English Conversation Games for Adults and Kids

Educators know and value the benefits of games in teaching, with learners losing themselves in fun activities and absorbing knowledge often despite themselves. Gamifying learning has therefore played an important role in classrooms across the world. English conversation games have likewise been a staple for ESL teachers, providing an effective and multi-faceted instruction tool with multi-layered positive learning outcomes.

Not only do game participants expand their vocabulary and build fluency, but they also refine their social skills and make deeper connections with classmates. This blog post examines the value of English conversation games in the ESL classroom and delves into associated studies. You will find games suitable for adults and children, and be made aware of potential pitfalls. Besides the games, you will learn how to prepare and set them up for the best learning results.

Gamifying Conversation Skill Acquisition

2024 research findings confirmed what most language teachers will have known for a long time. Using games to help students improve their fluency levels is an effective way to attain said goals. The Iraqi study had scientists trial language game activities and measure the learning results.

In the classroom, teachers organised various conversation games to determine their impact on learning. The researchers conducted interviews and used questionnaires to evaluate the results and examine the overall benefits to students. An analysis of the data showed that games firmly belong in the language classroom as an integral tool for language instruction.

The scientists concluded that aside from “providing entertainment, games inspire and motivate students to use language in innovative and expressive ways.” What’s more, as Nicolson and Williams stressed (1975, cited in Alemi, 2010, p.427), games are a kind of instruction that can be used in situations where traditional approaches are not well tolerated.”

As additional benefits, researchers documented a deepened educator-student collaboration and significantly lower anxiety and stress levels during learning among students.

In their conclusion, the scientists advised language teachers to make level-appropriate language games an integral part of their instruction. Apart from adapting the activities to the learners’ existing language skills, educators must also consider their overall learning needs.

What to Consider When Setting Up Conversation Games

As suggested, setting up conversation games with student skills and learning needs in mind is essential. Here are some of the aspects to consider:

Clear Instructions

The gaming activity’s success hinges on the clarity with which educators introduce it. The more easily understandable the instructions, the greater the students’ willingness to participate meaningfully.

Clear Learning Objectives

Clear learning goals are the foundation of effective conversation games. Regardless of whether vocabulary expansion, fluency, or indeed speaking confidence is the desired goal, educators must select one and place it first, front, and centre. It goes without saying that secondary benefits materialise in any activity, but focusing on one outcome works best.

Students’ Levels and Needs

The game choice depends not only on the learners’ language skills and needs but also on their interests and the class dynamics. Educators must take all these aspects into account when choosing a conversation activity.

Positivity, Support, and Entertainment

In the run-up and throughout the activity, teachers must create and maintain a positive, supportive, and light-hearted atmosphere. Only then can learners reap the many benefits of participating in such activities.

Game Options

Conversation games can be divided into the following categories:

Let’s look at some of the most effective games for adults and kids:

Conversation Games for Children

In most European countries, children start learning a second language in primary school. Conversation skills lie at the heart of the instruction, meaning conversation games must feature large.

For small children and beginners, Guess who? helps people ask basic personal questions. You can buy the board game, but it’s just as convenient to use sticky notes.

Another simple game is Hot Potato. The teacher plays music while the kids pass a potato around. Whoever has it when the music stops has to say a word or sentence in English.

Chinese Whispers is also a great option. Whisper a sentence into the ear of the person sitting next to you. They must then do the same. In all likelihood, the sentence gets muddled and is entirely different by the time it reaches the last person in line.

Once kids have attained a basic level of fluency, you can introduce vocabulary-specific, life skill-enhancing role plays. You can also transition to theatre and put on a play with a simple storyline and dialogue.

Treasure hunts, whereby kids have to understand simple clues and follow instructions, are a great way to improve reading comprehension and social skills.

Any traditional game can work if you play it through the medium of English, as do board and card games. The aim is to engage your class to such an extent that they communicate in English without inhibitions.

For higher-level children, choose a game or activity requiring intense conversation. Organise a debating competition or play a Who’s done it? or Cluedo-type game. Older children are also capable of playing the conversation games for adults listed below.

Conversation Games for Adults

The value of games for the ESL classroom must not be overlooked. Although some adults may be reticent to participate, they benefit in multiple ways beyond language skill improvement. Even adults lose themselves in games using their existing skills more freely than under normal circumstances. ESL classroom activities can introduce specific language aspects and skills to meet individual learning needs.

The kids’ activities listed above are a way to draw in adults in a light-hearted and encouraging manner. Adapt the role plays, make the content more adult-appropriate, and these games will work a treat.

When working with professionals, set up job-related role plays or deliver real-life and work scenarios.

Ensuring Everyone Gets a Chance

Educators must make sure that shier and more introverted learners get an opportunity to speak and be heard. People get carried away during play, meaning teachers must see to it that every learner has a chance to shine in a supportive environment.

Not everyone likes playing games. Some may feel self-conscious and reticent to begin with, requiring the educator to set up the game with emotional intelligence and sensitivity to individual personalities.

Expected and Unexpected Benefits of Conversation Games

When considering conversation games, building fluency, expanding vocabulary, and engagement are the primary benefits that spring to mind. But many other positive outcomes materialise.

Boost to Class Cohesion and Student Relations

Games create an atmosphere of fun, allowing students to relax and connect more deeply with one another in a lighthearted way.

The classroom becomes a positive and exciting learning environment where learners can’t help but engage and acquire knowledge and skills.

As a result, class cohesion grows, with learners reaping social benefits beyond the classroom.

Refined Social and Emotional Skills

Game participants interact, communicate, and collaborate, thus preparing them for meaningful interactivity outside the classroom.

Most games also provide learners with the opportunity to experience joy, disappointment, passion, conflict, conflict resolution, and more, again honing life skills.

For most learners, games are a stress buster, reducing anxiety and fostering confidence and enthusiasm.

Sharpened Cognitive Skills

Many games challenge participants to flex their cognitive muscles. During gameplay, they must solve problems, conjure up creative solutions, collaborate, and memorise facts and language. Such skills practice enables learners to draw on these competencies when studying conventionally and in life situations.

Deepened Understanding of Language and Culture

Each game provides learners with an opportunity to learn one or more aspects of language. Grammar-objective games deliver fun ways to master difficult or dull language concepts, whereas real-life role plays open up cultural nuances and everyday life skills.

In all games, participants end up using language creatively, unselfconsciously, and joyfully.