“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, we all must have heard this well-known proverb many times before in our life. This proverb tells us that playing has a lot of meaning in our lives, so why not start playing to learn English? When we think of learning something new, the first thought that comes to mind is a book. But have you ever imagined that you can learn something new by playing? Yes, playing and learning is such a useful combination that makes children feel relaxed and comfortable. Instead of opting for the old formula of giving children books and forcing them to study hard, we could make them participate in interesting games that allow them to play and learn at the same time. In this way, they could improve their existing knowledge more easily while engaging in the activities they like the most.
Now, let’s discuss the types of games that are useful for improving English vocabulary and can help anyone improve their speaking and listening skills.
1-Scrabble
It is one of the most popular word games played by forming words from individual letter tiles on a game board marked with a 15 by 15 grid. It is generally recommended for ages 8 and up.
How to play?
It is usually played between two players. The game is played on a square board with a 15 by 15 grid of cells (individually known as “squares”). Before the start of the game, all letter tiles are shuffled. You can now start playing by drawing seven tiles and placing them on your shelf. With each turn, players try to form an English word on the board by matching one or more letter tiles. Each letter has a score (0 points – blank tile, 1 point – A, E, I, L, N, O, R, S, T and U, 2 points – D and G, 3 points – B, C, M and P, 4 Points – F, H, V, W and Y, 5 Points – K, 8 Points – J and X, 10 Points – Q and Z) and at the end of the move the total score is calculated. The player who scores the most wins the game.
Benefits
The game improves vocabulary and spelling.
2- Name, Place, Animal and Thing
This is one of the most loved games of all time and we all must have played it in our childhood. It is a traditional Indian game that helps improve vocabulary. All you need to start playing this game is a pencil and paper.
How to play?
It can be played between n number of people. All players are given a piece of paper and a pen. Players must draw the following four columns on their paper:
Name
Square
Animal
stuff
Once the columns have been prepared, two people are chosen to be the caller and reciter, respectively. The caller says “Yes” and the reciter begins reciting English alphabets in his mind. After a certain period of time, the caller says “stop” and the reciter speaks the alphabet he has in mind. All players (including the caller and the reciter) begin to write the name, place, animal, and thing that begins with that particular alphabet. The player who finishes typing says “stop” and all other players must immediately stop typing. Points are awarded for each correct answer. This process is repeated several times. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins the game.
Benefits
This game helps to improve vocabulary and helps to practice the nouns in the alphabet.
scattered
It is a memory-based game that improves creative thinking. This is a game in which objects within a set of categories are named, given an initial letter, within a time limit. This game is played by players ages 12 and up.
How to play?
This game is played in a set of 3 rounds. Each player takes a folder with a responder and 3 category cards. A player rolls a 20-sided letter die to start the game. The game begins with the letter obtained after rolling the dice. The timer starts. Players stop when the timer stops. This continues for many rounds and at the end of the game the points are calculated.
Benefits
Boost vocabulary and social skills.