Dream English Teaching Tips Blog

Quick Game Facts:

• Name: Pictionary
• Recommended Ages: 6-12
• Materials Needed: Flashcards, drawing materials (e.g., paper, markers)
• Prep Time: Minimal

Introduction:
Hello, young artists and enthusiastic educators! Are you ready to let your creativity soar while sharpening your language skills? Look no further than the exciting game of “Pictionary”! In this interactive activity, you’ll have the opportunity to express yourself through drawings while others guess the word you’re illustrating. Get your drawing materials ready, embrace your artistic side, and let’s dive into the world of “Pictionary” for an unforgettable language adventure!

Overview:

• Objective: Have a child draw a word from a flashcard while others guess what it is.
• Recommended Ages: 6-12
• Materials Needed: Flashcards, drawing materials (e.g., paper, markers)
• Prep Time: Minimal

Setting Up the Game:
Setting up “Pictionary” is easy and prepares you for an artistic language journey! Prepare a set of flashcards with various words or phrases related to the vocabulary you want to focus on. Ensure the flashcards are age-appropriate and aligned with the language proficiency of the players. Provide drawing materials such as paper and markers or pencils for the players to create their illustrations.

Playing Pictionary:
Get ready to let your artistic skills shine and challenge others to guess your drawings with the game of “Pictionary”! Here’s how it works: Select a player to be the first “drawer.” This player will pick a flashcard without showing it to anyone and begin drawing an illustration that represents the word or phrase on the card. The other players will observe the drawing and try to guess what word or phrase is being depicted. The players can shout out their guesses, and the first player to guess correctly becomes the next “drawer.” The game continues with new flashcards and different players taking turns to draw and guess.

Making It Educational:
While enjoying the creative aspect of the game, let’s maximize the educational value of “Pictionary”! After each round, take a moment to discuss the word or phrase that was illustrated. Encourage players to explain their thought process and describe the elements of their drawings that represented the word. Use the opportunity to reinforce vocabulary, explore synonyms or related words, and expand language usage. You can also introduce additional flashcards with new words to keep the game challenging and provide opportunities for further learning.

Tips and Variations:

1. Adjust the difficulty level of the game by selecting flashcards based on the age and language proficiency of the players.
2. Encourage players to use visual cues, such as arrows or symbols, in their drawings to convey additional meaning or context.
3. Create themed sets of flashcards based on specific topics or units being taught, reinforcing content knowledge and vocabulary acquisition.
4. Collaborative option: Allow players to work together in pairs or small groups. Instead of competing, they can collectively create drawings, fostering teamwork and cooperation in expressing the vocabulary visually.

Benefits of Pictionary:
“Pictionary” offers a range of benefits for young language learners. It stimulates creativity and imagination, enhances vocabulary retention and recall, promotes visual comprehension, encourages communication and listening skills, and provides an enjoyable way to engage with language. The game boosts confidence, nurtures artistic expression, and creates a dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Conclusion:
Dear young artists and language enthusiasts, “Pictionary” is a thrilling game that allows you to express yourself through drawings while sharpening your language skills. As you illustrate the words and phrases on the flashcards, your creativity will soar, and your vocabulary will flourish. So, gather your drawing materials, let your imagination run wild, and let’s dive into the captivating world of “Pictionary” for an unforgettable language adventure! Stay tuned for more inspiring game ideas in our upcoming blog posts. Happy drawing and guessing!

Looking for a picture dictionary book to teach vocabulary? Check out My First 100 Words With Matt. Available now on Amazon:

Quick Game Facts:

• Name: Memory Match
• Recommended Ages: 3-12
• Materials Needed: Flashcards with matching pairs, table or floor space
• Prep Time: Minimal

Introduction:
Calling all EFL and ESL teachers of young learners! Are you ready to inject some excitement into your English lessons? Look no further than “Memory Match”! This engaging game is not only lots of fun, but it also serves as a powerful tool for expanding your students’ English vocabulary. So, grab your flashcards and get ready to embark on an unforgettable learning adventure!

Overview:

• Objective: Find matching pairs of flashcards.
• Recommended Ages: 3-12
• Materials Needed: Flashcards with matching pairs, table or floor space
• Prep Time: Minimal

Setting Up the Game:
Preparation for “Memory Match” is a breeze! Simply grab your flashcards, give them a good shuffle, and lay them face down in a grid on a table or the floor. The size of the grid can be adjusted according to the age and abilities of your students. Start with a smaller grid for younger learners, and gradually increase the challenge as their memory skills grow!

Playing Memory Match:
Let the games begin! “Memory Match” is as simple as it gets. Players take turns flipping over two cards, aiming to find matching pairs. When a match is made, the player keeps the cards and gets another turn. If the cards don’t match, they are flipped face down again, and the next player takes a turn. The game continues until all the cards have been matched.

Making It Educational:
While having a blast with “Memory Match,” why not sneak in some English learning too? Encourage your students to say the word on the card when they flip it over. To level up the challenge, ask them to use the word in a sentence. This way, they’re not only practicing vocabulary but also gaining confidence in using the words in context.

Tips and Variations:

1. Start with a smaller grid for younger children and gradually increase the number of cards as they become more confident.
2. For better comprehension, use flashcards with words and corresponding images to provide visual cues.
3. Amp up the excitement by timing the turns, adding a touch of challenge to the game.

Benefits of Memory Match:
In addition to oodles of joy and laughter, “Memory Match” offers numerous benefits for your young language learners. It hones their memory skills, enhances concentration, reinforces vocabulary acquisition, and boosts retention. With its interactive nature, the game ensures maximum engagement, turning English learning into an exciting adventure!

Conclusion:
“Memory Match” is the ultimate game that seamlessly combines enjoyment and English learning. Your little language learners will eagerly anticipate each turn, improving their vocabulary and memory skills along the way. So, gather your flashcards, set up that exhilarating grid, and watch the magic unfold in your classroom. Stay tuned for more fantastic game ideas in our upcoming blog posts. Now, let the memory-matching extravaganza begin!

Welcome, EFL teachers! Get ready to add a splash of excitement to your lessons with the Color Flashcard Memory Game. Let’s dive into this fun and effective way of teaching English colors!

The Color Flashcard Memory Game:
Imagine a classic memory game infused with colorful flashcards. It’s a game that not only captivates young learners but also helps them master English color vocabulary.

Setting Up the Game:
Gather your color flashcards and create an engaging playing area. A little preparation sets the stage for an unforgettable language learning experience. It is best to use cards that the children can not see through. I have some free printable flashcards here.

How to Play:
Explain the rules of the game step by step, encouraging students to flip cards and make matches. Incorporate English color vocabulary as they conquer the game. Make sure your students say the name of the color when they flip the cards.

Learning Outcomes and Benefits:
The Color Flashcard Memory Game offers more than just fun. It enhances memory skills, develops color recognition, and reinforces English color vocabulary, all while keeping students engaged.

Variations and Adaptations:
Cater to diverse learners by adding challenges, accommodating bilingual students, or introducing additional elements like shapes and numbers. For example, a student can say “blue square” if you are using color shape cards.

Check out these videos to help you teach colors to young learners:

Conclusion:
With the Color Flashcard Memory Game in your teaching toolbox, you have a magical tool to make learning colors a memorable experience. Embrace this game, infuse your creativity, and watch your students thrive as they become confident English speakers.

Happy teaching!

Matt

There are so many fun and creative ways to teach young English learners (ESL, EFL) vocabulary. In this blog series we will be exploring vocabulary games you can use to go along with the My First 100 Words With Matt picture dictionary book. Here we go!

Game: Picture Scavenger Hunt

Get ready for an exciting adventure with our first game: Picture Scavenger Hunt! The goal is simple – preschoolers will actively search for hidden flash cards based on a specific theme. Here’s how to play:

1. Choose a theme (like animals or food from the book).
2. Teach the vocabulary using the My First 100 Words Book With Matt.
3. Prepare small game cards by either drawing a picture of the item on the card, or using flashcards.
4. Hide picture cards around the play area.
5. Explain the rules and let the children search for the hidden cards.
6. When a student finds a card they should bring it back to the teacher and say what is on the card. 
7. The game finishes when each student gets one card and says the vocabulary to the teacher.
8. You can play several times as long as it is fun for the students and they are learning.

For higher level students you can ask them to say the vocabulary in a sentence. For example, “ I see a dog.” 

Picture Scavenger Hunt turns learning into a thrilling adventure where children explore, discover, and expand their vocabulary. Let the hunt begin!

I hope this game is fun and helpful for your classes. Check out the My First 100 Words With Matt Book available now on Amazon!

I have been using the My First 100 Words With Matt book in my young learners English classes. In this post we will explore the benefits of using a picture dictionary book for learning language. Here we go!

Learning to speak and understand language is an exciting milestone in a child’s life. As a parent or caregiver, you play a crucial role in fostering language development. Picture dictionary books are an excellent tool for helping children learn their first words. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using picture dictionary books and provide practical tips for maximizing the learning experience.

The Power of Visuals:
Picture dictionary books are highly effective because they harness the power of visuals. Children are naturally drawn to pictures, and the visual elements in these books enhance their language learning and comprehension. The combination of words and visuals creates an engaging and memorable experience for young learners.

Choosing the Right Book:
When selecting a picture dictionary book, consider factors such as age appropriateness, illustrations, and vocabulary. Look for books that align with your child’s developmental stage and interests.

Interactive Learning:
Make picture dictionary book reading interactive and engaging. Encourage your child’s participation by asking questions and discussing the pictures together. By actively involving your child in the learning process, you enhance their comprehension and language skills.

Expanding Vocabulary:
Picture dictionary books are excellent tools for building your child’s vocabulary. Explore different word categories like nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Use the visuals to reinforce the meaning of words and help your child remember them. Repetition is key in vocabulary acquisition, so revisit the book regularly and encourage your child to use the words in everyday conversations.

Making Real-Life Connections:
Help your child connect the words they learn in the picture dictionary book to their everyday experiences. Relate the book’s content to their routines, environment, and personal interests. Encourage curiosity and imagination by asking open-ended questions and sparking discussions about the pictures.

Beyond Words: Concepts and Context:
Picture dictionary books go beyond teaching individual words. They can introduce broader concepts such as colors, shapes, numbers, and emotions. Explore storylines, characters, and plot development to expand your child’s language skills.

Conclusion:
Picture dictionary books are powerful tools for teaching children their first words. Through visuals, interactive reading, and vocabulary expansion, these books create a language-rich environment that supports your child’s language development. By choosing the right book, making real-life connections, and exploring concepts, you can maximize the learning experience. So, grab a picture dictionary book and embark on a visual journey that will unlock a world of words for your little one!

Try the My First 100 Words With Matt book to start your child’s learning journey. Available now on Amazon.