The amazing benefits of using games is the ESL classroom
The use of games is not merely a way of passing the time. Gaming in the classroom can be really useful if we know how to use it and when to use it. As an EFL teacher, I consider playing an essential part of my class. I generally use games in the beginning as a warm-up and at the end to wrap up what we worked on that day in class.
Benefits of playing games
Motivation: Learners love playing games, and that is because they resonate with them on an emotional level. When students are playing they link that feeling of excitement and joy to the piece of language they are learning or revising. As a result, they remember content more easily and quickly.
Team Building: Playing a game is an activity that usually involves interacting with others, we can also say, that playing can enhance team bonding and connecting with peers.
Practice: Games provide one way of helping the learners to experience language rather than studying it. They have to make use of the language in a meaningful way in order to interact with others.
Games are repetitive: They help students to repeat many times the same structure or vocabulary in a fun way.
Integration: Games allow students to share, do, move, experience, visualize, and create so they address to all types of intelligences. By playing games, we are incorporating all students in our class.
Games and Discipline
It is essential to be strict about the rules of each game so as to avoid a chaotic class with crazy students shouting and yelling. Explain to them that though playing a game can be exciting and fun, they are inside the classroom and so they are expected to follow rules. The shouting will raise a lot of tension and it will spoil the game.
Check out these apps you can use in the classroom to manage class noise:
Next week, I’ll share with you the TOP THREE GAMES , my students looove playing in class. I can assure you, your students will love them too and benefit greatly from each of them.
Watch for that message next week!
Paula.
