5 More Activities to Play in Your Classroom
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate KINGSLEY A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
1. SEND A CARD
Spread the flashcards out on the floor, right side up if you are learning a new skill, and upside down if you are reviewing. Seat children in a circle around the cards. The player takes a card and says, "I'd like to send this card to ____." (S)he hands the card to the chosen student. If that student responds correctly he keeps the card on the floor in front of him and chooses a card for another player. If he responds incorrectly the group can help him figure out the correct response and let him keep the card, or you can have him put it back in the pile.
Also Read: Can I choose where I teach English abroad?
2. CLASSROOM BASEBALL
Divide the class into two teams. The team that is in the field picks the flashcards to "pitch" to the team at-bat. They will sort the cards into 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, and home run categories and from those groups, they will decide which card to give each batter. Set the field in the classroom using four corners for each of the bases. Then let the “fielders” pitch. If the team at bat answers the card correctly, the “batter” advances to the correct base. If not, they are out. After three outs change positions and continue the game.
3. CONCENTRATION
You will need two sets of flashcards because the students are trying to match the two together. You could use two sets of the same sight words, or a problem and matching answer. To make sure the students can't see through the cards, print a pattern on the back of each set before you cut them apart. (This also makes the cards easy to separate if they get mixed up with other cards. Just print a different pattern on the back of each set before you print them and run them off.) Lay the cards upside down in a grid on the floor. During a turn, a player turns over two cards. If the cards match he keeps them. If they don't match, turn them back over in the same place. Each player learns from the previous players' turns where certain cards are located. This is one of the most effective flashcard games and one that all children seem to be fairly good at, at least one time or another.
Also Read: How much can I earn teaching English in Cambodia?
4. PENNY PITCH
Spread the cards out on the floor with the children in a circle around them. The player tosses the penny and reads or answers the flashcard the penny lands on. It is easy and fun. I require the children to lay the penny on their fingertips and flip it slightly so it doesn't go all over the room. Experiment to see what works best for you. Variations: The player tosses the penny and chooses another student to read or answer the card. Place the flashcards upside down so the question will be a surprise.
5. THE HUMAN GAME BOARD
You can use large, seasonal flashcards to make a life-sized game board on the floor. Lay the cards all around the room to form a trail. The students line up and wait for their turn. They roll a die, move forward and respond to the flashcard they land on. If their answer is incorrect they move back to where they started. This game is fun for the children, but it is not my favorite because it is difficult to keep the inactive players focused during other students’ turns. Only use it for special occasions.
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