Teaching kids , Tip 1 : ” How English games help children learn “
There are many ways to teach English to children but one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to do 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 is 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, 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.
If you can find ways to keep the children interested in the class, they will often absorb and retain more knowledge than if they are simply studying to complete an assignment or to pass a test.
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 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.
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.
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 learn in this way the language becomes more vivid in their minds and they are better able to remember what they’ve learned and used.
Teach real world skills
They often encourage pupils to use language spontaneously, give children confidence they need to go out and use the language in real –world settings.
English Games also 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/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.
Games are a great way to spice up and activity and increase communicative competence. A lot of teachers would like to do more of this but don’t have room in their curriculum.
That’s true !
My students get upset when I tell them that we should continue with the lesson and won’t have games because we spent a lot of time with them .