This one-to-one vocabulary game is ultra-simple. As a listening game, it’s useful for introducing new vocabulary. This game is perfect for kids as it engages them physically. In addition, It’s ideal for shy students because there is no need for the pupil to speak any English to play.

Jump the Line

Jump the Line is suitable for any age from 3 up. It begins to get childish for the 11 to 12-year-olds, though I have used it with adults!

Play for not more than 5 minutes, which is quite long enough for a simple game like this, or it might become monotonous.

How to play

First, display picture cards out on the floor. Alternatively, use objects, but be careful not to trip on them! Probably, your pupils have plenty of toys to use.  Imagine playing with a line of toy cars or dolls, and it would be a visual feast and more fun for the pupil. Alternatively, take food items from the kitchen or objects from around the house. However, in a classroom situation for a private tutor, pictures are the easiest because they are light to transport to class.

This game is demonstrated with Anna right at the beginning of the video demo: how to teach a child to speak English.

I call out an animal, and Anna jumps on the picture. The pictures are laid out to the left and the right of an imaginary line. Use a rope to make a line.

The child can either jump to the left or the right according to the picture’s position. Alternatively, and this is what Anna does, the child can jump ON the picture itself.

A great vocabulary game resource for parents and teachers

Get the complete book of  one-to-one vocabulary games here in instant download from Shelley or in paperback.