English as a Second Language 2

Backs to the Board

(Image courtesy of Creative Commons)

I would like to share another English language resource. It often takes second language learners time to develop the confidence to speak. This is totally normal and I would never suggest you put pressure on a child to speak during this period, which I have seen last a couple of years.

One fun way to develop speaking skills, however, is by introducing a game called Backs to the Board. The game is played by splitting the class into two or more teams. One member of each team stands with his/her back to the board. The teacher writes a word or draws a picture on the board which the student cannot see. His/Her team can see it and the objective of the game is to get the student with the back to the board to say the word. One point is given to the first person to say the word. The rules are as follows for the team describing the word.

1. You cannot say the word or spell any of its letters
2. You may not use your mother tongue 
3. You cannot use your hands or any body gestures

You will soon see your class shouting as they try to explain the words on the board. "It is a country in Asia, next to Vietnam, there are famous temples there". There are lots of variations to the game too and the teacher can use it to assess understanding of common nouns, verbs, pronouns etc. 

Have Fun!