For a classroom environment that thrives on communication, integrating speaking activities is a crucial strategy to empower our students to practice the target language.
By incorporating game-play elements, we infuse an added layer of fun and excitement into the language learning process. This approach cultivates a heightened motivation to participate and interact with their peers, creating a dynamic and enriching learning atmosphere.
For that reason, we would like to introduce you to Trapdoor. This game offers an invaluable repetition element that is pivotal in boosting students' confidence in using the target language. Here's a quick rundown of how the game unfolds:
Students play in pairs ideally but can also play in groups of 3 if they are an odd number. They have to select one option for each sentence with a pen. After this, no more pens would be allowed, so they would need to rely on their good memory.
→ One student then begins reading the text, trying to guess the choices made by their partner. → With each selection, the partner responds with a simple affirmative or negative word in the target language. → If the guess is correct, the student continues reading until an incorrect choice is made, at which point it's the partner's turn. → The objective? To be the first to reach the finish line in one go. Every time their guess is wrong, they lose their turn and need to start over from the very beginning.
These are some of the benefits of playing Trapdoor in the World Language Class
- Students find themselves repeating, listening to, and reading sentences multiple times, reinforcing the acquisition of the targeted language structures.
- The element of fun significantly heightens engagement and motivation. There's a certain thrill in watching your opponent stumble on the final choice and having to restart over.
- Collaborative play enhances teamwork and communication skills among students.
- Perhaps most importantly, throughout the game (typically around 10 minutes), every participant actively practices the target language without realizing it.
