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.