The ‘hot potato’ game.

 

The ‘hot potato’ game.
Subject				Vocabulary structures or question and answer.
Richard’s comments.				Under control this is a flexible and valuable addition due to its energy, high English output and enjoyment level. It is important to keep a tight hand on the reigns.
Group size:			This game is suitable for groups of up to eight or ten
Team teaching game?			One supervisor is sufficient as long as you keep everything tightly under control.
Materials			‘Hot potatoes’ (I often use something soft like soft toys/balls/bean bags etc.) Basically, it’s anything that you can throw safely. Focus cards vocabulary prompts or question cards. Timer.
Game set up.		The game is played in two teams sitting opposite each other. Give each team five ‘lives’ (One advantage of this is that the team loses ‘lives’ not one particular student. We don’t want any one student under pressure or feeling responsible.) Go through the vocabulary and structures that you are using. Play a practice round to get the feel of the game. (see below) Set the timer to 40-90 seconds. (Possibly longer at the beginning to allow for the students getting used to the game.)
Playing rules.	The teacher throws the ‘hot potato’ to a student and asks a question. (Either what’s this or What’s that.) The student must then identify the correct item. When they get it right, they can pass their ‘hot potato’ back to the teacher. The teacher now throws the ‘hot potato’ to the next student (In line or randomly).
When the timer goes off you lose a life for the ‘hot potatoes’ in your team’s possession. Get rid of them quickly…
Class control. To prevent tokens flying all over the place have the students relay the token via you. The students pass the token to you, and you pass the token on. Wild throws are collected by the thrower (It is still their ‘turn’ until the token is returned safely to you).
Variations.	Add additional structures for additional challenges.

 

 

 

The ‘circle’ hot potato game.

 

Name: The ‘circle’ hot potato game.
Subject:		Vocabulary or simple structures.
Richard’s comments:		For those who don’t like the idea of a ‘bomb game’ we have a hot potato. Keep it under control and it will pay dividends.
Group size:		The magic number is eight maximum. You really want three or four minimum to make a game of it.
Team teaching game?		The supervisor is in control of the ‘hot potato’ but one supervisor should be enough.
Materials:		Vocabulary cards. Something soft that you can throw as the ‘hot potato’. Timer. Points and point cups.
Game set up:		Play in teams or individually. Put the cards in a circle. Go through the vocabulary as you do so. Each student stands behind a vocabulary card.
Playing rules:	Set the timer for 30-40 seconds.  (Play a practice round without the timer to get a feel for the game) Press start on the timer and throw the ‘potato’ to one of the students. Say the vocabulary or sentence structure and return the potato to the center. (Wild throws are collected by the thrower. The potato is still in their position until it is safely passed.) Every time the ‘potato’ is returned to the center everyone moves one card clockwise round the circle. When the timer goes off, the point is awarded to the team without the ‘potato’. If the potato is in the center, both teams get a point.
Variations:	When students can’t be trusted throwing things, I have a version without the potato where the teacher has prompt cards (Matching the vocabulary cards) in place of the ‘hot potato’. Just ask the question using a prompt card and the student standing by the matching card must answer. When the answer is correct the teacher says ‘go’ the student’s turn is over and the students move round.

The pyramids, basic questions game.

 

The pyramids, basic questions game.
Subject	Basic questions.
Richard’s comments.			Simple frustrating and fun.…
Group size:			Suitable for classes of 1-10 in teams.
Team teaching game?			Can be played with one teacher.
Materials		Playing cards. Basic questions.
Game set up.		Place the playing cards face down as shown.
Playing rules.				Alternating turns. The aim is to answer a question and turn up a card (Starting from the base.) Numbers are safe. Picture card loses, remove the played cards, replace and start again from the base. Can you get to the top for a point?
Variations.				Play with just one pyramid. One side plays until the picture turns up. Then the other team takes over. (Don’t return to the base) Each time you reach the top you win a point.