[kidsesl]

This keyword game is super easy for kids with very limited English.

Materials: Eraser, one between 2-4 students
Ages: 5 plus


How to play


Select one word or grammar point from the unit that you are currently studying or want to review. Place all the flashcards and words on the board, and then pick one word and circle it. This will become your Keyword.




If you don’t have any flashcards you can simply write or draw the images on the board. If you need a picture you can get some great royalty free clipart from this site here.


Explain or demonstrate to the children that they need to repeat the subject names after you, but when you say the keyword they must grab the eraser on their desk and hold it up into the air. The child who grabs the eraser when you say the keyword is the winner.


Divide the children into groups of 2-4 and get them to place one eraser in the center of the desk. Sometimes they fight over whose eraser they will use, so a quick game of rock paper scissors can solve that. Make the kids place their hands on their heads so that they don’t hover them above the eraser or try to cheat.


For this example, I’m going to use school subjects and the keyword will be math. Call out different subjects and make the children repeat after you like this



When you say the keyword the children must grab the eraser and the child who grabs it first is the winner.


You can find some pictures and videos on how to play the game here

Kids ESL: All about teaching English to kids!: Keyword Game