“All work and no play make Jack a boring kid”, we must all have heard this well-known proverb many times before in our life. This proverb tells us that playing is very important 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 learning something new could be achieved by playing? Yes, playing and learning is such a useful combination that it makes children feel relaxed and comfortable. Instead of going for the old formula of giving children books and forcing them to study hard, we could make them play 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 indulging in the activities they love the most.

Now, let’s look at 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 children 8 years of age and older.

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 play, all the letter tiles are shuffled. Now you can 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 game the total score is calculated. The player who scores the most wins the game.

Profits

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 this game in our childhood. It is a traditional Indian game that helps improve vocabulary. All you need to start playing this game is just a pencil and paper.

How to play?

It can be played between n number of people. All players receive a paper and a pen. Players must draw the following four columns on their paper:

Name
Square
Animal
Thing

After the columns are prepared, two people are chosen to be the caller and the 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 says 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 stop typing immediately. Points are awarded for each correct answer. This process is repeated several times. At the end of the game, the player with the maximum number of points wins the game.
Profits

This game helps improve vocabulary and helps practice nouns in alphabets.

Scattergories

It is a memory game that improves creative thinking. This is a game that consists of naming objects within a set of categories, 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 carries a folder with an answering machine and 3 category cards. A player rolls a 20-sided die to start the game. The game begins with the letter that is 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.

Profits

Improve vocabulary and social skills.

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