Games in ELT

Life is more fun if you play games.

Roald Dahl
 What is a game?
= a play
governed by a set of rules
not limited by age
including competition between the players
containing a certain proportion of luck
Providing repeated use of language form
and its frequent use during a limited period
of time. (Betteridge)
 Advantages
integrating ELT practice in a motivating way
providing purposeful, meaningful contexts
stimulating interaction
promoting variety of attentional focus in classroom
activity
engendering enthusiasm
giving Ss encouragement to continue learning
helping participants build relationships
good for shy Ss and Ss with low confidence
focusing on all 4 basic skills
etc.
 Disadvantages
an increased level of noise in the classroom
long time for preparation or too much time for the
game itself
can cause distraction
sometimes a teacher might have problems in
choosing a suitable game (considering Ss age
and abilities)
teacher cant observe the performance of several
Ss at the same time
etc.
 When using games
Ts must consider
1.its appropriateness (age, language level, interests, educational
background, classroom space, noise, materials, etc.)
2. its usefulness
3.the duration of the preparation
4.possibility of realization
5.time needed for completion
6.the particular group of Ss and their willingness
7.the necessary instructions
8.etc.
 Classification (1)
1. Means to an end
Group/pair building games- e.g. Arrangements
Introduction/Conclusion/Revision games
2. Content
Grammar/vocabulary/spelling/pronunciation/
etc. games
Knowledge games e.g. Alphabet Quiz
3. Place
Indoor/outdoor games
Classroom/camp/trip/outing/etc. games
 Classification (2)
4. Time of the lesson
icebreaker/warm-up/fillers/etc. - e.g. Lions,
Hunters & Mothers-in-law
5. Word Games
wordsearch/fill-ins/crosswords/hangman/etc.
6. Story Games
chain-stories, genre-writing, adding to/
changing a story, brag story, secret code, etc.
7. Card Games
Bingo, domino, trimino,
memory, quartett, etc.
 Classification (3)
8. Board Games
ready-made/self-made, communication, etc.
9. Online Games
Jeopardy, who wants to be a millionaire, memory,
crossword puzzle, etc.
10. Question Games
find so who, battleship, riddles, etc.
11. Scavenger Hunt Games - e.g. Gimme
12. Physical Games
energizers, movement games, TPR, air write/draw,
etc.
etc
 Classification (4)
13. Brainteasers e.g. Cards
14. Drawing/colouring/folding/etc. Games e.g. Airplanes
15. Dictations
Picture/running/partner dictation, etc.
16. Contests
Miming, 20 questions, spot the difference, Kims game,
read my mind, name six, etc.
17. Communication Games
Truth or Lie, role play,
prove it, etc.
 Classification (5)
18. Silent Games
Chinese whispers, Act it out!, back writing/
drawing, charades, etc.
19.Debate/Discussion
Traffic light debate, expert groups, mock trial,
agree to disagree, etc.
20.Guessing Games
Who am I?, Teachers bag, Whats this?, etc.
21. etc.
 Bibliography
https://theses.cz/id/85j60g/DP_Tereza_Kouil
ov_TISK_2.pdf
http://skemman.is/stream/get/1946/6467/13
457/1/Sigridurdogg2010.pdf
http://iteslj.org/games/
http://www.teachingenglishgames.com/
http://www.eslcafe.com/idea/index.cgi?
Games
 Thank you
Cristina Drescan
We do not stop playing
because we grow old,
we grow old
because we stop playing!
Benjamin Franklin