How to Implement Games in a Young Learner Classroom
Children are creative. Bringing games into an English language classroom to incite young learners’ attention and creativity is vital to keeping them motivated and entertained. Several games promote English grammar, memorization, and sentence building. These games can be reproductions of current popular games or manufactured by a teacher. Whichever method is chosen by the teacher there are still simple rules to follow. The game must be explained clearly and concisely, so the students have a full understanding of the game. An example round with the students is an effective way to ensure complete understanding. They can be a useful warmer activity to get students engaged in the lesson plan and bring a level of fun into the classroom especially useful for young learners.
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Michael S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
One advantage is that games can increase students’ interest and motivation.
In a typical grammar lesson, teachers may just use the tasks given in a workbook and students must complete the tasks in writing and reading. Students may sometimes become frustrated or even bored with a serious workbook related lesson. However, if teachers know how to use games to teach grammar, young learners can be taught by playing games, having fun, and as a result, are typically willing to learn more. Games are an excellent way to promote cooperation and mutual help within students. Engaging the students with fun games brings communication between the pairs or groups assigned to work collectively to become the winner of the game. Students may be more willing to ask questions and think creatively about how to use the language and achieve the goal. This allows the students to work together using English and enhances student to student communication.
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Another advantage of games is they can promote an active learning process.
Students may have to make decisions, evaluate, discuss, and reflect during the game to promote their learning process. In a way, the students’ have control of the learning process which can result in positive or negative feedback from other students. Stimulating young learners with games can provide more opportunities for them to practice communicating in English with their peers and will improve learning results.
Games can also play a big part in helping students build relationships with each other.
They create a friendly and positive atmosphere. Seat arrangements, partners, or groups can be changed from each game which will lead to an exciting learning environment breaking the students from the norm in teaching lessons. This can allow students to practice with their peers on their terms and take more responsibility resulting in a higher confidence level.
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In conclusion, learning games are designed to have fun while learning and teaching.
When used in the classroom, the teacher must control the game in the right way. Students may get carried away and hurt others feelings with all the fun going on. Choosing or creating a game needs a balance of fun and challenge. Not all games fit in the classroom environment with all groups of students. In general, the result should always be a positive experience for the students in a fun and comfortable environment.
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