Implementing Games in the Classroom

 

Using games to help second language acquisition is an idea that can show significant improvement in many L2 learners. Implementing digital games in the target language can continue to expose students to the new language. Pairing fun, animated, and brightly colored games can motivate students to learn, improve English skill development, and teach more usable language to students (Ohashi, 2023). I found this game https://www.eslgamesplus.com/action-verbs-present-progressive-grammar-game-rally-game/that is fun and uses pictures to have students match the picture to the correct word or phrase. The words or phrases are action verbs with present progressive tenses.  This is a fun way for intermediate ELs to connect a picture to the English name. Students must look at the picture and read the statement to choose the correct answer. The more correct answers they get, the closer they are to winning the race.  However, there are so many other digital games teachers can choose from to implement into their lessons to help students become more engaged and exposed to language skills.

I would use this website: https://www.eslgamesplus.com/classroom-games/ as part of the stations. I would have students work on these games in pairs and complete them together. This way, the students can collaborate and help each other when they get confused. I also think of using a video detailing how to play the games. The video would ensure students have a visual and verbal prompt to understand what they and their partner should be doing during this station time.

I teach kindergarten Autistic Support. I would use these games as a small group lesson for my classroom. Since I am focused on expanding and exposing my students to language in my classroom, some games on the website would be perfect. I could play with one or two students and work on fine-tuning their language skills in identifying objects, colors, letters, or numbers. I would only have my students play the game for about ten minutes. That is the extent of my student's attention span, and I could provoke a meltdown. I could use some of these games with my students as a short station or brainbreak.

 

Works Cited:

Ohashi, L. (2023, April 1). Language learning with Digital Games: Worth a Closer look. Mind Brain Education. https://www.mindbrained.org/2023/04/language-learning-with-digital-games-worth-a-closer-look/

Comments

  1. TracyMNovember 26, 2024 at 5:48 PM

    I agree with using games that incorporate pictures and visual aids to support language learning. Many of my students are visual learners, and I have found that using pictures and images can be a highly effective way to support their language development. There is so much importance of collaboration and support in the language learning process. I couldn't agree more. By pairing students up to work on games together, we can encourage them to help and support one another, while also promoting a sense of community and teamwork. Overall, I found the blog to be an inspiring exploration of the potential of games to support second language acquisition. As a teacher, I am eager to explore new ways to incorporate games and interactive activities into my lessons, doing so will have a positive impact on my students' language development.

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