My Favourite ESL Vocabulary Review Game

Slap is a great, educational game that can be adapted for almost any age and ability level. However, I think that Slap works best for for learners at the intermediate level. It can be used to teach any language, and could even be adapted for any subject you are teaching.

Most ESL teachers would prefer a smaller class size for all aspects of teaching, and playing games or activities is no exception! Large class sizes can present a big issue when choosing games and activities to keep all of the students engaged and participating. Slap, like many other games, would ideally be played with around 20 students. However, I've used Slap for classes with 70+ students in them and I find it both manageable and beneficial.

Photo Copyright 2005 Anissa Thompson http://www.anissat.com/photos.php

1. First, you must decide on what vocabulary you wish to review. I normally choose around 20 vocabulary words for my intermediate level students. If it was an end of unit or year review, I would choose more.

Earlier this semester, I used Slap when reviewing the days of the week and the months of the year, which gives me a total of 19 words. I'll use this as an example, while explaining the game.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

If you don't have access to a blackboard or white board, then you'll want to write out your vocabulary list before getting to class. Write each word on its own individual piece of paper. The words should be big enough that the students at the back of the classroom can read them. I'd suggest laminating the papers, as this game can get a little wild! I don't have a laminating machine in China, and instead use packing tape as an alternative.

Great, now that you're all prepared - it's time to play Slap!

Divide your class into two teams. Ask teams to think of a(n) (English!) team name for themselves. While they are discussing team names, you can take this time to either tape or write your vocabulary words at the front of the classroom. The words should be scattered around the board, and in no particular order.

Write the team names on the board, so that you can keep tally of the score. One of the best ways to keep ESL students engaged is to dig into their competitive drive.

Ask one student from each team to come to the front of the classroom. I have them stand behind a certain point, such as the first row of desks. I'll then pose one of the questions that I've prepared. The students must then figure out the answer, search for it on the board, race to be the first person to "slap" the correct answer, and therefore, winning a point for their team.

A lot of the time the students have difficulty thinking under pressure, or are unsure of themselves. This is where the rest of their team comes in; they may shout the correct answer to their teammate. Sometimes the "slapper" at the front of the classroom, may know the correct answer but cannot find it. Their teammates may also yell out directions or clues as to where to word is, such as "left side of the board".

I switch the student at the front of the classroom every round. Most of the time I'll have the person who was just the "slapper" pick the next player.

My students get very competitive in this game! Sometimes they'll race to the front of the board before knowing the correct answer and try to "block" the other player. Friends will sometimes attempt to "body slam" and push each other out of the way. It makes me happy to see the students so happy to learn and participate, but of course keep this behavior to a minimum!