2.3 Games
Just like songs and rhymes, games also provide wonderful
atmosphere in the children’s language class. It is widely
documented that English language games improve learning,
and with children, they are one of the most effective classroom
tools.
The first reason why games are so useful is that since games
make learning fun, children are willing participants and are not
just present in class because they have to be. Students pay more
attention because when they enjoy themselves, they do better,
feel better about themselves, and do even better – it is a
learning cycle working in their favor. (Vernon,
www.teachingenglishgames.com)
Next reason is playing a game has a purpose and an outcome.
In order to play, students have to say things. Therefore, they
have a reason to communicate and this makes them want to
know and learn more. In addition to this, games stimulate and
motivate children to a new level. They know that if they do not
pay attention, they will not be able to play the game well and
they will let their team down so they make more effort to join
in and learn as much as possible. (Vernon,
www.teachingenglishgames.com)
The proverb ‘repetition is the mother of skill’ becomes very
meaningful during the games in children’s language class as
students get to use the language all the time with a lot of
repetition. Although repetition is boring in some cases, during
games it is fun for children. Also because of the fun involved
in the game a massive amount of vocabulary and grammar can