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If you’re ever looking for ways to make your English classes more engaging and fun, look no further. Learning through play is one of the best methods to help children and teenagers develop language skills. Here are six tried-and-tested games that are sure to boost creativity, interaction, and motivation in your lessons.
1. Puns
Puns are a simple, flexible game that can be easily adapted. Students can act out or draw new words they’ve learned, while others guess the word. For an extra challenge, try a Taboo-style variation, where students describe a word without using specific “forbidden” terms. You can also reverse the roles—show a picture to the whole group and have everyone except one student give clues while the solo student guesses.
2. Bingo
Prepare a bingo board with words or pictures related to your lesson. Students mark a selection of squares, and you call out words at random. If a word they marked is called, they cross it off. The first to cross all their words and shout “Bingo!” wins. It’s a great way to reinforce vocabulary while keeping the atmosphere lively. Plus, everyone gets a chance to participate and enjoy the thrill of winning.
3. Memories
A classic game that never gets old, memory games can easily be adapted for language learning. Lay out pairs of cards with matching words or pictures, and have students take turns flipping over two at a time to find matches. You can use this game for group or individual work, and it can be a great hands-on activity if students create their own memory cards as part of the lesson.
4. The Floor is Lava
This game is always a hit! Lay out flashcards on the floor and start the game by saying, “The floor isn’t lava,” while playing some music. When the music stops and you shout, “The floor is lava!” students must quickly stand on a flashcard and name the word or picture on it. This game combines movement with vocabulary practice, making it both fun and educational. You can up the stakes by removing a flashcard after each round, just like musical chairs!
5. Simon Says
The classic “Simon Says” can be given a language-learning twist. Start by demonstrating different actions while naming them, and have students follow along. If the action doesn’t match the word, they must clap three times and say “no” to reset the game. To increase engagement, let students take turns leading the game and coming up with new actions and words.
6. Hopscotch
Set up a hopscotch grid using flashcards on the floor. The teacher jumps on three cards in a particular order, naming each as they go. Students then repeat the sequence, saying the words aloud. After a few rounds, students can rearrange the cards and choose the jump sequence themselves. It’s a fun, physical way to reinforce vocabulary while giving students a chance to lead.
Why Use Games?
These activities not only make learning more fun, but also support the development of social skills, cooperation, and communication. Games like these encourage students to experiment with language, build their vocabulary, and participate actively in class. Plus, they create a welcoming, dynamic environment where students can engage with the material in creative ways.
Incorporate these games into your lessons to keep students motivated, energized, and eager to learn!
ENmaven’s English worksheets and lesson plans for teachers are filled with such games, making your lessons both effective and fun!