"All work and no play makes jack a dull boy", we all must have heard this well known proverb many times before in our life. This proverb tells us that playing has a lot of significance in our life, so why not start playing games to learn English? When we think of learning something new, the first thought that comes in our mind is a book. But have you ever imagined that learning something new could be achieved by playing games. Yes, playing and learning is such a useful combination that makes the children feel relaxed and comfortable. Instead of opting for the old formula of giving books to the children and forcing them to study hard, we could make them play interesting games which would enable them to play and learn at the same time. In this way, they would be able to improve their existing knowledge more easily while indulging in activities they love the most.

Now, let's discuss about the types of games which are helpful in improving English vocabulary and can help anyone in improving their speaking and listening skills.

1- Scrabble

It is one of the most popular word games which is played by forming words from individual lettered tiles on a game board marked with a 15-by-15 grid. It is usually recommended for children of age 8 years and above.

How to play?

It is usually played between two players. The game is played on a square board with a 15-by-15 grid of cells (individually known as "squares"). Before the start of the play, all the lettered tiles are shuffled. Now you can start playing the game by drawing seven tiles and placing them on your rack. With every turn, the players try to form an English word on the board by combining one of more lettered tiles. Each letter has a score (0 Points - Blank tile, 1 Point - A, E, I, L, N, O, R, S, T and U, 2 Points - D and G, 3 Points - B, C, M and P, 4 Points - F, H, V, W and Y, 5 Points - K, 8 Points - J and X, 10 Points - Q and Z) and at the end of the play the total score is calculated. The player, who scores more, wins the game.

Benefits

The game improves vocabulary and spelling.

2- Name, Place, Animal and Thing

This is one of the most loved games of all times and we all must have played this game in our childhood. It is a traditional Indian game which helps in improving vocabulary. All you need to start playing this game is just pen and paper.

How to play?

It can be played between n number of persons. All the players are given a paper and a pen. The players should draw the following four columns on their paper:

Name
Place
Animal
Thing

After the columns have been prepared, two people are chosen to be the caller and a reciter respectively. The caller says "Yes" and the reciter starts reciting English alphabets in his/her mind. After a certain period of time, the caller says "stop" and the reciter speaks the alphabet which he has in his/her mind. All the players (including the caller and the reciter) start writing name, place, animal and thing that starts with that particular alphabet. The player who finishes writing says "stop" and all the other players have to stop writing immediately. Points are allocated for each correct answer. This process is repeated a number of times. At the end of the game, the player with the maximum number of points wins the game.

Benefits

This game helps in improving vocabulary and helps in practicing nouns in alphabets.

Scattergories

It is a memory based game which enhances creative thinking. This is a game played by naming objects within a set of categories, given an initial letter, within a time limit. This game is played by players aged 12 and up.

How to play?

This game is played in a set of 3 rounds. Each player takes a folder with an answering pad and 3 category cards. One player rolls a 20-sided letter die start the game. The game starts with the letter that is obtained after rolling the die. The timer is started. The players stop when the timer stops. This continues for many rounds and at the end of the game, points is calculated.

Benefits

It enhances the vocabulary and social skills.

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