Teach ESL to Kids

The Ghost Game is one of my favorite ESL games. Many other games require the kids to already know the vocabulary words, but this game can be easily played with vocabulary that has just been introduced. It's also a great Halloween game!

THE GHOST GAME

Target English: vocabulary, new vocabulary, use vocabulary in a sentence
Things You Need: vocabulary cards, small pictures of ghosts
Age: under 6 is best
English Level: low

Game Outline:
1. Before class, stick the small pictures of ghosts onto the backs of a few of the vocabulary cards.
2. Introduce/review the vocabulary with the kids.
3. Select a "safe" area of the classroom, perhaps a particular wall. Explain the "safe" area to the kids.
4. Explain that if they see a ghost, you are going to chase and tickle them.
5. Show them a vocabulary card and have them say the word. If they don't know it, you can say it and have them repeat it.
6. Slowly turn the card around to reveal if there is a ghost on the back. If there is no ghost, they are safe.
7. If there is a ghost, you must chase and tickle them. Be aware that the first time the ghost shows up, not all of the kids will have understood what is going to happen to them. So take it easy when you are chasing them and give them time to understand that they must touch "safe" to avoid being tickled.

Hope you and your kids have fun with this game.

Love,
Shannon Sensei

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