There is nothing that attracts children more than teaching English through play. In fact, a boring class will absorb less than half of what a teacher says and will not retain anything. Taking into account an attentive, interested and involved class, learning through fun English language games will absorb 100% of the lesson and retain up to 80% of it. Using language games in class has to be one of the most exciting ways to teach English to children.
It is well documented that English language games enhance learning and that children are one of the most effective tools in the classroom. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen and Khuat Thi Thu Nga, authors of Learning Vocabulary Through Games: The Effectiveness of Learning Through Games, report that ‘The teacher interviewed reported that his students seemed to learn new vocabulary more quickly and retain it better when applied in a relaxed environment. and comfortable, like playing games. ‘ Words, as we all know, are the building blocks of language. If a child can quickly learn and retain a significant amount of new vocabulary using games, then it is no wonder that teachers are looking to use English language games more and more in their classrooms around the world.
That is why it is shocking to see comments in forums where teachers suggest that teaching with games is frivolous or not really productive. This is an outdated perception and these teachers would benefit if they were shown some of the new language games used in English classrooms today. These games are effective and guaranteed to perform better than traditional teaching methods.
Teachers will also ask “Can you teach all the time with games in English or can they be used for a few minutes at the end of the lesson as a reward?” Now if you think about this question, its absurdity may be obvious to you. Why would you deny children the learning experience they prefer? Also, why would you ration the use of a great learning tool to a few minutes at the end?
Instead, wouldn’t you like to make the most of your time by using the most effective teaching method and the one your students enjoy the most? Do you think your students prefer to sit passively while little Susie stumbles through paragraph one, or do you think the class would rather participate in an exciting language game where everyone has a chance to use the words in paragraph one? Without a doubt, the method in which the entire class is actively involved in listening to and using English will be the winner in terms of engaging and promoting language retention.
Importantly, English games provide students with a reason to communicate and a context for speaking practice. Repetition is the mother of skill, but constant and pointless repetition in the manner of a parrot is not going to go well with your students. Therefore, the repetition necessary for the language to be maintained can be attractively packaged in a game and go unnoticed while the students concentrate on the process of the game itself, while using the language in a relaxed and above all fun environment. .
Since competition can be part of English games, but need not be, it is a way to increase interest and motivation in the class, as Karen deBord points out in the Asian EFL Journal (December 2003). DeBord, a rural child care extension specialist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Blacksburg State University, explains how competition can help students learn more. “As long as no one is obliged to participate, the competition can be positive and encourage discovery, examination and learning by the players.” Creating the right kinds of language games can foster this healthy and beneficial competition in the classroom.
Last but not least is the bond you will create with your students by teaching ESL games. This is without a doubt the most satisfying part of being a teacher. Spreading knowledge is a privilege, but spreading love AND knowledge has to be even better.