There are many ways to teach ESL/TEFL to children but one of the
most exciting and rewarding ways to do it is by using English
games. English Games not only engage the children, but also
teach through play – and most of the time the children don’t
even know they are learning until the time comes to show their
knowledge! It truly is possible (and almost necessary) to
create a classroom where the students not only learn but also
truly enjoy their time there.
Incorporating English games into the classroom can build
interest in the class, put language in an interesting and
meaningful context, give students a break from the pressures of
learning a new language while giving the break a purpose, teach
real world skills and, most importantly, build the
student/teacher bond.
Building Interest in the Class
While many of us might not like to admit it, many children don't
necessarily like the idea of being in our classes to learn a new
language. Even more, as teachers we all know that even the most
attentive children can get bored and lose focus on occasion.
Incorporating English games is a great way to get out of the rut
of language drills, worksheets, boring repetition and individual
study. If you can find ways to keep the children interested in
class (i.e. through fun English games), they will also find that
they are interested in the topic – and will often absorb and
retain more knowledge than if they are simply studying to pass a
test or complete an assignment.
Friendly competition is also great to keep children interested –
it often is the one encourager that they need to actively
participate in any classroom activity. The outcome of the game
(even if it is simply knowing the score at the end of the game)
gives them a concrete and immediate incentive to use the
language as dictated by the game.
Putting Language in Useful and Meaningful Context
Repetition is necessary for fluency, yet there is nothing more
meaningless than repetition in a void. If you ask your class to
keep repeating words back at you they’ll start to feel like
parrots.
Also, if you want the children to practice conversation you have
a few options. The problem with most options is that the class
is either practicing this real life usage in small groups that
don't have you there to observe and offer assistance or much of
the class is left to work on their own while you have a
conversation with one or two pupils at a time.
English Games solve this because they allow you to engage the
entire class in activities that require practical use. When
children learning ESL get this meaningful and contextual
practice, the language becomes more vivid in their minds and
they are better able to remember what they've learned and used.
Furthermore, English games often encourage pupils to use
language spontaneously and to think for themselves and they give
children the confidence they need to go out and use the language
in real-world settings.
Giving Students a Break
Learning a new language is intense and even sometimes stressful.
English Games allow ESL pupils to have a break from the rigor of
learning a new language. If you find the right kinds of games
this break can have purpose and make useful the time spent on
the break because they are still practicing their skills. In
addition, the students will be totally immersed in the focus of
the game and they’ll be learning before they even realize what's
happening.
Teaching Real World Skills
Teachers who successfully use English games in their classrooms
will tell you there are more benefits than those just related to
learning the language. English Games give opportunities for shy
students to express themselves in a non-threatening environment.
The class will learn to work together as a whole or as small
groups. English Games can also promote competition in a
healthy, fair manner, if you chose to use them that way.
Creating a Student and Teacher Bond
Finally, as a teacher I’m sure you want to build a bond with
your pupils. Playing English games does this in so many ways.
You’ll be able to show yourself as a person, not just a teacher,
as you encourage your students to do well in the game, or join
in with them. Playing games also creates a positive learning
environment that allows children to relax and enjoy themselves
and those around them.
While some people still look at games as "time fillers" in a
classroom, when used correctly they can actually replace
"traditional" teaching time with activities that give the
students (and teachers) so many more benefits than lectures,
worksheets and boring repetition
