Convert a Board Game to an ESL Game
When you teach them to play a more normal ESL game, you are relying on their listening skills and your ability to flamboyantly demonstrate how to play. By bringing board games into your lesson, you spark an immediate interest. It's something that's new that they can see.
Because a board game is new and right there in front of them, the students become more interested and it's easier for you to show them how to play it. They are probably familiar with board games in their native language, so it is fun for them to see the board games that kids play in other countries.
To turn any board game into an ESL game, just insert some language skills when it's their turn. For example, before they can spin the wheel/roll the dice, they must answer a question from the teacher, or identify a vocabulary card.
One of my favorite games to use is "Chutes and Ladders". In case it's been a long time since you've played this game, there are many pictures throughout the board of actions and consequences. If the child in the picture is doing something good, they go up the ladder. If they are doing something bad, they go down the chute. This can make for good conversation with the kids.
Love,
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Regular old board games can be a great thing to introduce into your lessons. All kids love playing games and I'm a big fan of using games in your lessons. But sometimes the "impromptu games" that ESL teachers tend to use can be a bit confusing.
Shannon Sensei