Why English Language Games
are essential in a teacher’s
toolbox?
Joanna Bechcińska
ŁCDNiKP
2011
5 TOP REASONS TO TEACH CHILDREN
ENGLISH
WITH FUN GAMES
1. Learning
is quicker,
retention is
improved.
2. Building
interest in
class
3. Putting
language in
useful and
meaningful
context
4. Giving
your pupils
a break
5. Creating
a student /
teacher
bond
FUN CLASSROOM GAMES
AND DISCIPLINE
– AN UNHAPPY MARRIAGE?
BASIC GROUND RULES FOR THE
CLASSROOM
• Establish the rules on day one and stick to them.
• Be consistent in applying the rules.
• Praise good behaviour to generate love and selfesteem.
HANDY TIPS
• Use individual’s name for praise.
• Create teams and use peer pressure to encourage
good behaviour.
• Don’t raise your voice to be heard.
HANDY TIPS
• Ask a naughty student, „Do you want me to speak
to your Dad?”
• Give a boisterous student an important task
BEFORE they start to play up.
• Sing a song together or do some counting to
occupy the class while materials are handed out.
INSTANT ATTENTION GETTERS
• Reward three well-behaved students.
• Start singing a song students know and love.
• Clap out a pattern which they must clap back, or
use a rhyme.
• Use quiet cues.
• Use the magic 1 2 3 idea.
HOW GAMES HELP
WITH DIFFICULT CLASSROOM
SITUATIONS
•
•
•
•
Helping beginners through the „silent period”
Appealing to different learning styles
Easing tension between students in class
Helping with irregular class attendance
What kinds of games work best?
• Which skills does the game practise?
• What type of game is it and what is its purpose?
• Does the difficulty level of the game match the
students’ ability level?
What kinds of games work best?
• Does the game require maximum involvement by
the students?
• Do the students like it? Do you like it?
What kinds of games work best?
• What specific vocabulary or grammar are you
introducing or practising with the game?
• Can you keep control of your class during the
game?
• What materials do you need for the game?
What kinds of games work best?
• Can you play a game
without defining
winners and losers?
• Are the rules easy
and clear?
TIPS FOR USING GAMES IN CLASS
SUCCESSFULLY
PROPER
ORGANIZATION
TIPS FOR USING GAMES IN CLASS
SUCCESSFULLY
REALISTIC
EXPECTATIONS
TIPS FOR USING GAMES IN CLASS
SUCCESSFULLY
VARIATION
(TALKING, LISTENING,
LOOKING, MOVING)
TIPS FOR USING GAMES IN CLASS
SUCCESSFULLY
RESPECT!!!
TIPS FOR USING GAMES IN CLASS
SUCCESSFULLY
ROUTINE
TIPS FOR USING GAMES IN CLASS
SUCCESSFULLY
NURTURE
Thank you for your attention