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Texas ISD School Guide
Texas ISD School Guide







Lessons & Classroom Games for Teachers

Ideas for ESL Games
By:Kara Page

Studying English as a Second Language (ESL) can often be monotonous, particularly when lessons include rote memorization, repetition and lectures; however, you can adapt nearly any ESL topic, whether it's grammar for beginners or advanced pronunciation, to a fun, educational ESL game that will keep students entertained while they learn.

Where Am I?
This game is fun for students who need practice saying and following directions, according to the ESL Teachers Board website. Start by rearranging the desks and chairs to create an obstacle course in the classroom. Choose two students and ask them to stand on opposite sides of the room. Blindfold one student. Ask the other student to give directions (stop, turn left) to help the first student find his way across the room to the goal. The rest of the class can increase the challenge by moving the chairs around to change the course. Take turns so that each student has a chance to give and follow directions.

Guess Me
This game can be adjusted to fit many topics. Write different vocabulary words on several different index cards, one for each student in your class. Pin one card on each student's back without allowing him to see his word. Let each student walk around the room, one at a time, to allow her peers to see her card and word. The other students take turns giving her one hint at her word's definition. If a student has the word "juice" on his card, for example, students can tell him "My favorite is apple" or "You might drink this with breakfast." Compete to see which student can guess her word with fewest hints.

Pronunciation Game
This game targets those words in English that sound similar, and allows students to practice both listening and speaking skills. Create a list of words that sound similar or that students have difficulty pronouncing, such as "walk" and "walked" or "thirteen" and "thirty," on a set of index cards, with one word on the back and one on the front. Divide students into pairs and ask one student to stand at the board while the other stands with you. Write two of the words on one of the cards on the board, then hand the card to the student near you. Ask him to read one of the words aloud, while the other student circles the word she hears. If she circles the right word, the pair earns a point. Continue, giving each pair a chance to read and circle a few times, then add the points to determine the winner.





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