“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” - Nelson Mandela
Learning a foreign language is challenging, but one way to get around the usual difficulties is to learn them from a young age. In fact, more and more people are realising this and the growth of the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language market) proves it.
The same can be said for the fast growth of the ERASMUS programme which suggests students
Similarly, the ERASMUS programme’s growth would suggest that there is an increasing interest in experiencing foreign cultures and learning foreign languages.
In this article, we are going to look at how language learning games can make acquiring French, English, German or Spanish fun. So keep reading if you think that foreign language games for the classroom are appealing.
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Learn English as a Second Language
As the most prolifically spoken language in the world, English as a foreign language is taught in every country.
As the world’s de facto global language, speaking English can help to:
- Travel the world easily
- Learn more about English-speaking cultures
- Maintain and nurture professional and international relationships
- Be well-positioned for learning foreign languages
For some students, English can be easier to study because the conjugations and grammar might even be easier than their mother tongue.
Having said this, English has many exceptions and peculiarities that can make conversing difficult for non-natives.
Of course, there’s the enormous English vocabulary to consider too. Actual words aside, it’s knowing where and when to use them that counts.
One of the best ways to tackle vocabulary learning is through educational language games. There are many simple card games that can help students pick up English vocabulary. There are also games for language classes that can help to improve pronunciation, memory, accent while having fun too.
Here are a few traditional family games that have also become useful games for language classes:
- Pictionary
- 20 Questions
- Taboo
- Hangman
Remember, when it comes to language learning games, there is really no limit!
Games to Play in Spanish Class
As one of the most popular foreign languages spoken all over the world, learning Spanish is easily accessible everywhere. There are also many available games to play in Spanish class.
Even ordinary situations like the following can be turned into educational language games:
- Conversations
- Ordering food
- Shopping
- Getting dressed
- Visiting a city
- Introductions
One of the best ways to implement this game is to try and play it in a Spanish-speaking country.
When it comes to educational language games, remember that students of any age can benefit!
Are you trying to learn how to count in Spanish?
One of the best games to play in Spanish class (or on your own) is to take a deck of cards and play War or Battle. Only requiring two players, Battle has two players who go head-to-head to practice numbers in their target language!
For other games to play in Spanish class, try Happy Families which is useful for teaching student’s vocabulary.
On the whole educational language games are brilliant because they take the pressure off of the notion of learning, but knowledge is most certainly acquired! By learning through play, students often won’t even realise how much they’re learning until they have to use the target vocabulary in a real-life situation.
Your turn!
The Best French Conjugation Games
When it comes to foreign language games for the classroom (or to play on your own) there are many fun options. If you are learning or teaching French, you could either play specific French conjugation games or adapt other educational language games to French.
Two of the most popular French conjugation games used by teachers are crosswords and puzzles.
Scrabble is also useful for foreign language games in the classroom as long as you have the right version of the game.
Time’s Up is also popular with French teachers where the goal is to have one team guess the most celebrities as possible. Think about it, encouraging students to describe people is an extremely useful way to grow vocabulary through fun.
On the whole, games for language classes are a great way to take a break from boring grammar lessons without losing learning momentum.
Educational language games are naturally part of a small child’s life, but even adults could use nursery rhymes, podcasts, and children’s books for language learning games.
These days there are also dozens of language apps where students can practice their target language through stories. These can be turned into games for language classes by allowing learners to write or
Regional and Minority Languages
There are also plenty of regional and minority languages that students might be learning.
In South Africa, there are 11 official languages. Using games for language classes is the perfect way to tackle these fascinating languages.
- Afrikaans
- English
- Ndebele
- Pedi
- Sotho
- Swati
- Tsonga
- Tswana
- Venda
- Xhosa
- Zulu
In recent years, these local languages have enjoyed a boom with more educational courses and jobs requiring their use. There is no reason why these should be taught any differently or not benefit learners in the same way that French conjugation games or games to play in Spanish class do!
Using foreign language games in the classroom relies on the same principles and teaching approaches no matter which language is being taught. The added bonus is that you could choose material that also teaches about the culture associated with the language too.
When it comes to minority languages, remember that there is an even greater opportunity to teach about culture and make learning even more fun and memorable.
There is absolutely no doubt, using games for language classes is one of the most effective ways to engage students and acquire knowledge at the same time!
Foreign language games for the classroom also place a lot of the power in the hands of the learner which helps them to invest in the process. It also provides excellent methods for allowing students to learn from each other and gives the teacher a breather to focus on individuals who may be struggling in a particular area.
Are you ready to give educational language games a go in the classroom? You won’t regret it!
Whether you need foreign language lessons yourself or are looking for new and powerful teaching methods to approach language classes, you could find support on Superprof.
Whatever your needs, private tutoring is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reach your goals.
On the Superprof website, there are hundreds of experienced tutors who are well equipped to share their techniques and knowledge. You could choose to meet with someone in-person, join a group class, (more cost-effective) or consult with them online using a webcam!
All Superprof tutors are pre-verified for your peace of mind and many of them offer their first class for free. Why not try someone out and find out more about their background and teaching style at the same time. Remember that a good personality fit between tutor and student is just as important as the content, which is why your free lesson is such a benefit.
You’ll notice that the fees of tutors are varied according to their experience and qualifications. Also, even if you do not find someone to help you from South Africa, what is stopping you from meeting up with an overseas Superprof tutor who could give you tutoring advice and tips for language learning games. Don’t forget – French conjugation games can easily be translated into Xhosa or Zulu conjugation games too!
In South Africa, the average price for tutoring advice is only R177, but remember you are not limited to South African tutors when it comes to honing your tutoring skills. Isn’t it wonderful how the internet has turned the world into a global village?
Want to give private lessons?
Join the Superprof community and share your knowledge with inquiring and motivated students.
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