Firstly thanks to Mark and everyone, I really get a lot out of this site. So as a small way to say thanks here is what I think is the best game that I've learnt (and haven't seen on this site.)

This is a simple game with lots of variations.

Have the kids spread out in the room and then teacher asks a question. The kid who answers 1st or gives the best response gets to take one step. When they are close enough to another kid or teacher they touch them to get one point. The most points at the end is (strangely enough) the champion.

Some variations.
The person who gets tagged is out or misses a few turns. (They can then ask the questions if they are able.)

Big classes can be divided into teams.

Small classes can have a chasee/chaser. I place cards on the floor (with associated target language) that the chasee can pick up and sar to reverse the roles.

I have to be strict on the one step rule (no jumping, sliding, rolling etc) because my room is small. The kids seem to like this and are forever coming up with potential ways to improve their chances. ("Is sliding ok?" etc).

I use this for kids from 5yrs and up.

I'd love to know any other variations you can think of as we change the rules on a daily basis. (Actually I just forget how we played the week before.)

Dan.

If you work in Japan, every public school classroom I've worked at has a grid-lined floor. You can use this to your advantage mapping out how the students are to move around the room.

I have a grid lined floor!

I tried your suggestion and it was great, especially as my classroom is not so big. We also had to collect things as we moved around which meant we could do more than just standard q&a things.

thanks for sharing your ideas!

Dan

What kind of things did the students have to collect?

they can collect anything!

I started with flashcards on the floor, but then added extra things. It changes from week to week depending on what I bring (or forget to bring).

For example they may have to collect a teddy from the box under the table, or a picture stuck on the wall or even something from your pocket. (something like a handkerchief, thats easy to grab). you then take it back to a designated safe area.

There can be different points assigned to each item or just whoever gets the most things.

The favourite rule at the moment is where if you/kids touch someone they have to give you anything that they are carrying.

In my class we also have these big rubber lego blocks, so the kids collect them and stack them into towers. In this game, if you/they tag someone they can choose "the ball" which can then be thrown at someone elses tower. If the tower is hit and falls all the blocks go back into play, if it stands then its "safe" and the game continues.

Generally if I get a new idea I try it out, if it works, great, if it doesn't just ditch it. Most kids are fairly comfortable with changing the rules as you go along.

I haven't tried this yet but you could even set up areas where they have to do something if they step into it?!


have fun!

That's some really great ideas! I got excited just reading about it! I have to try this out on my students tomorrow!