Some Games for ESL Teachers
Hi everyone,
For this week, I am thinking about using games in our classrooms with ESL students. Are they effective or waste of time? From my point of view and I am sure many of you have the same idea, games always work. Recycling some of our papers on pedagogy methods, games direct students towards more acquiring the language. Isn't it awesome?
What I want to share with you is the game called "Simon says". I think it is a good one for lower levels and encourages students to practice their vocabulary, grammar, and also say a complete sentence. You can also adjust it for practicing different tenses; for example, you can ask students to make their sentences in past for the game. I found it interesting when I was navigating internet for ESL teaching experiences. You can read the page by going to the link below and you can find 9 more games, which you may be familiar with some of them;
https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/10-best-games-esl-teachers#simonsays
Simon Says
This is an excellent game for young learners. Whether you’re waking them up on a Monday morning or sending them home on a Friday afternoon, this one is bound to get them excited and wanting more. The only danger I have found with this game is that students never want to stop playing it.
- Why use it? Listening comprehension; Vocabulary; Warming up/winding down class
- Who it's best for: Young learners
- Stand in front of the class (you are Simon for the duration of this game).
- Do an action and say Simon Says [action]. The students must copy what you do.
- Repeat this process choosing different actions - you can be as silly as you like and the sillier you are the more the children will love you for it.
- Then do an action but this time say only the action and omit ‘Simon Says’. Whoever does the action this time is out and must sit down.
- The winner is the last student standing.
- To make it harder, speed up the actions. Reward children for good behavior by allowing them to play the part of Simon.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Saeedeh
Thanks for sharing! I believe Simon says is good for lower levels and young learners. It is a very good TPR method to keep them engaged. I always use it and they love it!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYou're absolutely right! The good thing is that it gives you more freedom to adjust it to the lesson plan, no matter it's time to practice the grammar or new vocabulary.
DeleteSuper great activity. I remember doing that in French class and it helped. Games are so much more interesting than sitting there learning grammar. That's a great idea, too, about playing on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon. Timing makes such a difference. Have a great sunny weekend, all!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cat for mentioning about timing. Timing always plays an important role. For example, when your students have difficulty with new lesson, you can choose an appropriate game to remove the existing anxiety and stress.
DeleteThanks for sharing the idea.They not only break the monotony but a great ice breaker for a lot of us.Specially for adult ESL learners.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to reply you, didn't notice I was actually writing a new comment, ha ha ha! However, you can see it the post below.
DeleteThat's True, Vandana! I have used it in ESL classes and believe me a very simple game can get everyone to engage with the activity in a very short time.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marc for sharing this game idea. This game is very simple yet helps young and old ESL learners to improve vocabulary, grammar, soft skills etc. It's an exciting game which help learners to engage in a fun way and forget their anxiety and stress.
ReplyDeleteExactly! What I like really about games in ESL is with some creativity you can adjust them for different levels.Even though "Simon Says" looks good for lower levels, I believe you can still use it in higher levels; for example, asking for making complex question about a topic or theme they are studying.
DeleteHowever, if you check the link that I added before game you will find some more games which you may find them helpful, too.