Teach and learn through games

[gaimeroo]

OMG!?! is a game originally intended for learners of German but I have no doubt that it can easily be adapted to any foreign languages. Form teams of 3 or 4 students and distribute each team the following cards: one diamond, one club, one heart and one spade. The suits represent DER, DIE, DAS respectively. You may be wondering what the fourth option is. Spade stands for OMG!?! This is the moment when a team admits that they have no idea what article belongs to the noun in question. If a team scores, they will be awarded 1 point, if their answer is incorrect, they will lose 1 point. If they hold the spade in the air, that is a safe move because they will neither earn nor have to give up on any points.

[gaimeroo]

A story dice is a language teacher's best friend, or at least a true friend. The images on the dice provide the student with the main elements of the plot but further details are required to create a coherent text. Imagination plays a vital role here. With a little twist, my game idea is called "dice story". As the name may suggest, a traditional dice with dots will be used to determine the course of events. The teacher rolls a dice to announce the exact number of words that the next sentence must contain. This creative task combines vocabulary and grammar. On top of all that students can write just about anything.

[gaimeroo]

You know what 'Hangman' is about, don't you? Of course, you do, it's a classic. I would never dare to underestimate its popularity but 'Reverse Hangman' has more to offer. The teacher reveals the missing letters in a random order one by one until a player or a team finds out which word it is. The sooner, the better, as they get as many points as the number of letters left. Here is an example: VI.T..Y > if your answer is VICTORY, it's actually correct, and you will be awarded 3 points since there are three hidden letters. To increase tension, do the following: the player or team can double their points if they are also able to tell which part of speech the particular word belongs to or if you play with German nouns, the article is definitely a bonus.

[gaimeroo]

Even experienced teachers tend to make mistakes, so trainee teachers mustn't feel ashamed when something doesn't go as planned. However, the following problems often occur: (1) too long and complicated instructions (2) talking, while writing on the board (3) finishing the lesson late. The solution is obvious. Do the exact opposite! Keep your instructions short, especially if you teach beginners. Stop talking while turning towards the board because your students won't hear everything well. Finish the lesson in time - let your students reflect on what they've learnt or just play a game, and never reduce their break that they deserve.

[gaimeroo]

Hackers are usually considered criminals. What do they do? They steal personal information, such as passwords. But I'm not a bad guy, so why on earth am I writing about hacking? Well, that's the next language game that could be used for boosting memory and teaching vocabulary to your students. Follow these steps: Give each student a password, which is made up of a word in the target language and a few numbers (e.g. John: Sprache047). Then write all the passwords on the board and let the students try to memorize them. Finally, wipe the board. Which player can remember the most? Who's the best hacker?

[gaimeroo]

Fenonomina, my new app is on the way. It's the first member of the 'Nomina' series, which focuses on the feminine German nouns. I totally understand how stressful and annoying it can get not to be able to remember the gender. But no worries: instead of the article, try to memorize the meaning of the words you're currently learning. So, just play and don't care about the article - the answer is: DIE. Always.

[gaimeroo]

Trainee teachers often struggle with a lack of confidence when they step into the classroom. I firmly believe that the next three things are essential: RULES, ENERGY, CREATIVITY. I'll explain in more detail, of course. You're supposed to be the 'boss'. A boss is neither a dictator, nor a prison officer, but someone who the students listen to. You should also be enthusiastic about what you're doing or else you can't expect your students to be motivated. As far as the material is concerned, it's probably obvious. The way you teach matters. A linear approach is a dead-end street. Make your lessons unique by changing as many tasks as you can. Don't be afraid to experiment.

[gaimeroo]

Did you know that Jenga was excellent for revising vocabulary? Well, it appears so. Apart from the blocks, you will need a list of words that you want your students to memorize. Number the phrases and the blocks, make two teams, then let the show begin! Each player should pick a number by only looking at the tower (i.e. without touching it), translate the phrase, then they can try to move the piece to the top (one hand only!). If they succeed, their team will be awarded the point they deserve. A player is allowed to give up and pass if they feel it's too much risk. The team won't earn a point, though. This game is worth a try, I promise. Revise, Jengavise! 😎

[gaimeroo]

Teaching numbers is inevitable. Without knowing the numbers in the target language, you can't say basic facts like how old you are, what time it is or how many tickets you need. My version of the game called 'Number Chain' has the following twist: students start counting loudly but when somebody gets to a number that can be divided by 3 or 5, they must clap their hands instead of saying anything - the rules may be modified, of course.

[gaimeroo]

Has the game known as 'Word Chain' become old-fashioned and dull? Maybe. What about an upgrade? Fix the number of letters! It should always increase by one. Let me show you an example: in (2) > nut (3) > time (4) > enemy (5) ... Do you teach German? Believe it or not, this game is even more exciting with German words! Why? Well, German compound nouns are normally long and this time your students will love them!

[gaimeroo]

A chain of 3-letter English words. Only one of the letters has to be changed to get the next word. There is always an image that helps you a little. :) Hopefully, Meaningo will be published on Google Play soon. Since there is only one simple rule to follow, it is ideal for 'lonely' language learners. What's more, it can also be used at the start or towards the end of a lesson.

[gaimeroo]

Good games are never too complicated. If it takes a long time to explain the rules, players may get disenchanted. I'm absolutely certain that good games don't require a lot of preparations or equipment either. It's counterproductive when teachers have to sacrifice quality time with their family or their own money in order to create a game.

[gaimeroo]

What is a good game like?

Is it necessarily digital? Is it entertaining enough if you play individually? How large should teams be so that every member can be active and have fun? Does a game need to end with someone actually winning it? Will students feel disappointed if they finish 'only' second or lose? How much can you teach / learn from a game? Is it okay if a teacher dedicates an entire lesson to a game?