Re: Learning Word Games Dear William:
A game my students enjoy is a sort of relay race. Using a set of words equal to the number of students in the group, you make a set of small cards divided into two sections. One section contains a vocabulary word, the second section contains a simple definition of a different vocabulary word. The first card may say, 'I have the first card./Who has the word that means the study of life or living matter?' The student who has the card with the word 'biology' says, 'I have biology. Who has the word that means the study of the earth and its features?' The student with the word geography says, 'I have geography. Who has the word that means the scientific study of matter in outer space? The student with the word astronomy will respond, and so on, until the last card, which will have only a vocabulary word and the statement 'It is the last word.'
My students enjoy being timed and trying to beat their own record.
Another favorite activity is pair work in which the students create a short dialogue to be acted out. The goal is to choose an appropriate situation in which a word or words might be used and, through dialogue, demonstrate it. This is excellent for discussing and clarifying nuances of context in the use of words. It is also good for lightening the mood.
Is this the kind of thing you are looking for?
All best wishes,
Petra |