Grammar Games: Cognitive, Affective and Drama Activities for EFL Students

Rating:
Summary: And now for something completely different...
Review: Grammar Games contains fifty-six language learning activities divided into five sections; competitive games, collaborative sentence-making games, awareness activities, grammar through drama, and miscellany. About one fifth of the games deal directly with grammatical accuracy by exposing students to correct or incorrect sentences, with a caveat from the author urging us to accept that students who are highly focused will not imprint the wrong sentences that the theories of Skinner or Krashen may suggest. I can't say for sure whether incorrect grammar will be unconsciously learned or not, but it is clear that not everyone will be interested in these kind of activities anyway. I was therefore pleased that the rest of the book covered material that would appeal to many different types of learner, not just the analytically inclined. Grammar Games has a distinctly British, slightly seventies, and somewhat eccentric feel to it. We can learn by being physically active, or by being silent and reflective. There are board games and gambling games. You can vote for the best, play snap, take part in an auction, or do back-writing. You can even brainstorm why two people would want to exchange socks on a train - not everyone's cup of tea, perhaps. I enjoyed reading Grammar Games because most of the activities looked interesting and highly original, and that there were many that I would like to try out with my students, someday. For the EFL teacher searching for new ideas on how to teach grammar while having fun, whether you are experienced or novice, I recommend that you take a look at Mario Rinvolucri's Grammar Games.

Rating:
Summary: Creative and a good foundation
Review: Provides various activities that teach many aspects of English as well as grammar points using communicative methodology. These activities are creative and helpful. What is so useful is that these activities can be modified/altered to suit your class level. Some of the expressions and topics are a little strange and not really suitable to use in class for young learners who are at beginning level. But of course you can alter them. I have been able to make up many of my own lesson ideas from this book, written by ESL teaching veterans. "Grammar Games" is very helpful. I also recommend "More Grammar Games" which is a part-two, or addition to this book.

Rating:
Summary: Creative and a good foundation
Review: Provides various activities that teach many aspects of English as well as grammar points using communicative methodology. These activities are creative and helpful. What is so useful is that these activities can be modified/altered to suit your class level. Some of the expressions and topics are a little strange and not really suitable to use in class for young learners who are at beginning level. But of course you can alter them. I have been able to make up many of my own lesson ideas from this book, written by ESL teaching veterans. "Grammar Games" is very helpful. I also recommend "More Grammar Games" which is a part-two, or addition to this book.

Rating:
Summary: Wow- implicit grammar instruction that's cool!
Review: This book was recommended to me by a professsor who had used it with her Middle School ESL kids. After having it a week, I have to say it is fabulous. I had been looking for ways to teach grammar to my junior high kids, without tedious explanations of grammatical rules, worksheets or diagramming. The day after I received it, I was able to start the kids on a game where they could internalize grammatical rules, and demonstrate what they already understood about the deep structure of English. The only preparation required was writing a sentence on the board, and they were involved for twenty minutes. The only reservation I have in recommending this book is that it is British, and intended for adult learners. I have had to adapt some of the language to make it easier for my kids to understand.

Rating:
Summary: Wow- implicit grammar instruction that's cool!
Review: This book was recommended to me by a professsor who had used it with her Middle School ESL kids. After having it a week, I have to say it is fabulous. I had been looking for ways to teach grammar to my junior high kids, without tedious explanations of grammatical rules, worksheets or diagramming. The day after I received it, I was able to start the kids on a game where they could internalize grammatical rules, and demonstrate what they already understood about the deep structure of English. The only preparation required was writing a sentence on the board, and they were involved for twenty minutes. The only reservation I have in recommending this book is that it is British, and intended for adult learners. I have had to adapt some of the language to make it easier for my kids to understand.