This takes some setting up but it was fun for my students to do despite them usually struggling with English. Based on the drinking game, students will pull out a number from an envelope. If someone pulls out a paper with a crown symbol, they will order someone random in the group to perform an action. After performing the action, the roles are randomized again. Below is a powerpoint that gives a short explanation of how to do the game.
Materials:
- timer
- small envelopes
- numbered sticks/folded paper
- fake money
- stickers
How to play
- Students will first get into groups. Each group will get an envelope and will check that they have 1 crown stick and enough numbered sticks to match the number of students. ex: group of 5 students, 1 crown and sticks numbered 1-4
- This game is played in 2 separate rounds to practice 2 sets of commands, show/tell and give/buy. Rounds can be played for varying amounts of time but most students enjoyed round 2 more than round 1. round 1 is mainly used to practice forming commands and getting used to the game.
- In the first round, students will practice the commands show and tell. On the powerpoint there is a template for them to follow if they have
trouble forming sentences.
- Ex: They will either say a command such as "[Number 1], show [me] (a pen)" or "[Number 2] tell [Number 4] (your birthday)"
[ ] - change out the subjects here ( ) change out the object here
- In the second round, they will practice the commands give and buy.
- All students start out with 2 paper money. In this round they will form commands to get money from other students or have students buy them
stickers from a sticker shop.
- Ex: They will either say a command such as "[Number 1], give [me] (money)" or "[Number 2] buy [Number 4] (a sticker)"
[ ] - change out the subjects here ( ) change out the object here
- When coming to the teacher to buy a sticker or get more money since they ran out, have them say "sticker please/money please" or to build on
this grammar point "give me a sticker/give me money"
Tips for playing:
- some may try to only speak in Japanese, reinforce that orders can only be carried out if they are spoken in English.
- have some extra money. money will likely return as students buy more stickers but it is good to have on hand.
Hopefully your students can enjoy this game as well!