Recommended level: Elementary grade 6

Keyword Game

Description

Students make groups and each get a set of cards with the target English on them. The teacher picks a keyword from the set. The students put an eraser (or pen lid, ohajiki, etc.) in the centre of their group.

The teacher/ALT says the vocabulary in any order. The students repeat. When they hear the keyword, the students try to grab the eraser. The student that grabs it wins one point.

Notes

  • The game can be played by putting the eraser on top of a small flashcard that matches the keyword, to associate the sound of the word with the image.
  • It’s easier if students don’t need to repeat the keyword before trying to grab their eraser.

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Go Karuta

Description

Students make groups and get a set of flashcards. They shuffle the cards, and place them face up in the middle of their group. The teacher calls out vocabulary that matches the flashcards randomly. The students repeat the teacher. The teacher says ‘go!’ at random. When they hear this, the students try and take the card that matches the vocabulary that was last called out.

Notes

  • For younger students, it’s best to have them put their hands on their heads while they’re listening, to prevent cheating.
  • If a student makes a mistake, it’s best not to have a penalty so they don’t lose motivation.
  • It’s best to introduce this game after the students are familiar with the regular version of the game.

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Zone Karuta

Description

Students make groups of 3 or 4. Each group gets a set of cards between them. They split the cards evenly between themselves, and put their cards in front of them. Any left over cards go in the middle.

The students listen for the teacher to call out the target English. They all try and take the card that matches what is said first. They get one point for taking their own card, and two for taking another student’s card.

Notes

  • For younger students, it’s best to have them put their hands on their heads while they’re listening, to prevent cheating.
  • If a student makes a mistake, it’s best not to have a penalty so they don’t lose motivation.
  • Once the card has been taken, it is useful if the teacher or ALT says the word again and has the students repeat them. This gives the students some speaking practice as well as listening practice.
  • It’s best to introduce this game after the students are familiar with the regular version of the game.

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Karuta

Description

Students make groups and get a set of flashcards. They shuffle the cards, and place them face up in the middle of their group. The teacher says one of the key vocabulary words, and the students try to take the matching card before their teammates do.

Once the card has been taken, the teacher says the word again and the students repeat it.

Notes

  • For younger students, it’s best to have them put their hands on their heads while they’re listening, to prevent cheating.
  • If a student makes a mistake, it’s best not to have a penalty so they don’t lose motivation.
  • Once the card has been taken, it is useful if the teacher says the word again and has the students repeat them. This gives the students some speaking practice as well as listening practice.