Why teach grammar with games? Imagine your pupils looking forward to a grammar lesson instead of looking bored! Teaching grammar with games not only makes learning more enjoyable, but it’s more effective than copying from the board or looking at a textbook.
Teaching grammar with games works research shows
Authors Arif Saricoban and Esen Metin, in “Songs, Verse, and Games for Teaching Grammar,” discuss why games work for teaching English grammar as a second or foreign language. They say, “Games…have a purpose beyond the production of correct speech, and are examples of the most preferable communicative activities.” They add that grammar games help pupils understand grammar and apply and use it.
In addition, the repetition that many ESL games solicit means students “practise and internalize vocabulary, grammar and structures extensively.” Repetition is the mother of skill! Therefore, it is only through repeated exposure to the target grammar that students can memorise it long-term. Usually, during a game, students focus on the activity and absorb grammar subconsciously.
Aydan Ersoz, author of “Six Games for the ESL/EFL Classroom,” gives further reasons why games work for teaching grammar. Importantly he says games allow meaningful use of the language in context. Furthermore, games add excitement and challenge. Often, students co-operate because they enjoy games and are motivated to join in the lesson.
Any teacher knows that when a lesson is engaging and effective, teacher and pupils bond and appreciate each other. Often, this bond is one of the things that makes teaching so rewarding.
Intrinsic Motivation
The theory of intrinsic motivation explains why teaching grammar through games is so beneficial. Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual. Most young learners will not internally decide that they want to learn grammar. They probably think it’s boring, and the relevance of English grammar in their lives seems remote. You can tell them it’s useful, but that is an external factor that won’t affect them much. It’s much more fun to play, and intrinsic motivation can encourage them to play games. If the games are good, then pupils learn as they play. In “Play and Affect in Language Learning,” author Joel Bacha explains how this theory works. Exposure to challenges piques the children’s natural curiosity and, in turn, activates their mental capacities and stimulates neural networks, thus promoting learning and retention.
Which games work best?
It’s essential to use games with a linguistic purpose, not just a time filler. Since you have limited time with students, a game has to do double duty! Lin Hong, the author of “Using Games in Teaching English to Young Learners,” suggests these questions to check if a game is educationally valuable:
Which skills does the game practice?
Tip: Use listening games to introduce new grammar, speaking games to practise, and reading and writing games to consolidate.
What type of game is it, and what is its purpose?
Tip: Vary the games you use to appeal to different learning styles.
Does the difficulty level of the game fit the students’ ability level?
Tip: If the game is a flop, it may be because students hesitate too much, so the game becomes a drag. If it’s a speaking game, go back a step and drill the language through a listening game. If it’s a listening game, reduce the vocabulary and simplify the task. Build a firm foundation before moving forwards.
Does the game require maximum involvement by the students?
Tip: Avoid games where only one student is involved while the rest of the class sit there.
Do students like it? Do you like it?
To add to these questions, make sure you know:
What vocabulary or grammar does the game target?
Tip: Either teach new vocabulary or grammar, but not both simultaneously.
Can you maintain good classroom discipline and use this game?
Tip: Use excitable games towards the end of the lesson. Calm children down with a writing task if they have become too noisy. See my classroom management tips on this blog for concrete ways to control the class.
What materials do you need, and are they easy to find?
Tip: I often have the children make board games, charts, or sketch flashcards. This DIY preparation saves time, money while involving children in their learning process. I also have original ESL flashcards. I use small sizes for tabletop games and A4 for display.
What controls, if any, will you use to ensure the children are on track?
Tip: As well as observing the class yourself, walking around and listening in, use other pupils to act as referees and quality control during games. For example, a student from one team listens and controls the other team to prevent cheating or rushing through without repeating the required language.
The easy way to find ideal games
Receive ideal games for teaching grammar with step by step instructions. Just enter your name and email in the box on this page – look for the big “Get Free” button. To have a chance of receiving these free games, please add my emails to your contacts list; otherwise, you may not get any. info AT teachingenglishgames DOT com.
If you are still wondering, why teach grammar? This post will help to convince you!
About the author
Shelley Vernon has inspired thousands of ESL teachers with her games. Get her free games now to learn how to enjoy your time in class more and make your teaching even more effective. Receive the games via the free sign up box on this page (bottom right)
‘Why teach grammar’ References
Ersoz, Aydan. Six Games for the ESL/EFL Classroom. iteslj.org/Lessons/Ersoz-Games.html.
Hong, Lin. Using Games in Teaching English to Young Learners.
iteslj.org/Lessons/Lin UsingGames.html.
Bacha, Joel. Play and Affect in Language Learning.
Saricoban, Arif and Esen Metin. “Songs, Verse and Games for Teaching Grammar.”
19 thoughts on “Why Teach Grammar with Games”
I am looking for fun ways to teach my esl students
Dear Joan,
Hello and thanks for your comment. How old are your students? And how many do you have approximately? I will send give you some games to try out.
Looking forward to hearing from you again soon.
Shelley
My students do not know English at all , please send easy and interesting games & suggestions
Thank you
Hello there Mukta, Thanks for your comment – how old are your pupils? I will send you something, but let me know how old they are, and how many in the class, or whether it is 1-2-1.
Is there anything specific you need a game for? Or do you just need fun ideas in general?
Kind regards
Shelley Ann Vernon
Teaching English Games
Dood morning, can you provide me some games bank – I learn young pupils – about 7-12 years old? thanky you
Hello Kamala, for sure, you may consult this blog, I post games regularly. If you want a bank of games immediately then I sell four different games books. They are in paperback, download, or in Kindle, which is the cheapest way to get them. This is the book you want for your 7-12 year olds:
https://www.teachingenglishgames.com/esl-classroom-games
Here are reviews and the paperback link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1475255586/
All the best
Shelley
I love to teach grammar and want my students to get involved and look forward to my lessons.
Hai Shelly Vernon
Thank you for this blog post. Expecting more from you. I do practice such games in my classroom. Can we say repetition of grammar parts through games? Longing for your exciting games.
Hello Saalim, thanks for your comment. Yes use games for grammar, instead of playing flashcard games for vocabulary, use sentences instead, sentences that include your target grammar. All the games I am sending you already via the games list are perfect for any vocabulary and any grammar.
I hope you have a chance to try them out!
All the best, Shelley Ann Vernon.
Thank you, Shelley, for interesting ideas about games for English learners. This is what I like doing while teaching English. My students are different ages, primary students, secondary students and adults. All my students need games.
Hello there Nina, thanks for your comment. Are you receiving my emails for both age groups? Primary and teen/adult? If not, let me know, or you can sign up on this webpage for the age group you need. All the best, Shelley
I need interesting games for young learners (5-10) who I teach on a one to one basis.
Hello Uli,
Have you seen my one to one games book and free samples with demo video lessons?
If not, check them out here:
https://www.teachingenglishgames.com/how-to-teach-a-child-to-speak-english
You’ll get some ideas there.
Also my plays and skits are perfect for ages 5-10, one on one.
https://www.teachingenglishgames.com/eslplays.htm
Try the free samples, and email me if you need any help.
All the best
Shelley Ann Vernon
I have studenta from grade 7 ( group of 6 or so) and some students from all grades from grade 3 to 10
Dear Anjali, Hello there. For your students in small groups I will soon have some skits for teens and adults (publishing date September 2018). Those could be just right for you.
The other thing that you may enjoy is my book of activities for teens and adults.
https://www.teachingenglishgames.com/esl-activities-teens-and-adults
You are welcome to receive my free samples and tips for that age group. Just enter your name and email for the teens and adults – on this blog – right hand side! Or on the home page…
All the best
Shelley Ann Vernon
Get games!
Can i have a board game to teach sequence connectors
Hello there Susilis,
Thanks for your message. I don’t have one of those! You can use games to teach those. How old are your pupils?
All the best, Shelley
I would live to learn grammar games that are fun and engaging.