‘Language learning is hard work… Effort is required at every moment and must be maintained over a long period of time. Games help and encourage many learners to sustain their interest and work.’
many teachers will wholeheartedly agree with the first sentence, there are those who consider the second to be something of an exercise in indulgence, both for the teacher and the language learner. With this in mind, some never consider actively employing games in their teaching. Indeed, the following statements will infringe on the teaching ethos of quite a few in our profession:
‘Games… help the teacher to create contexts in which the language is useful and meaningful. The learners want to take part and in order to do so must understand what others are saying or have written, and they must speak or write in order to express their own point of view or give information.’
M. Martha Lengeling and Casey Malarcher, classify the benefits as follows:
Affective:
- games lower the affective filter
- they encourage creative and spontaneous use of language
- they also promote communicative competence
- games are both motivating and fun
Cognitive:
- games reinforce learning
- they both review and extend learning
- games focus on grammar in a communicative manner
Class Dynamics:
- games are extremely student centered
- the teacher acts only as facilitator
- games build class cohesion
- they can foster whole class participation
- games promote healthy competition
Adaptability:
- games can be easily adjusted for age, level, and interests
- they utilize all four skills
- games require minimum preparation after the initial development stage
HERE ARE SOME USEFUL GAMES FOR CLASS ROOM ACTIVITY
1. Simon Says - Game for Young learner ⇐ Click here
2. Board Race - Game for all level student ⇐ Click here
3. Sparrow Fly : An English Version Of Gujarati Game ⇐ Click here
4. Five little ducks went swimming one day - teaching techniques ⇐ Click here
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