The monkey missing card game.

 

Monkey. (Missing card game)
Subject	A game for introducing and practicing vocabulary.
Richard’s comments.	This is a game that will work for any vocabulary. You will also then be able to use the discovered vocabulary to construct structures of your choice should you choose.
Group size:	This should work with teams of up to 4/5 though I have been able to use it with whole classes of twenty in a slightly adapted form. The upper limit is really determined by safety considerations. Keep it safe!
Team teaching game?	The game can be played with one supervisor but it is probably better with one per team in order to maintain a productive environment.

Materials	‘Monkey’ cards. A card with a monkey image. One per team. Vocabulary cards. One set per team.  You need six to twelve cards depending on the ability of you students. The more cards the harder the challenge. You could start with six and add to the collection as the students become familiar with the contents. Consider using extra cards for a dominant group as a form of handicap.
Game set up.	Divide into two teams. Go through the vocabulary and structures using the cards. Check that the students understand each image. Drill the vocabulary paying attention to the pronunciation.

Playing rules.	1 For each team, shuffle the cards and remove one (Don’t show the card) 2 Add a ‘Monkey’ card to each team set. 3 Place the cards face down at the other end of the room. 4 Simply race to the cards and turn them up. First team to identify the card replaced by the ‘Monkey’ card wins the round.  Drill the vocabulary again, adding cards if you need to and repeat. Don’t forget to review your students’ learning at the end of the game.
Variations.		To increase the challenge you could add additional words. Alternatively add a second ‘Monkey’ card.  Now you have two ‘Monkey’ cards to identify.
Handicap the winning team by adding extra cards to their set or try taking away extra cards and adding extra ‘Monkey’ cards.