Entries from June 2006
Here are some simple ideas to make learning vocab fun…
flashlights- not great for sunny days but on any other day, close the blinds and instead of flipping through your flashcards, point a flash light on various cards or objects around the room and have the students elicit the associated vocab or sentences.
magnifying glasses- make mini versions of your vocab cards-as small as you can make the in your word processor-and place them around the room. Give your students magnifying glasses and have fun searching around the room for various objects. This works great with an insect topic.
binoculars- make some simple binoculars from construction paper and decorate them. Attach a pice of yarn so students can hang them around their neck. Have fun searching around the room for various objects or flashcards. Play a hinting game with older students in which they search for objects based on the hints you give them.
telescope- same as above but make a telescope instread–requires less time.
Categories: games and activities
A great way to play with vocab cards (for around 5 y/o and up) is a simple (or not so simple) run and touch game. With small classes, divide the class into two teams and have them line up at one end of the room. At the other end place your vocab cards. When you shout a card they can run up and touch the card or hit it with a plastic hammer (or anything else that isn’t too dangerous). Then they say the word, sound, sentence structure, etc associated with that card.
To vary the game, add some components to it like hula hoops in the middle of the room that they have to go through or some kind of fun obstacle. Tanja had a great idea, having the students put balloons or balls between their legs as they run. My students had a great time with this the other day. Add a tambourine or bell that they have to shake or ring when they make it back to their team.
To extend the game further, have the students one by one, name the cards that their teammates have to run and touch.
Categories: games and activities
We use a lot of songs in our classes that get the students up and moving and having fun. The usuals being, Walking Walking, Clap, Clap Clap Your Hands, Seven Steps, etc…
Once in a while, to mix things up, try doing your usual up and active songs sitting down and use your fingers instead of your legs.
Walking Walking, for example, works great with just your fingers doing the walking, hopping, and running (and the kids really get a kick out of it).
Its also a great way to catch your students’ attention when you need it.
Categories: games and activities
