Here are some games that place value on being educational whilst also being FUN!

This page is a work in progress and not complete, stop by later as more and more gets added

*As with all games and activities, make sure to explain the rules and demonstrate correct behavior before the games as it's crucial to recognize that teaching involves more than just teaching language skills. You're also fostering correct behavior, cooperation in groups, following rules, and taking turns. This process can be slow, especially with young learners who may not grasp these concepts immediately. Patience and guidance are essential. Always demonstrate the expected behavior and actions clearly, such as turning memory game cards face up on the table for everyone to see, not just for oneself. It might take several games and different sessions for them to fully understand the rules. However, with time and practice, young learners will naturally follow and comprehend, making the activity enjoyable and easy to play together.

Anyway, without further ado, here are some fun educational games that I use every week!

Individual/small group games

Game 1: Memory

Kids love playing Memory! It is fun and challenging every time. Play for the joy of finding matches or add a slight competitive edge to see who finds the most matches. As well as being great for building language, vocabulary, listening and using English in real-time, Memory is also excellent for improving cognitive skills, memory, concentration, social skills, teaching turn-taking, and following rules

How to Play:

Number of Players:

2 or more

Set Up:

1. Print, cut, fold, and laminate 2 sets of each card.
2. Shuffle the cards thoroughly.
3. Place the cards face down, spaced out separately on the table.

Objective:

To find pairs.

Gameplay:

1. The first player turns over any two cards face up.
2. If they find a pair, they collect that pair and place it in their win pile, then take another turn to turn over two more cards and find a match.
3. If they do not find a pair, they turn the cards back face down in the same place, and the next player takes their turn.
4. Each player continues taking turns to find pairs until all pairs are found.

Tip: It is important to reinforce turning over the cards face up on the table so everyone can see. Often, kids will hold up the cards and look at them so only they can see. If you consistently reinforce this behavior, kids will eventually do it automatically.

Winning:

The player with the most pairs is the winner. At the end, when no cards are left, take turns counting the number of pairs each player has to determine the winner!