners to brainstorm a few sentences.25 Pattern poems Family Language Preparation CREATE Using the present simple for everyday activities (e. working in groups of four. Write these sentences on the board.. But now. but now. What was his family name? Ponsonberry. 4 Next. using the present continuous (e.
169 . ask each group to find a dramatic way of performing their poem for the class. 7 Invite the learners to compose a line to finish off their poem. I go to school. But now. Every day. I am eating chocolate.Mainly grammar 6 Ask the learners to choose four of their present continuous sentences and list them under But now. I get dressed. 8 Finally. And I am thinking of my friends. I get up at seven o' clock. I am listening to some music. It's Sunday. but now. but now. I eat my breakfast. I am lying in bed.
........ If I were a swallow I would fly to . but now. I would have liked to … but I didn't.Games for Language Learning Sometimes. But now. but I don't . I wish I had . but in future I will . I sing and Run in the mountains and Swim in the lakes and Fly and Dream. I'm not Singing and running and swimming and flying and dreaming... He can run faster than me … but I can .. I'm sitting in school. 170 . Possible frames of patterns and tenses as a basis for writing poems based on repetition Friendship is … I have always ..
Cambridge University Press are happy to give you permission to photocopy the pages in this chapter marked PHOTOCOPIABLE for the learners to keep. The games here are a small selection only. 171 . We suggest that you help your learners to recognise their preferred ways of learning by giving copies of pages 172 and 173 to them and then going through the list discussing each style. other activities suitable for solo use can be found elsewhere in the book. if possible. the learners will feel clear and confident about using the games without your direct support. To show that we all make use of all the styles.8 Solo games Learners benefit from learning and or revising aspects of language during private study time or for homework. you prepare the learners for any intended solo games by trying them out in class beforehand. It is our aim to promote 'learning how to learn'. The games in this chapter will help them with this sort of study. It is helpful to give the learners an opportunity to experience how to select and apply different types of game to suit their specific needs. under your direction. For the learners' convenience. In this way. with something suitable for different learning styles. you might like to ask the learners to put the styles into their order of importance for them as individuals. Some of the solo games also lend themselves to follow-up with a partner. We suggest that. and yours.
No problem! You have an amazing memory! There are many ways to learn We all learn in different ways: looking. Use all these ways and find your own favourite way of learning … but still use all the ways. Beat the rhythm of the words with your finger. ******** Do you like to listen to things? Say the words you want to learn aloud.000 words in your own language. ******** Do you like to move about and touch things? Make word and picture cards and move them around.Games for Language Learning You have got 1000 million brain cells! More than the number of stars in the galaxy! Here is how to use them You are amazing! You have an amazing memory! You can remember thousands of people and places. being crazy. Dramatise the words. Write the words so that you can see how they sound. say them aloud with feeling. Make diagrams explaining the words. being serious. moving. creating. Use real objects when you can. Choose or draw crazy pictures if you can. ******** Do you like to look at things? Write down the words you want to learn. Exaggerate the rhythm of the words. Play music in the background while you learn. You can remember many techniques to do with your mobile phone and your computer. Put pictures with each word. listening. Mime the different words. You have remembered at least 10. Walk about when you learn words. Use different colours. From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 ******** 172 .
Just looking and reading will not help you enough. a story. turkey in Turkey. Make sure you work on the language you have learned after a few days and then after a few weeks. jump up and down (this puts oxygen into your brain). Find ways of grouping and ordering words. Do something else for 5 minutes: listen to music. Laugh and learn. for example. Make up as many sentences as you can about the topic. ******** Work! Break! Work! Break! Work! Break! Work! Break! Work! Break! Work for 10 to 15 minutes and then stop. Make up crazy sentences to go with pictures. ******** Do you like to create things? Put words together which sound nearly the same and are funny together. Write a letter. ******** Do you like to think seriously? Find your own ways of learning. a horse of course. Find ways of explaining points of grammar. Do things with the language Use your brain to do things with the language. a joke or words for a song. Then work on the same language for another 10 to 15 minutes but with another technique. Invent as many different conversations as possible. ******** SOCCER PLAYERS IN TRAINING RUN WITH THE BALL BETWEEN STICKS SO THEY CAN PLAY SOCCER BETTER! SINGERS SING DOH – RAY – ME SO THEY CAN SING BETTER! YOU CAN PLAY THESE GAMES AND BOOST YOUR LANGUAGE POWER From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 ******** 173 .Solo games Do you like to be crazy? Make up crazy pictures to illustrate words you want to learn. List all the words you can think of which you associate with a topic. Write poems with the words. fat cat. Explain your ideas to other people.
3 Go for your own record! How fast can you get all the words right? Every time you make a mistake you must start again. Write the list again and put the middle words at the top or bottom of your new list. The mother-tongue words are written down one side and the English words are on the other side. Or … 4 Cut each word in the half page which folds back into a strip. You often forget the words in the middle. you learn best the words at the beginning and end of the list. You can fold each word strip back or bring it forwards again. Then you can really test yourself. From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 174 . Note When you learn words in a list.1 Folding vocabulary book To learn and revise words 1 Many people have a vocabulary book. 2 Try folding the page down the middle and keeping half the page folded back and hidden.Games for Language Learning 8. It may be difficult to learn words like that.
g. • Write a word on one side. for example: • Write an English sentence on one side and draw a picture to illustrate it on the other. Start again each time you make a mistake. 3 When you think you know them all. in your language. sentences or grammar 1 Write the English word (or sentence. learning the English words. or bit of grammar) on one side of the card and your own language word on the other side. • Write an English word on one side and the English dictionary definition of it on the other. Turn them over. 2 Put all the cards with your language side up. • Write opposites. and on the other side write one or two sentences which contain the word.Solo games 8. test and time yourself. big / small on each side of the card. on the other. Put them back again with your language side up. • Write half a word on one side and the other half of the word on the other side (so as to practise spelling). e. Note There are lots of things you can put on cards. From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 175 . • Write an English sentence on one side and the same sentence.2 Cards To learn and revise words. • Write a question on one side and the answer on the other.
3 Try to make the pictures a bit crazy. a light bulb over somebody's head means 'an idea'. You will remember them better.2 Cards (continued ) Some advice 1 Use cards about 2 cm x 5 cm. 4 Apple is easy to draw. for example. You might have to invent the symbol or use a cartoon symbol for example. 2 Use colour to make the words and the pictures special.Try using a symbol for abstract words.Games for Language Learning 8. From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 176 . love.
Then put them together in pairs. (Or see 8. you could challenge a friend to play this game with you. 3 Now put all the cards face down. If not.Solo games 8. Note that for this game you only write/draw on one side of each card. Time how long it takes you to put all the cards into pairs. Mix them up on the table. On a second card draw a picture to illustrate it. Time how long it takes. First. turn them face down and try again. Then turn the cards face down and see who can win the most pairs.2 Cards for more ideas on what to put on the cards. Turn two cards over and see if you can make a pair.) 2 Mix all the cards face up on the table.) on one card. From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 177 .3 Match the cards To learn and revise words or sentences 1 Write the English word (or sentence. or bit of grammar. challenge them to beat your record with the cards face up. etc. 5 Later. 4 Try to remember what each card is and try to remember where each pair is.
Look at the other two lists and try to write all the words in full. for example apple. 1 First write out the list of words you must learn. 2 Cover up your list of complete words. cabbage. Note You can do this activity alone or with a partner.Games for Language Learning 8. bean. chicken. From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 178 . Then make a second list of the beginning of each word and a third list showing the end of each word. banana. potato. The endings in the third list must be in a different order from the beginnings. milk. 3 Compare your new list with the original list to make sure that your words are correct. chips.4 Match the halves To revise the spelling of a list of words. Say the words to yourself as you write them.
for example. From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 179 .) 2 Do something else for ten minutes. 3 Look at your 'word snakes' again and write them out. Say the sentences to yourself as you write them. but don't leave spaces between the words.Solo games 8.5 Word snakes To help you to remember sentences 1 Copy the sentences. leaving the correct spaces between the words. For example: He let the cat out of the bag. listen to some music. (= He accidentally told someone a secret.
Look at the example: boots shoes sandals hat The odd-one-out is hat.Games for Language Learning 8. From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 180 .6 Odd-one-out To revise words you know or should know 1 Write words in groups of four. Ask your partner to tell you the odd-one-out in each group and to explain why. 2 Show your groups of words to a partner. because you wear it on your head. In each group. but you wear all the others on your feet. might be the odd-one-out because you can only wear them in hot weather. For example: sandals. include an 'odd-oneout' – a word which is different from the others. Do you agree? 3 Later try to show that each word in a group can be the odd-oneout.
From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 181 . It is not necessary for each group to have the same number of words. Words can go in more than one group.7 Different groups of words To revise words from different topics Example of words from different topics shopping cinema wool maths job magazine exam cotton sweater friends basket chicken trousers language dinner money 1 Organise the words into at least four groups. it makes it easier to move them around into different groups.Solo games 8. Write your groups of words. Can you understand the logic of your partner's groups? Can you explain the logic of your groups? Example of different groups FOOD shopping dinner chicken basket money STUDY AND WORK language maths exam job money CLOTHES sweater trousers wool cotton money FREE TIME cinema magazine friends money Note If you write the words on cards. it may be interesting to compare your grouping of words with a partner's grouping. 2 Later.
Games for Language Learning 8.8 Mind map To revise sets of words or phrases relating to a topic In mind maps the ideas spread all over the page. Examples of sets of words or grammatical points for mind maps Story: ideas. You can connect ideas and group them. words and phrases you need for your story Person: describing a person in different ways Debate: different ways of looking at a topic Exams: the information you must learn Pronunciation: spelling and sound (Example: 'ough' words (enough/rough) (cough) (through) (thought/bought/caught) (bough/bow/cow) (though/sew) From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 182 . You can colour them and make the lines thick or thin and the bubbles big or small depending on how important the ideas are to you and what you feel about them.
From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 183 . 4 Cover your Word Sun and try to make an exact copy of it. 5 Compare your copy with the original. If they are not identical. try again until you write a perfect copy. 1 Draw a circle and write the topic word in capital letters in the middle. 3 Give yourself three seconds to 'photograph' this in your mind. for example: FRUIT 2 Then write other related words around your circle to make a Word Sun. Use a colour or the thickness of your line to show how often you eat each fruit or how much you like the fruit.9 Word Sun To learn or revise a set of words or phrases relating to a topic.Solo games 8. draw little pictures of each fruit and write the words on the fruit. Use pictures and colour to help you remember. For example.
fairly difficult. showing gradual changes of meaning. a lot. hundreds/thousands. big. not difficult. many. very difficult.Games for Language Learning 8. difficult. very easy none. countless tiny. gigantic From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 184 . Other examples of revising words with steps absolutely impossible. small. average-sized. large. quite a lot. step by step. enormous. quite a few. several. easy. impossible.10 Steps To revise words which are related Arrange the words like stairs or a ladder. a few.
2 Continue adding words as you think of them. 2 Then add a sentence which is in some way connected to the first sentence. Try to guess why your partner has made his or her connections. food. From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 185 . My name is on the door. 3 Continue the 'chain' of sentences for as long as possible. There are lots of posters on the wall.11 Add a word To revise a set of words on a topic (for example. shopping. From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 8. Example I like my room. I've got a computer. shopping. making a chain of meaning. advertising) 1 Choose a topic and write a sentence connected with the topic. Join the two words with a line.12 Add a sentence To practise writing about a topic (for example. holidays. then add a word which this first word makes you think of. 3 Later show your connections to a partner.Solo games 8. home life) 1 Write any word. home life. It's small.
starting with the one you like most and ending with the one you like least. Write the words in the order you think your partner has written them.13 Favourites To revise a set of words (for example. 3 Compare your lists and see how well you know each other! From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 186 .Games for Language Learning 8. sports) It helps you to learn words if you write them out in a way which is important for you. work with a partner. food. clothes. 1 Write lists of things. Examples of sets of words you can put in a list colours sports jobs food musical instruments 2 Later. words for jobs. Write the words you like most in big letters and the words you like least in very small letters.
i. e.Solo games 8. o and u). omitting all the vowels (the letters a. for example: geography ¡ g _ _ gr_ phy English ¡ _ ngl_ sh history ¡ h_ st_ ry music ¡ m_ s_ c From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1 187 . look at the list of words without vowels and see if you can still remember the complete words. 4 Later. show your list of words without vowels to a friend and see if he or she can work out what the words are. o and u). Say each word to yourself a few times as you write it. for example: teacher ¡ tchr word ¡ wrd learn ¡ lrn 2 Look at your list of words without vowels and try to write out all the words in full. putting a dash instead of the vowels (the letters a. Do it again and see if you can do it faster. 5 Later. You can time yourself. i.14 Lose the vowels To revise the spelling of a list of words 1 Write the words. 3 Compare your new list with the original to make sure that all your words are correct. e. Variation 1 Remember the vowels Write the words.
Games for Language Learning
8.15 Write a crazy story
To help you to revise and remember words 1 Put all the words you must remember into a story … make it a crazy story and then you will remember the story and the words. For example:
Where are my teeth? The lion said, 'Where are my teeth?' He looked in the hippo's mouth. 'Are they in the hippo's mouth?' He looked behind the dinosaur. 'Are they behind the dinosaur?' He looked under the alligator. 'Are they under the alligator?' He looked behind the hippo. 'Are they behind the hippo?' He found them in his pocket! 'No! They are in my pocket!'
2 Later, tell your story to other learners.
From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1
Solo games
8.16 Write a dramatic dialogue
To remember grammar 1 Write a mini dialogue including the grammatical point you want to remember, for example, ... is so ... that. Make it funny or dramatic! A: My father is so strong he can lift a lawnmower with one hand. B: Huh, that's nothing! My father is so strong he can lift two lawnmowers with one hand. A: Huh, that's nothing! My father is so strong he can lift a garden shed above his head. B: Huh, that's nothing! My father is so strong he can throw a garden shed a hundred metres. 2 Later, act out your dialogue for other learners.
From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1
8.17 Be dramatic
To remember words and phrases 1 Try saying ordinary words and phrases in a dramatic way. For example, you are in the desert and you have no food. You are thinking of all the food you know. You say each word for food, dramatically, desperately … 'Sandwiches, tomato sauce, bread, …' 2 Later, act this out for other learners.
From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1
8.18 Make a crossword
To learn or revise a list of words, for example, music, theatre, football, swimming, tennis, play, like, concert, listen, disco, chess, hockey, hate. If you use a dictionary you can learn the meanings of new words as well as revise old ones. 1 Write the words in a crossword grid.
2 Write clues for your crossword, for example: Across 1 You go to a concert to listen to .............. . Down 3 I go .............. in the river. 3 Later, exchange your crossword and clues with a partner and see if you can do each other's crossword.
From Games for Language Learning © Cambridge University Press 2006 PHOTOCOPIABLE1
a and an 113–14 adjectival phrases 113–14 adjectives 26–9, 113–14, 116, 140–1 for people 103–4 adverbs 103, 104 agreeing and disagreeing 159–60 answering questions 14–17, 25, 117–18 asking for reasons 105–8 asking questions 14–17, 25, 94–100, 117–18, 131–3, 137–9, 142–4, 149–52, 165–6, 167–8 Because ... 105–6, 105–8 Bingo 50–3, 157–9 brainstorming 41–2 can 41–2 Can you ...? 123–4 CARE AND SHARE 4, 11–23 certainty 24–5, 71–2 challenges 123–4 classroom 11 comparatives 26–9, 33–5, 116, 146–9, 164–5 comparing 33–5 conditionals 42 conditions 42 conjecture 146–9 CONNECT 5, 31–2, 105–6 COMPARE 33–5, 146–9 GROUP 106–8 MATCH 50–3, 85–7, 108–10, 152–9 could 41–2 CREATE 5–6, 37–43, 55–7, 62–79, 118–19, 165–70 cultural awareness 20–1, 70 DESCRIBE 5, 26–31, 60–2, 149–52 describing 25, 26–31, 33–5, 44–6, 50, 61–2, 117, 118–19, 140–1, 144–5 people 36–7, 44–6, 50, 60–1, 161–4 determiners 157–9 dictation 53–5, 90–1 dictionaries 58–9, 190
discipline 10 DO 5, 44 DRAW 44–6 MIME 80–1, 121–2, 124–30 MOVE 46–7 OBEY 120–4 exclamations 139–40 explaining 31–2, 42, 139–40 fantasy islands 73–5 games 1 challenge and competition 1–2, 9 practicalities 8–10 reasons for using 2, 9 success and failure 1–2, 9 timing 10 types of game 4–6 getting to know you 11–18 giving reasons 42, 105–8 grammar 120–70, 175–6, 189 group work 3, 9 humour 25–6, 68 icebreakers 11–23 IDENTIFY 5, 50, 130–49 DISCRIMINATE 25–6, 47–50, 58–9, 101 GUESS 81–3, 94–105 SPECULATE 24–5, 84, 94–100, 134, 146–9 imperatives 21–3, 26–9, 120–3, 135–6 instructions 21–3, 26–9 intonation 159–60 introductions 11–12 Kim's game 114–17, 164–5 knowledge quiz 156 learning styles 6–8, 171–3 Let's ... 142–3 letters 64–6
44–57 to description 50 for detail 24. 137–44. 80–93 predicting 83 reading aloud 159–61 and reporting 93 scanning 80–1. 9.Index listening 13–14. 144–5 prepositions 26–9. 159–60 mistakes 3. 157–9 passive form 142–3 Pelmanism 85–7.. 70–1. 52–3 phrasal verbs 155–6 phrases 161. 166–8 stress 42–3. 111–12. 129. 182–3. 18–19. 25. 44–6. 168–70 possession (have/has got) 113–14 possessives 140–1 predicting 88–90. 30–1 mistakes 24 narrating past events 165–6 storytelling 166–7 speculating 24–5. 131. 179 construction 161. 53–5. 144–5.? 140–1 Is it + preposition + place? 142–3 passive form 142–3 past simple 165–6 present perfect 142–3 present simple 149–52 various tenses 167–8 What? 94–100. 142–3. 134. 164 pronunciation 101 proverbs 20–1. 131–3. 8–9. 94–100. 159–60 superlatives 146–9 syntax 159–61 tall tales 25–6 teacher's role 3–4 tenor 42–3 tenses 33–5. 113–14. 18. 161–5 reporting 71–2. 130. 35 making suggestions 142–3. 117–18. 110. 55–7 for differences 47–8 evaluating accuracy 49 for gist 55–7 for phonetic combinations 52–3 and reacting 139–40 responding through action 46–7 sequence of events 135–7 for vocabulary 50–3 making connections 31–2. 118–19. 161–4. 118–19 numbers 114–15 ORDER 5. 135–6. 134. 24 names 11–12. 80–1 future (going to) 124. 144–5 future (will) 137–9 future in the past 125. 159–61 organisation of games 8–10 pair work 3. 55–7. 91–3 speculating 84 REMEMBER 5. 137. 101–2. 124–30. 137. 18 nouns 33–5. 137–9 Who? 137–9 Why? 105–8 reading 18. 91–3 skimming for gist 80–3. 85–8. 88–90 questions 14–17. 93 rhyming words 50. 87–90. 166–7 192 . 159–60 riddles 149–52 sentences 175–7. 189 pitch 42–3 plural forms 114–15 poetry 42–3. 185 sequencing 53–5. 171 parts of speech 70–1. 24–43 dialogue 29. 129–30 past continuous 113–14. 37–41.. positive and negative 118–19 storytelling 25–6. 68. 53 rhythm 42–3. 149–52 Are you + preposition + place? 142–3 Have you got a . 152–3 phonetic combinations 50. 84. 90–3. 146–9 speeches 72 statements. 113–18. 124. 64. 87–8. 36–7. 127. 87–90 text reduction 159–60 soap operas 75–9 solo games 171–90 somebody 130–1 speaking 13–14. 66–8. 135–6.
126–7. 87–8 would 42 writing 58–79 answers 55–7 definitions 58–9 descriptions 60–2. 18–23 word order 83. 168–70 present perfect 124. 135–6. 135–6. 189 dictation 53–5. 80–1.Index past simple 113–14. 137. 118–19 story collaboration 64 story consequences 68–70 topics 185 travel journal 73–5 193 . 140–1 shapes 26–9 spelling 111–12. 131–3. 114–15. 129–30. 116 present continuous 124. 94–100. 164–5 present perfect continuous 124. 168–70 present tense 39–41 timing 10 Twenty Questions 143–4 uncertainty 24–5. 90–1 explanations 139–40 fairy stories 68 letters 64–6 poetry 70–1. 113–16. 142–3. 93 riddles 149–52 soap operas 75–9 speeches 72 stories 66–8. 186–90 animals 113–14 character 75–9 clothing 36–7. 118–19 dialogue 62–3. 125. 161–4. 29–31. 66–8. 135–6. 144–5. 178. 135–6. 94–119. 180–5. 174–8. 137. 116 definitions 52. 187 story/topic 101–3. 128–9 present simple 124. 55–7 vocabulary 24–5. 157–9 objects 94–101. 125–6. 181–5 warming up 11. 165–7 past tenses 37–41. 58–9 familiar words 20 food 42–3. 134. 128. 134 verbs 80–1 visualisation 22–3. 124. 168–70 reports 71–2. 157–9. 130–3. 134. 117. 117. 130–3. 149–52. 50–2. 161–4 colours 33–5 containers 114–15.
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