Teachers Games for Vocabulary

When it comes to vocabulary improvement what can be as fun as teachers games for vocabulary?

Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses

Vocabulary games can be especially effective since they invite a hands-on participation of the students, and students love games!

What You Need Before Starting

• A whiteboard and markers
• Small pieces of paper
• A timer (you can use your phone)
• Space for students to move around

How to Make Teams

• Count students into groups of 3-4
• Mix stronger and weaker students
• Keep the same teams for 2-3 games
• For online classes, divide students into smaller groups using features such as Zoom's small group feature (In Zoom, you can split your big class into several small private groups – this is helpful for team games)

Games for Physical Classrooms

1. Hot Seat

Instructions:

• Put one chair at the front of the class
• One student sits in the chair facing the class
• Write a word on the board behind them
• Their team explains the word without saying it
• Give teams 1 minute to guess each word

Tips:

• Start with easy words
• Show students an example first
• Use words from your textbook
• Give points to keep students excited

2. Word Categories Race

Instructions:

• Write 4-5 categories on the board (like food, animals, jobs)
• Give each team a piece of paper
• Teams write as many words as they can in 3 minutes

Tips:

• Check spelling together after the game
• Teams get 1 point for each correct word
• Take away points for wrong spelling
• Use categories from recent lessons

3. Human Matching Cards

Instructions:

• Give half the class word cards
• Give the other half definition cards
• Students walk around to find their match

Tips:

• Make the definitions very clear
• Students must speak in English to find matches
• When matched, pairs sit down together
• Check matches as a class at the end

4. Word Chain Game

Instructions:

• Students sit in a circle
• First student says a word from the lesson
• Next student must say a word starting with the last letter
• Students who can't think of a word in 5 seconds sit out

Tips:

• Write words on the board as students say them
• No repeating words
• Start with easy categories like animals or food
• Give examples before starting

Games for Online Classes (Zoom, Etc.)

1. Virtual Hot Seat

Instructions:

• Teacher private messages a word to all students except one
• That student must guess the word by asking questions
• Other students can only answer "yes" or "no"
• Set a 2-minute time limit

Tips:

• Use the raise hand feature for questions
• Keep a list of used words in the chat
• Give 3 points for fast guesses
• Take turns with different students

2. Show and Tell Race

Instructions:

• Teacher says a word
• Students race to find something in their home that matches
• First student to show and explain gets points
• Set 30-second time limit

Tips:

• Check students have space to move safely
• Make sure all cameras are on
• Use simple words for items people usually have
• Let students suggest words too

3. Word Association Chain

Instructions:

• First student says a word from recent lessons
• Next student says a related word
• Continue until someone can't think of a related word
• That person starts a new chain with a new word

Tips:

• Give students 5 seconds to respond
• Write words in the chat
• Help with spelling when needed
• Show example chains first

Making Games Work Better

For Physical Classes:

• Move tables to the sides if you need space
• Have word lists ready before class
• Ask stronger students to help explain rules
• Keep score on the board

For Online Classes:

• Test your mic and camera first
• Have backup games ready if internet is slow
• Use the chat for writing activities
• Share game rules using screen share

Important Things to Remember

• Games should be fun but also help learning
• Don't play one game for too long (15-20 minutes maximum)
• Praise students when they try hard
• Help with pronunciation during games
• Make sure all students get turns
• Keep rules simple and clear
• End each game with quick feedback

Remember: You know your students best. Change these games to match their level and interests. Start with easier words and make games harder as students improve.

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