Action Games

                     1. TOUCH

SUMMARY

Games don't get any easier than this. Students race to touch one flashcard from a row on the board..

SET–UP

Line up a set of flashcards on the board, or lay them on the floor at the front of the classroom. Divide the class into teams or play rounds one student against another. 

PLAY

Call two students up to play. Line them up against the wall opposite the flashcards. Make sure there is a clear running space for the students. Now, say the name of one of the flashcards and then shout "Go!" The two students race to touch the correct flashcard. The first student to do so is the winner.

This game has endless variations. For example:
a) The students can crawl, hop, carry an egg on a spoon, or a balloon between their knees as they move toward the flashcards.
b) The students can point to the correct flashcard, point and identify the flashcard, or even point and make a sentence using the flashcard.
c) The flashcards can be on the board, on the floor, in a bag or box, upside down, or in the four corners of the classroom. 

USES

1. Play with any set of flashcards. This is a simple, yet fun way to introduce new vocabulary. 

2. FOUR CORNERS (Version 1)

SUMMARY

There are flashcards in all four corners of the classroom. Don't get stuck standing near the wrong word when the teacher stops counting to ten, or you'll be out.

SET–UP

Place one flashcard in each of the four corners of the classroom. Push the desks aside to give the children ample space to move around.

PLAY

The 4 corners game has two versions, an A and a B. Version A, in turn has two styles of its own.

Style 1. Close your eyes and count to ten. The students run to the four corners of the room. When you finish counting say "Stop!" Any student still in the middle of the floor must quickly find a corner. Now, call out one of the flashcards. Any student standing in the same corner as that flashcard is "out" and must return to his or her seat.

 Note: if you are playing with very young children don't ask them to sit down. In either case, however, ask all the students in the corner to identify the flashcard or use it in a sentence. 

Style 2. Count to ten with your eyes closed. Say "Stop!" However, instead of calling out a flashcard, point to one of the corners (with your eyes still closed). The students in that corner are "out", or "it" and must identify the flashcard or use it in a sentence.