Games for Language Learning

Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers

by Andrew Wright, David Betteridge, Michael Buckby

Games provide meaningful and enjoyable language practice at all levels and for all age groups. They can be used to practise any of the skills - speaking, listening, reading and writing - at any stage of the learning process, from controlled repetition through guided practice to free expression. To enable teachers to select the activities most suitable for their needs, precise information is provided, both at the beginning of each game and in the summary chart, about the language content, the skills to be practised, the level, the degree of teacher-control, and the time and materials required. Clear advice is given on preparation and classroom procedure, with many illustrations and examples. There is a comprehensive index.

Genres: Language, Teaching, Linguistics, Nonfiction, Education

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1980

About the author

Andrew Wright is an author, illustrator, teacher trainer and storyteller and has worked extensively with both teachers and students all over the world for many years. He loves creating things, doing practical things and working with and for people; he believes that language teaching allows him to do and be just that.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entire series is great for finding new activities to liven up your class. I love these books, but let's be clear that what they provide is a group of tactics, not the big picture strategy needed to win the war but rather the battlefield tactics necessary to make a specific lesson more engaging. Don't expect discussion of assessment, these are just games.

Search for Cambridge Handbook for Language Teachers to see the whole series, there are maybe 20 or 30 titles.

If you are just building a professional library I would NOT start with these books. Start with something like Omaggio's book (hopefully I'll remember to add the full citation here when I get back to school... those books I still keep near my desk to peruse during prep periods). Omaggio gives you a better understanding of the process of building all language skills through a well-designed program, and how to intelligently build such a program taking into account the needs of your specific students.

[Paddy Reddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vast of array of games in this book, some of which are very interesting, and I will definitely be applying to my own language learning/teaching!

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparked good ideas for games and activities in the Language classroom.

[Salsa Dena]

good