Lexical games in English lessons

The purpose of vocabulary games in the classroom is to learn foreign vocabulary without "memorizing", as well as learn how to apply it correctly without tedious repetition. In this article, we will consider games for learning English vocabulary for different categories of students.

An educational game is a specially organized task that requires a strong mental effort from the participants. And this way of perceiving information is good not only for small children, but also for preschoolers, schoolchildren, students and even adults. And a competent teacher, knowing this, effectively introduces such classes into the learning process.

Benjamin Spock

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Importance of vocabulary games

Learning words in any foreign language is a complex and often boring process. Lexical games come to the aid of the teacher as an important tool for practicing learned words.

The purpose of such classes is to help students learn foreign vocabulary without "memorization", as well as learn how to apply it correctly without tedious repetition. A full-fledged training by this method of teaching can only be compiled for preschoolers, but it is also necessary to introduce pupils at school and students into the pedagogical process.

Lexical games are needed for:

• mastering the material and expanding vocabulary;
• repetition and consolidation of vocabulary in English;
• activation of the educational process and stimulation of cognitive activity (to stimulate and motivate children, especially preschool and primary school age);
• removal of the language, psychological barrier and fear of speaking English;
• training for students to find themselves in the so-called natural environment of a native speaker;
• relieve fatigue and tension in students in the classroom.

A competent teacher knows that correctly selected and well-thought-out tasks are an extremely effective method of developing and expanding the vocabulary of a foreign language. Therefore, games for mastering the vocabulary of the English language must meet a number of requirements in order to cope with the tasks:

• tasks should be simple, concise and have clear instructions that all participants are able to complete (they should not cause discomfort and negativity);
• such classes should not occupy the main part of the lesson, and even more so the curriculum (it is important to remember that this is an auxiliary tool in the learning process, but by no means the main one);
• every student should be involved in the entertaining learning process; this is important for increasing motivation, stimulating activity in the lesson.

Classification of games in the classroom

Entertaining and educational tasks in the English lesson can conditionally differ in:

• level of language proficiency (from elementary Beginner to advanced Advanced );
• goals and objectives (memorizing new words or repeating learned ones, developing writing or pronunciation skills, etc.);
• the format of the assignments (creative or communicatively oriented);
• level of perception (visual, auditory and motor);
• activity level (mobile or static);
• by the number of participants (individual, in pairs or in groups).

Depending on the goals set by the teacher, there are 2 main groups of games:

1. Language - designed to make the process of learning English interesting and creative; these tasks help to form lexical, grammatical and phonetic skills.
2. Speech - are used as a real practice of real communicative situations that students may encounter; are also used as part of the development and repetition of the studied vocabulary.

We have prepared examples of vocabulary games adapted to different ages and levels of language proficiency.

Lexical games for preschoolers

These tasks are selected taking into account the fact that children still do not know how to read and write (this applies not only to English), which means that they can memorize new words only in a playful way and by ear.

"I can't see"

The purpose of this game is to develop memory and attention. Suitable for the initial stage of speaking a foreign language. The teacher puts objects, for example, figurines of animals, in front of the students on the table. Then the children close their eyes, and one of the toys “runs away”. The students must answer which of the animals is hidden: I can't see a....

"Do you have a…"

The goal is to repeat words on the topic covered. The child takes an object from the teacher, depending on the material being studied, and hides it behind his back. For example, some stationery item, it can also be a picture. Children ask: Do you have a... (and name the object, mouse, red pencil (the same method helps in learning colors), scarf, chair, etc ). In the same way, you can work out the question Is it a....

"Lexical Chair"

This mobile lesson is aimed at consolidating vocabulary. It also helps to develop memory, attention and auditory perception of English words. Chairs are placed in a circle; one less than the number of participants. The teacher calls words on the topic, for example, Fruits. As soon as the children hear a word from another topic (also previously learned), they sit on the chairs. The one who did not have time to sit down is out of the game and takes one chair with him.

"Telephone"

The teacher whispers a word to the first participant. Next, the children transmit what they heard in each other's ear, as if "on the phone." And the last participant voices what happened in the end. Children love this game very much, as often a hidden word like “cat” can turn into some kind of frog. It turns out to be very fun.

"What do you see?"

This task helps the development of memory, attention and logic in children. The teacher takes a picture and a blank sheet of paper. Paper covers part of the picture or cuts out a window in the leaflet, and through it shows a fragment of the picture. And students should answer the question What do you see? in English. For example, I see a lemon/shoes/a tree, etc. depending on the topic.

Games for elementary school students

These games are used not only to practice vocabulary and repetition of words in English, but also to check their spelling and practice pronunciation.

"Relay Race"

The goal is to consolidate vocabulary and spelling on any topic covered. The class is divided into two teams, the teacher writes words in two columns on the blackboard in different sequences. Participants take turns coming to the board and writing the translation of the word, which can be both in Russian and in English. At the end, a check is made. The team with the fewest mistakes wins.

"This is my…"

The purpose of the task is not only the assimilation of vocabulary on the topic, but also the development of attention in children. Human body or Clothes theme. The teacher points to some part of his body or to his clothes, for example, to his leg or trousers, and he says: Something wrong with my hand / tie, etc.

"Snowball"

This is a game for developing memory and activating language skills. The theme is set, for example, "Sport". The students take turns, one after another, say the words. However, each next participant must also repeat what the previous player called. And so on the chain like a "snowball". For example, a ball, a ball, a team, a ball, a team, hockey, etc. Such activities help develop attention and memory.

"The Chain of Words"

The teacher first calls the word in Russian and throws the ball to the first participant. The student translates the word and says the following. For example, the theme is Week days. Monday - Monday, then Tuesday, and so on in the chain.

Tasks can be changed or supplemented. The teacher asks the question What day is before (after) Sunday/tomorrow? or What day is between … and …? And other variations.

"Circus"

This game is aimed not only at memorizing vocabulary, but also at developing the creative potential of students. Children are divided into pairs and prepare a mini circus performance. 2-3 minutes are given for preparation, after which the "artists" enter the "arena" and begin the "performance". The first participant acts as a trainer, the second - an animal. One says I have a monkey. It can jump, etc, the second one does. Then they change.

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Lexical games for high school students

These lexical tasks are already carried out entirely in a foreign language. It is assumed that students can already speak English quite fluently within the framework of a given topic.

"Puzzle"

Participants are divided into groups or teams. Each team is given an envelope containing several parts of the picture. A task:

1. collect the picture faster than anyone,
2. name in turn everything that is depicted on it. For example, It's a tree. I see a cat on it., etc.

"Topic"

You can play as each man for himself, and divided into groups or teams. The instructor sets the topic, for example, Public transport. 1st player draws a card with a word. The second word on the topic is called by another player or another team. At this time, you can pass any object to each other: a ball / pen, etc. The team that fails to name the word when the move stops on it drops out or does not earn a point. The task can be complicated: each subsequent word must begin with the last letter of the previous one. For example, airport - trolleybus - station, etc..

"Tower"

For this game, you will need word cards and empty disposable cups. Participants take turns drawing cards and reading the words on it. If the player pronounces what is written correctly, then he puts the cup and covers it with a card on top. This is how the tower is built. The goal of the game is not to destroy the tower and work out phonetics.

"Time"

These tasks are aimed at practicing and mastering vocabulary on a given topic. There are several variations of it:

1. The teacher moves the hands on the clock (it can be just a mock clock) and the students answer what they are doing at the given time. For example, the arrow is on "8". Answer options: I get up at 8 o'clock in the morning every day. Or At 8p.m. I always walk with my dog, etc..
   The game can be continued. Then each next participant repeats the last sentence of the speaker and adds his own. In this variation of the task, attention and memory are well trained.
2. You can also practice grammar with the help of the watch. For example, the use of verbs in the past and future tense. To do this, the host asks the question: " What did you do on Friday at half past seven?" or " What will you do tomorrow at a quarter to three?"

"Bingo"

This is a lexical game in English, which is aimed at learning the transcription and the correct pronunciation of foreign words. Students are given cards with transcription, and the teacher calls the words. The winner is the one who quickly finds all the words on his card. Further, as in the "lotto", it is important to conduct a check.

Lexical games for students and adults

A good level of language proficiency is assumed. The purpose of these tasks: to liberate students and make the most of their vocabulary.

"Banana game"

Such classes are a good memory training and mastering new words. At the beginning, students read or listen to texts with new words, and at the end of the lesson, a memory test is carried out. The students are divided into pairs. One of them has a list of fresh vocabulary, the second has a closed textbook. The first one reads the sentence, inserting “banana” instead of the new word, and the second one must guess what the word is.

City theme. The sentence might sound like this: Beside that, visiting museums and art galleries, exhibitions and theaters, simple "banana" or travelling can be very useful for every boy or girl, if they want to broaden their outlook, to study some subjects profoundly. Correct answer: sightseeing.

"Running Dictation"

A dynamic game for repeating learned vocabulary, developing memory and spelling. The class is divided into 2 teams. The text is hung on the board. The “runner” from each team must memorize a part of the text and “bring” it to the pre-selected “secretary”. Important: you can’t shout and speak the text on the go! The teacher claps his hands and the runner takes over. The first team to write down the whole text wins.

"Memory Game"

This game is aimed at practicing the studied vocabulary and practicing phonetics. The teacher prepares in advance sheets with stable expressions on some topic and cuts them into sections. For example, on the topic "time" run out of time - 2 cards are made from this expression, which will later be decomposed into two columns. Other expressions are cut in a similar way.

Students take turns coming up and opening one card from the first column and saying what should be the continuation. Then he opens another card, but from the second column. If he guessed right, he takes two, if not, he returns both cards back. The team that quickly collects the largest number of set expressions wins.

The next block of classes is more entertaining. They are designed to overcome the language barrier and relieve the psychological stress of students.

"The crocodile game"

The classic crocodile game for the company. Only participants describe the hidden word exclusively in English. 2 participants are chosen by lot. The first thinks of a word, phrase or set expression, and the second shows it without uttering a sound. The rest of the participants guess. The first guesser goes to the center and replaces the showing player, who, in turn, already guesses a new word for him.

"Cards"

Absolutely any tasks on cards, but in English. They can be selected on a specific topic or be purely entertaining. You can also use online cards.

PS Adult students can use all these games not only in teaching classes with teachers, but also on their own, at home, with friends and in interest groups.

Games for all ages and skill levels

Each task in this block can be adapted by the teacher for a different level of language proficiency, with the exception of the level of preschoolers who cannot write.

"Crossword"

This game is designed for students who can write. Its goal is to expand vocabulary and develop literate writing. Tasks can be prepared by the teacher in advance or by a task for students and there will be a crossword puzzle on a specific topic.

"Fill in the Missing letters"

This task is often used as a writing exercise. The teacher writes words on the board, specifically skipping letters in them. Words should be similar in sound, such as ball and doll, mystery and misery, be and bee, air and ear, and spelling, such as coarse and course, complement and compliment, creak and creek.

"Explain the word"

The first participant draws a card with a picture (or, for example, takes out an object from a bag), but does not show it. His task is to describe who or what is depicted on the card. Other participants must guess what it is. For example: It's a food. sweet and cold. Children like to eat it in summer. Made of milk". Whoever guesses goes to describe the next card.

"Rhythme"

Assignments are not only entertaining, but also educational. The teacher calls the word, the students pick up the rhyme. It is important to name the rhyme quickly, without thinking. You need to play in a circle, all students participate. The one who named the wrong rhyme or a non-existent word is eliminated. For example: slight - right, go - slow, look - book, etc.

Complication: you can answer with a rhyme only if the word corresponds to the topic. You can also complicate the task by adding a creative task, namely, from the given words to come up with a poem on the topic, etc. It all depends on the preparation of the teacher and the level of language proficiency of the students.

"Crossing the river"

This mobile game will appeal to both adults and children. It is aimed at repeating vocabulary on the topic and at practicing the correct pronunciation of words.

Participants are divided into 2 teams. Each team is given the same number of cards. Participants take turns opening the cards, naming the subject in English or reading its name, and then give a translation. If the player pronounces and translates correctly, he throws the card on the floor and takes a step forward, stepping on the so-called "island". The team that gets to the coast first wins.

Online Games

Online games to reinforce vocabulary are also divided by the level of language proficiency: from beginner to advanced. Bright educational cards will especially appeal to preschoolers and primary school students. However, for older children there are many different variations that will interest them not only in terms of learning or repeating vocabulary, but also as recreation and entertainment.

These tasks are divided into categories and have different levels of difficulty:

• on knowledge of the alphabet;
• numerical;
• phonetic;
• grammatical;
• understanding of written and oral speech;
• etc.

These games can be offered both by a teacher at an English lesson, and used by adults and children at home as additional material or entertainment.

P.S. A competent teacher will be able to adapt almost any of the proposed classes to the age, level and creative abilities of his students. Also, as a useful leisure activity, adults and parents of children studying English can take them as a basis or come up with their own by analogy.