← Back to Games

🎮 Group Games

100 fun vocabulary games for groups of 3 to the whole class

100 Games Ages 3-6 Groups & Class
1
🎮 Musical Statues
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Play music and let children dance freely around the room Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
2When the music stops, every child freezes in their current pose Class calls out the vocabulary word together.
3Children who move after the music stops sit down and do a funny pose Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4Last child still dancing Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Play 8–10 rounds Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use familiar songs children already love so they can focus on moving — Class loves learning together!
2
🎮 Hot Potato Circle
3-6 yrs Circle ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Have children sit in a circle on the floor Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
2Give one child a soft toy (the 'potato') Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3Play music and the child holding the toy passes it to the next child clockwise Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
4When the music stops, the child holding the toy must name one vocabulary word from today's lesson Class calls out the vocabulary word together.
5That child starts the music again and the passing continues until everyone has a turn Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use a very soft toy so it never hurts if thrown or fumbled — safety first for fast hands — Class loves learning together!
3
🎮 Duck Duck Goose
3-6 yrs Circle ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Children sit in a circle on the floor Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2One child walks around the outside of the circle tapping each child's head and saying 'Duck' Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3When they tap a child's head and say 'Goose!', that child jumps up and chases them around the circle Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
4If the chaser tags the tapper before they reach the empty spot, the tapper becomes the goose Teacher calls: 'First to swat it — go!' Class cheers the effort of each round.
5If not, the goose sits in the new spot and the chase starts again from a new tapper Teacher calls: 'First to swat it — go!' Class cheers the effort of each round.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — This game works best with 8–15 children. For smaller classes, let children go around twice before switching — Class loves learning together!
4
🎮 Flashcard Relay Race
4-6 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Divide the class into two or three teams and have each team line up behind a starting line Teacher calls: 'Find your team!' Children line up behind their leader. Both teams cheer.
2Place a set of flashcards face-up on a table or the board at the far end of the room Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3The first child in each team runs to the board, finds and taps the correct flashcard named by the teacher, then runs back Teacher cheers: 'Great searching!' Class claps for every child who finds something.
4The next child in the team immediately takes their turn Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Children and teacher participate together in this activity.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Keep the vocabulary set small (5–8 cards) so children aren't overwhelmed. Reset card positions between rounds — Class loves learning together!
5
🎮 Flashcard Swat
4-8 yrs Pairs ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Tape or Blu-Tack flashcards to the board in a row Teacher calls: 'First to swat it — go!' Class cheers the effort of each round.
2Divide the class into two teams and have one child from each team stand in front of the board Teacher calls: 'Find your team!' Children line up behind their leader. Both teams cheer.
3The teacher holds up a vocabulary card and the two children race to swat the matching card with a fly swatter Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
4The first child to swat the correct card reads the word aloud and earns a Teacher calls: 'First to swat it — go!' Class cheers the effort of each round.
5Two new children from each team take their place and play continues until everyone has had at least one turn Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use soft foam fly swatters to avoid any accidental board damage or loud banging in the classroom — Class loves learning together!
6
🎮 Jump In Jump Out
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Draw a large circle on the floor with chalk tape or a hula hoop Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
2Teacher calls 'IN!' and all children jump inside the circle. Teacher calls 'OUT!' and all jump outside
3After a few rounds, add vocabulary: teacher calls a word and children answer YES by jumping IN or NO by staying OUT Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
4Children who answer incorrectly or move on the wrong call sit out and do a happy dance for the group Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5Last child standing is Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Start slowly with just IN and OUT movements. Add vocabulary only after children know the physical rules well — Class loves learning together!
7
🎮 Animal Walks
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher calls out an animal name — children immediately start moving around the room as that animal
2Elephant: walk slowly with arms swinging like a trunk. Rabbit: hop on two feet. Snake: wiggle low along the floor Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
3Teacher changes the animal quickly — children must switch their movement instantly
4After several animals, teacher adds a sound element: children also make the animal sound as they walk Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5End with children settling back to their seats quietly, pretending to be a sleepy animal Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Keep a consistent sequence of animals so children can anticipate — this builds confidence before you speed up — Class loves learning together!
8
🎮 Simon Says Body Parts
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1All children stand with space around them Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Teacher says 'Simon says touch your HEAD' and children touch their head
3If the command does NOT start with 'Simon says', children must NOT move — anyone who moves sits down Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4For every correct child who is still standing, give a happy clap. Keep going until only 2–3 children remain Class echoes the rhythm together. Teacher: 'Now let's do it with a word!' Class claps and says syllables together.
5The last children standing each Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Start with slow commands and only two body parts, then gradually add more as children get better at listening — Class loves learning together!
9
🎮 Ball Roll Circle
3-6 yrs Circle ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Children sit in a circle on the floor with their legs stretched out in front of them Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Give one child a soft ball. They roll it to another child across the circle Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
3The child who catches the ball says their own name AND one vocabulary word from today's lesson Class cheers: 'Well done!' Teacher confirms the action.
4That child then rolls the ball to someone else. Continue until everyone has had at least one turn Class counts along: 'One, two, three!' Teacher celebrates everyone's effort.
5To make it more challenging, the next child must say TWO words from the lesson Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use a very soft ball — plush balls or beach balls work perfectly so nothing hurts even at fast rolling speed — Class loves learning together!
10
🎮 Musical Bumps
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Place coloured spots or floor tiles on the floor — one fewer spot than the number of children playing Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Play music and children dance freely around the room stepping over and around the spots Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
3When the music stops, every child must rush to stand on a spot — one child will be left without one! Class calls out the vocabulary word together.
4The child without a spot sits in the 'hot seat' area and names one vocabulary word as their 'ticket back in' Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Remove one spot and play again. The last child still with a spot Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Always remove the spot of the child who is out — never have them stand on someone else's spot next round — Class loves learning together!
11
🎮 Action Songs
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Choose a familiar action song that children know well — 'If You're Happy and You Know It' or 'Head Shoulders Knees and Toes' Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
2Before the lesson, replace key words in the song with today's vocabulary words Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3For example: 'If you know the word CAT and you really love it, stamp your feet and say CAT!' Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4Sing the modified song together as a class, doing the actions that match the words Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
5Repeat with a second song and a different set of vocabulary. Children will remember words through the music and movement Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Write the modified lyrics on a card for yourself so you don't forget mid-song — children love the silly new versions! — Class loves learning together!
12
🎮 Beanbag Balance Walk
3-6 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Give each child a beanbag to balance on their head Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Mark a starting line at one end of the room and a finish line at the other Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3On 'Go!', children walk very carefully from one end to the other, keeping the beanbag balanced without using their hands Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4If the beanbag falls, children pick it up, put it back on their head, and continue from where they dropped it Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5The class counts their steps together as they walk: 'One, two, three...' Count all the way to the finish! Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Set a simple rule: if beanbag falls three times, the child cheerleads for a friend — keep it encouraging and fun — Class loves learning together!
13
🎮 Flashcard Touch
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Before the game, stick flashcards on the walls around the entire room — at children's eye level Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Call out a vocabulary word clearly. Children race to find and touch the correct flashcard on the wall Teacher calls: 'Say it together!' Class says the word loudly.
3The first three children to touch the correct card earn a Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4Celebrate loudly when children find the card — make it exciting! Teacher cheers: 'Great searching!' Class claps for every child who finds something.
5Continue with different words until every child's had a chance to race at least once Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Space flashcards apart so children don't accidentally bump into each other when racing to different cards — Class loves learning together!
14
🎮 Mirror Mirror Game
4-6 yrs Pairs ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Pair children up and have them stand face to face with their hands on each other's shoulders Teacher celebrates each match: 'What a memory — another pair found!' Class cheers.
2One child in each pair is the 'leader' — they make slow, simple movements with their arms or body Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3The partner must mirror the movements exactly, like a reflection in a glass Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
4Teacher introduces vocabulary: 'Now show me JUMP — both do it together!' Children jump while mirroring each other
5After one minute, switch roles. The partner becomes the leader and the game continues Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Keep movements slow and simple. Fast movements frustrate young children — the slower the better for success — Class loves learning together!
15
🎮 Letter Find Race
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Scatter magnetic letters or cut-out paper letters around the room on tables and the floor Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Teacher calls out a letter clearly, for example 'Find the letter B!'
3Children race to find that letter and bring it to the teacher, saying the letter's sound as they walk back Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4The first child to return with the correct letter and sound earns a Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Collect all letters, scatter them again, and call a new letter. Repeat until every child has found at least one Teacher counts with each team: 'Let's see — one, two, three!' Class counts along.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use only letters you've previously taught — don't introduce new letters during this fast-paced game — Class loves learning together!
16
🎮 Mime It Game
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 10
How to Play
1One child volunteers (or is chosen) to come to the front of the class Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Give them a flashcard with today's vocabulary word — they must NOT show anyone else Teacher calls: 'Say it together!' Class says the word loudly.
3The child acts out that word using only their body and facial expressions — no sounds, no pointing at objects Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
4The class watches carefully and calls out their guess. The first child to guess correctly earns a point and becomes the next actor Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
5Keep the game moving quickly — if no one guesses after 30 seconds, give a gentle clue Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Start with easy action words like 'running', 'sleeping', 'eating' before attempting object or animal words — Class loves learning together!
17
🎮 Number Count Hunt
3-5 yrs Individual ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Before the game, hide number cards (1–5) around the room in accessible places Class guesses together. Teacher confirms. Everyone says the word together.
2Children search the room quietly to find a number card and bring it to the teacher Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Once a child has a number card, they must find and count that many objects from the classroom (5 pencils, 3 books, etc) Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
4Child reports back: 'I found the number 4 and I counted 4 chairs!' — Teacher confirms and Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
5Children hide the card again for others and go find a new one. Keep playing until most children have found a card Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Start with numbers 1–3 for the youngest children and increase to 1–5 for older ones. Avoid hiding cards under furniture — Class loves learning together!
18
🎮 Colour Hunt
3-6 yrs Teams ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Scatter coloured objects (blocks, pencils, balls, counters) around the room before the game Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
2Divide the class into two or three teams Teacher calls: 'Find your team!' Children line up behind their leader. Both teams cheer.
3Teacher calls out a colour: 'Find all the RED objects!'
4Teams race to collect as many red objects as they can and bring them to their team basket within 60 seconds Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
5Count the objects together as a class — the team with the most of the called colour Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use only colours you've already taught. For the youngest, stick to 3 primary colours per game to avoid overwhelm — Class loves learning together!
19
🎮 Shape Walk
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Place large cardboard cut-out shapes (circle, square, triangle, star) on the floor in a scattered pattern Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
2Teacher calls out a shape name — for example 'TRIANGLE!'
3Children can ONLY step on triangles. They must walk carefully from one triangle to another Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4Any child who steps on the wrong shape must do a star jump and then continue on the correct shape Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
5After several rounds, teacher adds a speed element: call 'FREEZE!' after 30 seconds, children on the correct shape Class cheers: 'Amazing frozen dancers!' Teacher celebrates everyone who stayed still.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Make shapes large enough for two feet to fit inside comfortably. Use brightly coloured cardboard for easy visibility — Class loves learning together!
20
🎮 Balloon Pop
3-6 yrs Individual ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Before the lesson, write vocabulary words on small pieces of paper and put one inside each balloon before inflating Class guesses what was drawn. Teacher: 'What did they draw?' Class calls out guesses.
2Hang the balloons from the ceiling or a clothesline with string at a height children can reach when standing on tiptoes Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3One child at a time jumps up and pops a balloon using only their hands — no pins or sharp objects Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4When the balloon pops, the child reads the word inside aloud and says it in a full sentence for the class Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5The child pops one more balloon if they wish, then it's the next child's turn. Every child should pop at least one! Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Inflate balloons only slightly so they pop easily — harder to burst balloons can frustrate young children quickly — Class loves learning together!
21
🎮 Flashcard Grab
4-7 yrs Pairs ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Lay 10–15 flashcards in a circle on the floor, face up and spread apart Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
2Two children stand on opposite sides of the circle, ready to race Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
3Teacher calls out a vocabulary word clearly — for example 'APPLE!'
4The two children race to grab the correct card from the circle. First to grab it reads the word aloud and keeps the card Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
5The child with the Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Space cards generously so children don't crash into each other. Keep the circle large enough for safe running — Class loves learning together!
22
🎮 Around the World
5-8 yrs Pairs ⏱ 12
How to Play
1Line up five children sitting in chairs facing the board. The first child stands behind the second child Teacher calls: 'Find your team!' Children line up behind their leader. Both teams cheer.
2Teacher holds up a flashcard to the child in front. Both children look at it
3The child behind says the word first — if correct they move behind the next child in line Class repeats the word together after each child.
4If the child in front says it first (or both wrong), the standing child stays put and a new card is shown Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5The game continues until one child has moved all the way around and is back at the front — that child wins! Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Keep the standing child behind the seated child, not beside them — this prevents peeking at the card — Class loves learning together!
23
🎮 Hot Seat
5-8 yrs Pairs ⏱ 10
How to Play
1One child sits in the 'hot seat' facing away from the board with their hands over their eyes Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Another child (or the teacher) writes or draws today's vocabulary word on the board behind them Class guesses what was drawn. Teacher: 'What did they draw?' Class calls out guesses.
3The class gives yes/no clues about the word: 'It has four legs', 'It is yellow', 'It says MOO' Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4The hot seat child asks yes/no questions or makes guesses. If they guess correctly they earn a point Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Swap roles — the child who guessed correctly becomes the clue giver and someone else takes the hot seat Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Encourage the class to give clues in short, simple sentences appropriate to the children's vocabulary level — Class loves learning together!
24
🎮 Parachute Play
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Give each child (or pair of children) one edge of a colourful parachute to hold Teacher celebrates each match: 'What a memory — another pair found!' Class cheers.
2Practice lifting the parachute up and down together on a count: 'One, two, three — UP! One, two, three — DOWN!' Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
3Place a soft ball on the centre of the parachute. Children work together to bounce it by making waves Class counts along: 'One, two, three!' Teacher celebrates everyone's effort.
4Each time the ball bounces up, the class says a vocabulary word together in time with the bounce Class counts along: 'One, two, three!' Teacher celebrates everyone's effort.
5After bouncing, try to toss the ball off the parachute — all children try to catch it and name a word Class cheers: 'Well done!' Teacher confirms the action.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Start with just lifting the parachute before adding the ball — coordination takes practice and it's frustrating if the ball keeps falling at first — Class loves learning together!
25
🎮 Jump the River
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Place two long ropes on the floor parallel to each other, about one metre apart, to represent a 'river' Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Place a flashcard on a chair or the board at the far end of the room beyond the river Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3A child approaches the river, jumps over both ropes, runs to the flashcard and names the vocabulary word Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4The child then jumps back over the river and runs to tag the next child in line Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
5Continue until all children have had a turn. Cheer every successful jump and word! Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Widen the river slightly for younger children and make sure the floor is not slippery before jumping — Class loves learning together!
26
🎮 Team Four Corners
4-8 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Assign each of the four corners of the room a vocabulary word, colour, or category from today's lesson Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2One child stands in the centre of the room, closes their eyes, and counts slowly to ten while the others move Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Children quietly choose a corner and stand in it. The counting child calls out one corner Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4All children standing in that corner must say their word loudly together. They all Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5The children who were in the called corner return to playing — the others stay. Continue until everyone scores Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Give children a signal (e.g., a drum beat) to start moving and a different signal (hands up!) to freeze — this keeps movement orderly — Class loves learning together!
27
🎮 Pass the Parcel Vocabulary
3-6 yrs Circle ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Wrap a small toy or treat in many layers of newspaper or wrapping paper to make a large parcel Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Children sit in a circle and pass the parcel around while music plays Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3When the music stops, whoever is holding the parcel carefully unwraps ONE layer Class calls out the vocabulary word together.
4After unwrapping, they must name one vocabulary word from today's lesson to keep their turn Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Play continues until the last layer is unwrapped. The child who unwraps the final layer Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — For large classes, use two parcels passed in opposite directions — this keeps the game moving and everyone engaged — Class loves learning together!
28
🎮 Flashcard Knock Down
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Set up 10 plastic cups in a pyramid shape (3 in the back row, 2 in the middle, 1 on top) at the end of the room Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Give each cup a number from 1 to 10 written clearly on it in marker Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3A child stands behind a marked throwing line with a soft ball Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4Teacher shows a flashcard — the child says the word, then rolls the ball to knock down as many cups as possible
5Child counts how many cups fell and says the number out loud. Reset cups and repeat with the next child Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use plastic cups only — never use glass or hard objects. Soft plush balls or yarn balls are safest for indoor throwing — Class loves learning together!
29
🎮 Treasure Basket Feel
4-7 yrs Circle ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Fill a large basket or box with classroom objects that match today's vocabulary (a pen, a block, a rubber, etc) Teacher celebrates each match: 'What a memory — another pair found!' Class cheers.
2Cover the basket with a dark cloth so children cannot see inside Class guesses together. Teacher confirms. Everyone says the word together.
3One child reaches into the basket and describes what they feel without pulling the object out: 'It is long, it is thin, it is cold...' Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4The class listens and guesses what object it is. The child pulling it out confirms the answer Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Everyone says the word together three times. The next child reaches into the basket Class repeats the word together after each child.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Choose objects that feel very different from each other — very different textures and shapes make guessing easier and more fun — Class loves learning together!
30
🎮 Mime the Word
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher shows a flashcard with today's vocabulary word to one child standing at the front of the class
2The child must act out ONLY that word — no props, no sounds, just their body and face Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
3The class watches and guesses what word is being acted out Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
4The first child to guess correctly earns a Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Play continues until every child who wants a turn has had one Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Choose only vocabulary that CAN be physically acted out — action words, animals, and objects work best. Abstract words like 'happy' can be shown with a big smile — Class loves learning together!
31
🎮 Body Percussion Rhythm
4-7 yrs Circle ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Have the class stand in a large circle with space to move Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
2Teacher claps a simple four-beat rhythm — for example: clap-clap-silent-clap. Children echo it exactly
3Once children can echo the rhythm, teacher adds a vocabulary word: each clap of the rhythm says one syllable of the word Class echoes the rhythm together. Teacher: 'Now let's do it with a word!' Class claps and says syllables together.
4For example: 'Elephant' = EL-e-phant — three claps. Children clap and say the syllables together Class echoes the rhythm together. Teacher: 'Now let's do it with a word!' Class claps and says syllables together.
5After practising several words, children take turns choosing vocabulary words for the class to clap out Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Start with two-syllable words before moving to three or four. Multisyllabic words are more satisfying to clap out — Class loves learning together!
32
🎮 Feely Bag Guess
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Fill a cloth bag with small objects that match today's vocabulary — one item per child Teacher celebrates each match: 'What a memory — another pair found!' Class cheers.
2One child reaches into the bag without looking and describes what they feel: 'It is round', 'It is hard', 'It has edges...' Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3The class guesses what object it might be based on the description Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4The child pulls the object out and everyone says the word together loudly three times Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5The child puts the object back in the bag and the next child has a turn Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Keep the bag opaque and make sure all objects are clean and safe for children to handle with clean hands — Class loves learning together!
33
🎮 Animal Sound Match
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Before the game, tape large animal pictures to different walls of the classroom Teacher calls: 'First to swat it — go!' Class cheers the effort of each round.
2Teacher moves around the room making an animal sound — for example 'Moo! Moo!'
3Children look at the pictures on the walls and run to the matching animal (the cow picture) Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4The first child to reach the correct picture says the animal name aloud and makes the sound again for the class Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Teacher makes a new sound and children run to a different picture. Continue until all animals have been matched
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use only 4–5 animals per round so children aren't confused. Change the pictures between rounds to keep the game fresh — Class loves learning together!
34
🎮 Pop the Fact
3-6 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Lay out a large sheet of bubble wrap on the floor or on a table Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Write today's vocabulary words on small sticky notes and place one on each bubble Class guesses what was drawn. Teacher: 'What did they draw?' Class calls out guesses.
3A child comes forward, reads the word on a bubble, pops that bubble, and says the word aloud Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4Count together how many words the child can correctly name and pop before making a mistake Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
5The child with the highest 'pop score' Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use real bubble wrap with medium-sized bubbles — too small makes it frustrating, too large makes it boring — Class loves learning together!
35
🎮 Stand Up Sit Down
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher holds up a flashcard with a vocabulary word from today's lesson
2Children who KNOW the word stand up immediately and say the word together in a loud, clear voice Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Children who do NOT know the word stay seated and listen carefully Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4After saying the word, seated children get a second chance — teacher shows the card again and they can stand up too Class repeats the word together after each child.
5This game has no winners or losers — it celebrates every child for what they know and gently encourages learning Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Praise every child who stands up, even if just one child — this builds a positive, encouraging classroom culture around vocabulary — Class loves learning together!
36
🎮 Running Race Vocabulary
5-8 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Divide the class into two teams and have each team line up behind a starting line Teacher calls: 'Find your team!' Children line up behind their leader. Both teams cheer.
2The first child in each team runs to the board. Teacher whispers a vocabulary word to both children at the same time Class listens carefully as each child whispers. Teacher: 'Did everyone hear that?' Class nods.
3Using chalk or a whiteboard marker, children draw a simple picture representing that word on the board Class guesses what was drawn. Teacher: 'What did they draw?' Class calls out guesses.
4They run back to their team and tag the next child, who sprints to the board. Teacher whispers a new word Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
5Children and teacher participate together in this activity.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Keep drawings simple — a circle for sun, stick figure for person, wavy line for snake. Complexity is not the goal — Class loves learning together!
37
🎮 Shadow Puppet Talk
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Dim the lights slightly or close the curtains. Set up a torch or lamp casting light on a blank wall Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2One child stands between the torch and the wall and uses their hands to cast shadow shapes Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Teacher whispers a vocabulary word to the child. They create a shadow shape that represents that word
4The class guesses what word the shadow is showing. The first correct guesser gets a turn at the torch Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Words like birds, dogs, rabbits, trees, and houses work very well as shadow shapes Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use a bright torch — phone torch works well. Do a practice round first so children understand how to make clear shadows — Class loves learning together!
38
🎮 Sorting Race
4-7 yrs Teams ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Scatter mixed objects from different categories across a table — toy animals, coloured blocks, plastic fruit, and classroom items all mixed together Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Divide the class into two or three teams Teacher calls: 'Find your team!' Children line up behind their leader. Both teams cheer.
3Teacher calls out a category: 'ANIMALS!' — teams race to grab only the animals and put them in their team basket
4Each correct item Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Teacher calls a new category — 'COLOURS!' or 'FRUIT!' — and play continues. First team to 10 points wins
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Label each team's basket clearly so there's no argument about which items belong to which team at scoring time — Class loves learning together!
39
🎮 Word and Deed Match
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher calls out a vocabulary word from today's lesson, for example 'JUMP'
2One child immediately does the action — they jump in the air Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Other children watch the action carefully and guess which vocabulary word the child was doing Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
4If the class guesses correctly, the actor earns a Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
5If the class is stuck, teacher gives a clue: 'This action uses your legs and takes you into the air!' Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Pre-select children who know the vocabulary well for the first few rounds — this models the game clearly before wider participation — Class loves learning together!
40
🎮 Classroom Search
3-5 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Before the lesson, hide flashcards around the room in places children can safely reach — on shelves, under tables, behind chairs Class guesses together. Teacher confirms. Everyone says the word together.
2Teacher says 'GO!' and children search quietly for a flashcard
3When a child finds a card they bring it to the teacher and say the word clearly Teacher cheers: 'Great searching!' Class claps for every child who finds something.
4Child places the card back in a new hiding spot for others to find, then searches again Teacher cheers: 'Great searching!' Class claps for every child who finds something.
5The child who finds the most cards over the session Teacher cheers: 'Great searching!' Class claps for every child who finds something.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Set a rule: walking feet only — no running. This keeps the game safe and controlled even with excited children — Class loves learning together!
41
🎮 Rhythm Clap Spell
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher shows a flashcard with a vocabulary word clearly — for example 'CAT' (3 letters)
2Class counts the letters by clapping together: 'One! Two! Three!' for CAT Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
3Teacher shows the word again. Each child points to their head and says ONE letter per clap: 'C! A! T!'
4Finally the whole class says the complete word together: 'CAT!' with a big final clap Class echoes the rhythm together. Teacher: 'Now let's do it with a word!' Class claps and says syllables together.
5Repeat with the next word. This kinesthetic approach helps children remember how words are built Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Always go in the same order: count, say letters, say word. This routine becomes familiar and children look forward to each step — Class loves learning together!
42
🎮 Teacher's Helper
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher chooses one child to be today's 'Teacher's Helper' — they get to hold up the flashcards for the class
2The helper stands beside the teacher and holds up each flashcard while the teacher controls the pace Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3Class calls out the vocabulary word together as loudly as they can each time a new card is shown Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4The helper then points to individual children to say the word — they are in charge of calling on friends Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5After five cards, swap the helper so everyone who wants a turn gets one Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Let the helper choose when to change cards — this power exchange delights young children and keeps them highly engaged — Class loves learning together!
43
🎮 Flashcard Fan
4-7 yrs Teams ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher fans out 8–10 flashcards in their hand, showing only the edges
2Teacher flashes one card briefly — just one second — then hides it again
3Children race to name the word they saw. The first correct answer earns one Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4Teacher flashes another card for one second. Continue rapidly — speed is the fun part!
5The team with the Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Don't flash the same card twice in a row. Keep the pace very fast — this game lives on speed and excitement — Class loves learning together!
44
🎮 Copy Cat Game
3-6 yrs Circle ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Children stand in a circle. One child starts with a simple movement or sound — for example, clapping their hands twice Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2The next child in the circle must copy that movement exactly AND add one new movement of their own Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
3The third child copies the first two movements AND adds a third. Continue around the circle Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
4If a child forgets or makes a mistake, they sit down and the next child continues from where they left off Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5The last child standing Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Start new chains often — don't let the chain get too long before resetting. New chains every 5–6 children keeps energy high — Class loves learning together!
45
🎮 Magic Ball Toss
3-6 yrs Circle ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Have the class sit in a circle on the floor Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
2Teacher holds a soft ball and tosses it gently to one child — any child can catch it
3The child who catches the ball says one vocabulary word from today's lesson clearly and loudly Class cheers: 'Well done!' Teacher confirms the action.
4That child then tosses the ball to a different child across the circle. Continue until every child has had at least one turn Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
5The teacher keeps a tally of total words said — celebrate when the class reaches 50 or 100 words together! Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Set a rule: toss the ball gently, underarm only. No throwing — this is a ball toss, not a dodgeball game — Class loves learning together!
46
🎮 Flashcard Tennis
5-8 yrs Pairs ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Two children stand facing each other with flashcards spread on the floor or table between them Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Teacher shows a vocabulary card — both children look at it
3Children race to slam their open palm down on top of the correct card Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4The first child to slam the correct card says the word aloud — if correct they win the round and stay standing Class cheers: 'Well done!' Teacher confirms the action.
5A new challenger steps up. Children who win multiple rounds in a row get special recognition from the class Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use a soft beach ball instead of a real tennis ball — the slam is about speed, not force, and a real ball can hurt — Class loves learning together!
47
🎮 Team Counting Line
4-7 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Children line up in their teams behind a starting line Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Teacher holds up a number card (3, 4, 5) — the first child in each team sprints to collect that many objects
3Children bring the objects back to the teacher and count them aloud: 'One, two, THREE!' Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4If the count is correct, the team Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
5The team with the Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Pre-prepare buckets of identical objects (pencils, blocks) so collecting is quick and counting is fair and accurate — Class loves learning together!
48
🎮 Sound It Out
5-8 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher shows a flashcard with a simple CVC word — for example 'CAT'
2Teacher sounds out each letter clearly with the class repeating each sound: '/c/ /a/ /t/'
3Children blend the sounds together smoothly and say the whole word: 'CAT!' Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4After saying the word, the class jumps that many times as a celebration: three jumps for CAT! Class repeats the word together after each child.
5Continue with more CVC words: dog (/d/-/o/-/g/), bed (/b/-/e/-/d/). Count the jumps together each time Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Only use words with regular, simple sounds for this game. Save words with unusual spellings for another activity — Class loves learning together!
49
🎮 Red Light Green Light Vocabulary
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Mark a starting line and a finish line with tape on the floor. All children stand at the starting line Teacher calls: 'First to swat it — go!' Class cheers the effort of each round.
2Teacher holds up a green card or says 'GREEN LIGHT!' — children take big steps toward the finish line
3Teacher holds up a red card or says 'FREEZE!' — children stop immediately where they are
4When a child moves on red, teacher shows a vocabulary flashcard — they must name the word correctly to stay in the game Teacher calls: 'Say it together!' Class says the word loudly.
5First child to reach the finish line Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Do not penalise children who make honest mistakes — the goal is learning, not eliminating children as fast as possible — Class loves learning together!
50
🎮 Flashcard Memory Match
4-7 yrs Pairs ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Place 10 flashcards face-down in a grid pattern on the floor or table Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Two children step forward. The first child turns over any two cards Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
3If the two cards are the same vocabulary word, the child keeps both cards and says the word aloud Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4If they are different, both cards are turned face-down again and the second child takes their turn Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5The child with the most matched pairs at the end wins. Play continues until all pairs are found Teacher celebrates each match: 'What a memory — another pair found!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use only cards from today's lesson so every match is also vocabulary practice. Do not use cards that look similar — Class loves learning together!
51
🎮 Parachute Alphabet
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Children hold the edges of the parachute and lift it up together on a count of three Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Teacher calls out a letter of the alphabet — for example 'M!'
3Any child whose name starts with M runs under the parachute to swap places with another child also running under Class repeats the word together after each child.
4Children switch places while the parachute is held high — the other children keep the parachute up during the switch Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5After the switch, call another letter. Continue until every child has had a turn to run under at least once Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Have children name the letter as they run under — this turns a physical activity into a vocabulary moment too — Class loves learning together!
52
🎮 Ball Bounce Count
3-6 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1One child stands in the middle of the room with a medium-sized bouncy ball Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Teacher says 'GO!' and the child starts bouncing the ball continuously on the floor
3The entire class counts each bounce together in a loud voice: 'One! Two! Three! Four!...' Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
4Teacher calls 'STOP!' at random — the child stops bouncing. The class calls out the final count
5The child with the highest count Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use a ball that bounces well on the classroom floor — tennis balls or playground balls work best indoors — Class loves learning together!
53
🎮 Flashcard Basketball
4-8 yrs Individual ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Set up a large bin or laundry basket at one end of the room as the 'basket' Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Mark a throwing line on the floor with tape — children must stand behind it Class counts along: 'One, two, three!' Teacher celebrates everyone's effort.
3A child stands behind the line, bounces a ball once, says a vocabulary word clearly, then shoots into the basket Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4If the ball goes into the basket, the word 'counts' and the child Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
5Children take turns. The team with the most successful shots at the end wins Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use a soft playground ball — a hard basketball can bounce unpredictably and distract from the vocabulary focus — Class loves learning together!
54
🎮 Ribbon Dance
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Give each child a ribbon attached to a stick or a long colourful ribbon to hold Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Play gentle music and let children wave their ribbons freely around the room Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
3When the music stops suddenly, the teacher holds up a flashcard Class calls out the vocabulary word together.
4All children must stop, look at the card, and say the vocabulary word together as loudly as they can Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Start the music again for more dancing. Repeat 8–10 times so every child has multiple vocabulary chances Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use plastic ribbon sticks or secure ribbon tied to wooden dowels — loose ribbon can get tangled around small fingers — Class loves learning together!
55
🎮 Back to the Board
5-8 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1One child sits in a chair facing away from the board with their hands over their eyes Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2The teacher draws today's vocabulary word on the board behind the seated child Class guesses what was drawn. Teacher: 'What did they draw?' Class calls out guesses.
3Children make guiding sounds — clap louder when the seated child is close to the drawing, softer when far Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4The seated child turns around, looks at the board, and guesses the vocabulary word Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5If correct, the whole class claps and the child earns a point. Swap and continue Class echoes the rhythm together. Teacher: 'Now let's do it with a word!' Class claps and says syllables together.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Give children a signal for louder/softer clapping before starting — this prevents chaotic random clapping — Class loves learning together!
56
🎮 Beanbag Toss
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Set up three or four buckets at the far end of the room, each labelled with a word or number written on paper Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Children stand behind a throwing line and take turns tossing a beanbag toward the buckets Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Teacher calls out a word: 'APPLE!' — the child aims for the bucket labelled APPLE
4If the beanbag lands in the correct bucket, the child says 'APPLE!' and scores a Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Reset the beanbag and let the next child try. Play until every child has had three throws Class counts along: 'One, two, three!' Teacher celebrates everyone's effort.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Start with large targets and a short distance. Narrow the distance for older children or increase it for a bigger challenge — Class loves learning together!
57
🎮 Rhythm Band
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Give each child a simple classroom instrument — a drum (upturned bucket), a triangle (metal triangle or keys), a maraca (rattle) Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Teacher shows a flashcard with a vocabulary word to the class
3Children play their instrument once for each letter in the word. 'Dog!' = D-O-G = three drum taps Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4Everyone plays together and says the word in time with the beats Teacher starts the music and all children dance together.
5After practising all the words, let a volunteer child be the conductor and point to flashcards for the band Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Children can also tap rhythms on their own bodies — knees, shoulders, head — if you don't have enough instruments — Class loves learning together!
58
🎮 Flashcard Obstacle Course
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Set up a simple obstacle course using chairs, cones, and hula hoops around the room Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Place a flashcard at each station of the obstacle course — 4–5 stations total Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3A child navigates the course stepping over, under, and around the obstacles Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4At each station, the child stops, touches the flashcard, and says the vocabulary word aloud Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Time how long it takes to complete the full course. Children try to beat their own time each round Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Make sure the obstacle course is safe — no low beams children could hit, and clear floor space between all obstacles — Class loves learning together!
59
🎮 What Am I?
5-8 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 10
How to Play
1One child is chosen to come to the front. They pick up a flashcard without looking at it and hold it to their forehead Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2The card rests on their forehead or forehead band so the class can see the word but the actor cannot Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
3The class gives short clues using only today's vocabulary: 'You can ride on me', 'I have two wheels', 'I go FAST!' Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4The child at the front makes guesses based on the clues. Each guess earns a vocabulary word to be named as penalty Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5The child has three guesses. If they guess correctly they Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Write clues on small cards before the lesson so you can hand them to confident speakers in the class during the game — Class loves learning together!
60
🎮 Cup Tower Build
4-7 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Give each team the same number of paper cups — 10 cups per team is a good starting amount Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2First child in each team runs to the table, places one cup, and runs back to tag the next teammate Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3The next child runs and places the second cup. Continue until one team has built a complete tower of 10 cups Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
4Children and teacher participate together in this activity.
5Celebrate Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Give each team the same coloured cups so there's no arguing about which cup belongs to which team — Class loves learning together!
61
🎮 Roll and Say
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Give a child a large foam die to roll Class counts along: 'One, two, three!' Teacher celebrates everyone's effort.
2Whatever number the die shows — for example a 4 — the child must name four vocabulary words from today's lesson Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3The child rolls, then names the words in order without pausing. Count along as they go Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
4If they can name all the words correctly, they Class repeats the word together after each child.
5The child who earns the most points over the session Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Have children say the words in the order they appear on the flashcard board — this gives them a reference point if they forget a word — Class loves learning together!
62
🎮 Flashcard Magic
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 6
How to Play
1Teacher shows a flashcard clearly to the whole class for three full seconds
2Teacher says 'Eyes CLOSED!' — children close their eyes and picture the word in their imagination
3Teacher hides the card behind their back. Children open their eyes
4All children say the word they remember together as loudly as possible. Celebrate everyone who remembered! Class repeats the word together after each child.
5Show the card again briefly before moving to the next word. This builds visual memory through focused looking Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — This game works especially well with picture flashcards — children can 'see' the image even with eyes closed — Class loves learning together!
63
🎮 Team Line Up
4-7 yrs Teams ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher calls out a category and teams must arrange themselves in a specific order
2'Line up from SHORTEST to TALLEST!' — teams rush to sort themselves by height as fast as possible Teacher calls: 'Find your team!' Children line up behind their leader. Both teams cheer.
3'Line up in rainbow order — who has red, orange, yellow on their clothes!' — teams sort by colour Teacher calls: 'Find your team!' Children line up behind their leader. Both teams cheer.
4After lining up, every child in the team says one vocabulary word from today's lesson in sequence Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5First team to complete both the line-up AND all word repetitions correctly Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — For younger children, start with an easy category like 'Shortest to Tallest' — they love comparing heights and it requires no vocabulary — Class loves learning together!
64
🎮 Flashcard Wave
5-8 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Divide the class into three or four teams and have each team form a line facing the board Teacher calls: 'Find your team!' Children line up behind their leader. Both teams cheer.
2Stick flashcards in a row on the board. Number them 1 through 8 Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3The first child in each line sprints to the board, slaps the correct card for the word called out, and runs back to tag their teammate Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
4The next child in line immediately takes their turn Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5First team where all children have completed their turn wins. Count the team's total correct slaps as their score Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Only one child per team at the board at a time — this is essential for safety and fair play in this fast game — Class loves learning together!
65
🎮 Puppet Talk
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Use a classroom puppet (or a soft toy held in your hand) to hold up flashcards for the class Teacher calls: 'Say it together!' Class says the word loudly.
2Speak in the puppet's voice — playful, silly, or shy — and ask children questions in a fun way Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3'Hello children! I am puppet Bingo! Can you say CAT when I show you this card?' Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4Puppet holds up a card. Children shout the word together. Puppet reacts with joy or silly disappointment Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
5Let confident children hold the puppet and quiz the class. Children answering must speak in their best puppet voice too! Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — A soft toy works perfectly well as a puppet — even a plush ball with googly eyes stuck on can become a character children love — Class loves learning together!
66
🎮 What Comes Next?
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Arrange three flashcards on the board in a clear pattern that suggests a sequence — for example: cat, dog, ? Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Children study the pattern carefully. 'Cat, Dog... What Comes Next?' Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Children guess the next vocabulary word — in this case, another animal from the lesson — and explain their reasoning Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4Give one point for a correct guess. The child who guesses correctly gets to choose the next three-card sequence Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Use varied sequences: colours (red, blue, ?), numbers (one, two, ?), or categories (apple, banana, ?) Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Make sure the answer is truly predictable — only use vocabulary children know well for this game or it becomes frustrating — Class loves learning together!
67
🎮 Mirror Drawing
4-7 yrs Pairs ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Pair children up. One child sits with their back to the board. The other child has a finger Teacher celebrates each match: 'What a memory — another pair found!' Class cheers.
2Using their finger, the second child draws a simple picture representing today's vocabulary on the back of the first child Class guesses what was drawn. Teacher: 'What did they draw?' Class calls out guesses.
3The child with their back to the board feels the drawing and guesses the vocabulary word Class guesses what was drawn. Teacher: 'What did they draw?' Class calls out guesses.
4If correct, the pair swaps roles — the guesser becomes the drawer. Play continues for five vocabulary words each Class guesses what was drawn. Teacher: 'What did they draw?' Class calls out guesses.
5Great for pairs of children who know each other well — siblings or close friends enjoy this intimate game Teacher celebrates each match: 'What a memory — another pair found!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use vocabulary with clear shapes — a sun (circle with lines), a house (square with triangle roof), a tree (stick with circle on top) — Class loves learning together!
68
🎮 Flashcard Toss
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Set up a target area on the floor — a hoop, a rug, or a marked square Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Children stand behind a throwing line a few metres away with a soft ball or beanbag Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Teacher shows a flashcard — the child says the word and tosses the ball toward the target
4Where the ball lands determines which card the teacher shows next — if the ball is in the hoop, teacher shows card 1 Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5The child names the word shown and Class repeats the word together after each child.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — This game combines vocabulary with gross motor skills. Keep the throwing distance short for younger children — Class loves learning together!
69
🎮 Simon Says Story
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Teacher starts a simple story using today's vocabulary words: 'One day a little CAT went for a walk in the PARK...'
2Each time the teacher says 'Simon says' before a word, children must do the action — Simon says CAT, children meow! Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
3If the teacher says a word WITHOUT 'Simon says', children must NOT react — they stay perfectly still Class repeats the word together after each child.
4Children who react without 'Simon says' must sit down but can still earn points by clapping for those still playing Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5Continue the story until all vocabulary words from today's lesson have been used at least once Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Keep the story very short — just one sentence per vocabulary word — so children don't forget the Simon Says rule between words — Class loves learning together!
70
🎮 Team Four Corners Vocabulary
4-8 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Each of the four corners of the room is assigned a different vocabulary word or category from today's lesson Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Teacher calls out a word — children who think they know the answer run to the correct corner
3Children in the correct corner say the word loudly together and Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4Children in the wrong corner stay where they are and try to remember the correct corner for next time Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5Continue until every vocabulary word has been called and all corners have been tested. Team score is total points Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use categories that are visually obvious — put a picture of the vocabulary word on the corner wall as a reminder — Class loves learning together!
71
🎮 Animal Relay
4-7 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Children line up in teams behind a starting line. At the far end of the room, place a chair or cone Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2The first child in each team runs to the far end, looks at an animal flashcard shown by the teacher, and mimes that animal Teacher calls: 'Say it together!' Class says the word loudly.
3Child runs back to their team. The next child must guess which animal was shown — if correct, that child runs Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
4If wrong, the running child must jog back and try again. First team where all children have completed wins Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
5Children love seeing their teammates make silly animal shapes — laughter is part of the learning! Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use only animal vocabulary for this game. It works best with animals that have clear, funny movements children enjoy — Class loves learning together!
72
🎮 Hot Seat Challenge
4-8 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 10
How to Play
1One child sits in the hot seat facing the class. The class sees a vocabulary word on the board Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Class gives verbal clues only: 'It is red', 'You eat me for breakfast', 'I grow on trees' — the hot seat child guesses Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3Hot seat child can ask up to three yes/no questions before guessing Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4If the hot seat child guesses correctly within three questions, they earn two points. Outside three questions earns one point Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5The class earns one point if the hot seat child fails to guess correctly. Rotate so everyone has a hot seat turn Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Choose a confident speaker to model the first round — they will set the standard for how clues should sound — Class loves learning together!
73
🎮 Rhythm Words
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher taps a drum or a table with a consistent rhythm — a simple four-beat pattern
2Children echo the exact rhythm back using their hands on their knees or on the floor Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Once the rhythm is established, the teacher says a vocabulary word that fits the beat — one syllable per beat Class echoes the rhythm together. Teacher: 'Now let's do it with a word!' Class claps and says syllables together.
4Children tap the rhythm while saying the word — for 'Elephant' (EL-e-phant): tap-tap-tap-tap-silence. Repeat together Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5Children take turns choosing vocabulary words for the class to clap and say in rhythm Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Keep the rhythm slow — faster is harder and can frustrate younger children. One beat per second is a good starting pace — Class loves learning together!
74
🎮 Flashcard Golf
4-8 yrs Individual ⏱ 12
How to Play
1Set up nine 'holes' — small containers or cups — in a scattered pattern across the floor, each labelled with a number 1–9 Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Place a flashcard next to each cup so children can see which word is associated with each hole Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3A child uses a toy golf club or ruler to gently tap a small ball toward each hole in order Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4When the ball comes to rest near a cup, the child names the vocabulary word shown on the flashcard beside that cup Teacher calls: 'Say it together!' Class says the word loudly.
5Children and teacher participate together in this activity.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Mark the floor with tape where the ball should stop — the child stops their turn when the ball crosses the tape near a cup — Class loves learning together!
75
🎮 Miming Animals
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher calls out an animal name — children immediately start acting out that animal using their whole body
2No sounds at first — just the movement. 'Elephant!' — children swing their arms and stomp slowly. 'Rabbit!' — they crouch and hop Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
3After 15 seconds, the teacher calls 'FREEZE!' — children stop exactly where they are Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
4The class guesses which animal each child near them is being. Children can give each other thumbs up for good miming Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
5Teacher introduces a second animal call quickly — children switch instantly. Keep changing animals every 15–20 seconds
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Call animals in a random order so children can't anticipate — this keeps them focused and prevents planned movements — Class loves learning together!
76
🎮 Team Spelling Bee Actions
5-8 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Teacher calls out a vocabulary word — for example 'DOG'
2Teams work together to represent each letter with a different body movement: 'D' = arms stretched wide, 'O' = arms in a circle, 'G' = arms angled down Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
3One team member calls out the movements while the team performs them together: 'D — arms wide! O — circle! G — angle down!' Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
4The whole class watches and scores: one point for correct movements, one bonus point for saying each letter correctly Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5First team to five points wins. This combines movement, listening, and spelling all in one game Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — For three-letter words, one movement per letter works well. Longer words may need two children per letter — get creative! — Class loves learning together!
77
🎮 Flashcard Rhythm Chain
4-8 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 10
How to Play
1First child in the circle says a vocabulary word and claps once — 'APPLE — clap!' Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
2Second child says a new word and claps twice — 'BANANA — clap clap!' Class repeats the word together after each child.
3Third child adds a third new word and claps three times. The chain grows longer with each child Class echoes the rhythm together. Teacher: 'Now let's do it with a word!' Class claps and says syllables together.
4Children must remember ALL the words in the chain and say them before adding their own new word Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5The game ends when a child for Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Write down the chain as you go — this helps you keep track when the chain gets long and prevents arguments about who forgot — Class loves learning together!
78
🎮 Classroom Objects Hunt
3-5 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Before the game, hide ten safe classroom objects around the room in places children can reach — not under furniture Class guesses together. Teacher confirms. Everyone says the word together.
2Children search the room for a hidden object. When a child finds one, they bring it to the centre of the room Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3All children gather around and say the object word together three times: 'Pencil! Pencil! Pencil!' Teacher counts with each team: 'Let's see — one, two, three!' Class counts along.
4The finding child hides the object in a new spot and searches again. Play until most children have found at least one object Teacher cheers: 'Great searching!' Class claps for every child who finds something.
5Count all the objects found together at the end — celebrate reaching milestones like '20 words said together!' Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Only use small, safe, classroom-appropriate objects. Remove anything that could roll under furniture or cause a safety hazard — Class loves learning together!
79
🎮 Jump the Letter
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Using chalk tape or masking tape on the floor, create a large letter shape — for example a capital 'S' Teacher calls: 'First to swat it — go!' Class cheers the effort of each round.
2Children stand at one end of the letter shape Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Teacher calls out a letter sound: '/sssss/' — children jump forward onto the letter shape saying '/sssss/'. Then jump off saying the letter name: 'S!'
4Continue jumping across the letter, naming the sound and name with each segment of the letter shape Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
5After practising one letter, create a new letter shape. Children love jumping on giant letters they recognise from the alphabet Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Make letters large enough for children to stand inside — giant 'A' or 'B' take up most of a hallway and children love it — Class loves learning together!
80
🎮 Flashcard Story Time
5-8 yrs Pairs ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Teacher selects three flashcards from today's lesson and places them in a clear sequence on the board
2Children look at the three words and create a short story in their heads that includes all three words Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Children raise their hand when they have a story ready. Teacher calls on the first child to tell their story aloud Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4If the story uses all three words correctly, that child Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Other children listen and can add to the story with their own ideas — collaborative storytelling is encouraged! Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Children can act out their story too — with actions for each vocabulary word. Physical storytelling is very memorable — Class loves learning together!
81
🎮 Pass the Clap
3-6 yrs Circle ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Children stand in a circle with their hands by their sides Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2The teacher starts by clapping once. The clap travels around the circle — each child passes one clap to the next Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
3When a child receives the clap, they must say one vocabulary word from today's lesson before passing the clap on Class echoes the rhythm together. Teacher: 'Now let's do it with a word!' Class claps and says syllables together.
4If a child hesitates for more than three seconds, they do a forfeit — such as hopping on one foot three times while naming a word Teacher checks everyone is ready: 'Are you sitting comfortably?' Children nod.
5Keep the pace brisk. Celebrate when the class completes 30 words together without anyone hesitating Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Set a clear direction for clap-passing — clockwise or anticlockwise — at the start so children always know where the clap is going — Class loves learning together!
82
🎮 Big and Small Show
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher calls 'BIG!' — children stretch their arms and body as wide as possible and say a vocabulary word LOUDLY
2Teacher calls 'SMALL!' — children curl up into the tiniest ball they can make and whisper a vocabulary word
3Teacher alternates between BIG and SMALL at random — children must react immediately
4Children who react on the wrong command (say BIG when the teacher said SMALL) sit down but continue saying words quietly Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5The last children standing each Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Choose vocabulary words that have a natural BIG or SMALL association — 'elephant' for BIG, 'ant' for SMALL — to reinforce meaning — Class loves learning together!
83
🎮 Flashcard Golf Number Edition
5-8 yrs Individual ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Set up the same nine-hole golf course as in Flashcard Golf, but each child must name TWO words from two different stations Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Child taps the ball toward Hole 1 — the ball stops near Hole 3. Child names both the word at Hole 1 AND the word at Hole 3 Teacher calls: 'First to swat it — go!' Class cheers the effort of each round.
3Child continues tapping through the course, naming words at every stop. Score two points per hole completed correctly Teacher calls: 'First to swat it — go!' Class cheers the effort of each round.
4Total possible score: 18 points. Children compare scores and try to beat their personal best in future rounds Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5This is a good end-of-term game as it requires knowledge of many words rather than just one or two Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — The ball stopping point will naturally create combinations of holes — this variety is what makes the Number Edition challenging and fun — Class loves learning together!
84
🎮 Team Building Challenge
4-7 yrs Teams ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Prepare sets of mixed objects — 20 items per team — from today's vocabulary categories: toy animals, coloured blocks, plastic fruit, classroom objects Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Teacher calls a category: 'ONLY ANIMALS!' — teams race to sort and arrange all animals correctly on their table
3First team to correctly sort and display their animals earns a point. Teacher checks the sort for accuracy Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4Call the next category: 'ONLY YELLOW THINGS!' — teams re-sort their objects as fast as possible Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5First team to three points wins. Celebrate with a group photo of all teams showing their sorted objects Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Each team needs identical sets of objects so the sort is fair — prepare all sets before the lesson begins — Class loves learning together!
85
🎮 Mime and Guess Relay
4-7 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Children divide into teams. One child from each team stands at the front facing their teammates Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Teacher shows a vocabulary word to the front child — they mime it for their team to guess
3First team member to guess correctly runs to tag their next teammate. That teammate takes a turn being shown a new word Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4If the miming child is guessed correctly, both the miming child and the guessing child each score a Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
5First team where all members have mimed at least once wins. Celebrate Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Let children choose their own vocabulary word from a bag — this gives them a moment to think about how to mime it — Class loves learning together!
86
🎮 Flashcard Jumping
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Lay 8–10 flashcards in a long line on the floor with enough space between each for a child to jump between them Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
2Child stands at the start of the line. On 'GO!', they jump onto the first card and say that word aloud Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
3Child jumps to the next card, says that word, and continues until all cards have been jumped Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
4Time each child's run. Children try to complete the course in fewer jumps with perfect word recall Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
5For younger children, allow walking between cards but standing jumps on each card. For older children, require two-foot jumps throughout Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Place cards in a zigzag pattern on the floor — this is more visually interesting and more physically engaging than a straight line — Class loves learning together!
87
🎮 Rhythm Circle Pass
4-7 yrs Circle ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Children sit in a circle with a drum or an upturned bucket in the centre Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Teacher taps a rhythm on the drum — children echo it back using body percussion: clap, stamp, click fingers
3Once the rhythm is established, teacher says a vocabulary word in time with the rhythm Class echoes the rhythm together. Teacher: 'Now let's do it with a word!' Class claps and says syllables together.
4Children pass the word around the circle — each child says one syllable of the word on their beat Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5'Elephant' goes around: EL-e- (first three children) -phant (fourth child). The class then says the whole word together Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Keep the drum rhythm very slow — one beat per second maximum. Faster rhythms make syllable-passing too difficult for young children — Class loves learning together!
88
🎮 Picture Memory Walk
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher places six flashcards on the floor in a row, clearly visible to all children
2Children stand behind a line two metres away and study the six cards for 20 seconds Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Teacher covers all six cards with a large cloth or large paper
4Children try to remember and say as many words as they can in order. 'Apple, Banana, Cat...' Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5The child who remembers the most words correctly Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Do not make this competitive for beginners — start by asking the whole class to say the words together before turning it into a competition — Class loves learning together!
89
🎮 Cup Knock Down Race
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Set up paper cups in a pyramid — three at the bottom, two in the middle, one on top — for each team Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Children stand behind a throwing line three metres away with a soft yarn ball Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3First child in each team throws the ball to knock down their team's cup pyramid Class counts along: 'One, two, three!' Teacher celebrates everyone's effort.
4For each cup knocked down, the child must name one vocabulary word correctly to earn a point Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Reset the cups immediately for the next child. First team to knock down all their cups and name all their words wins Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Use paper cups not plastic — paper cups are lighter and easier to knock down, which keeps the game moving at a good pace — Class loves learning together!
90
🎮 Animal Walk Stop
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Children walk freely around the room in all directions — no bumping, no running Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Teacher calls an animal from today's vocabulary: 'You are all RABBITS!' — children immediately start hopping around the room
3Teacher changes the animal: 'Now you are all ELEPHANTS!' — children switch instantly to elephant walking
4Teacher calls 'STOP!' — all children freeze completely, whatever animal they were doing
5On STOP, children say the vocabulary word they were acting out. Continue with new animals. This game is great for vocabulary reinforcement Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Introduce the animals one by one in the first round so children understand the game. Then speed up the animal changes in the second round — Class loves learning together!
91
🎮 Flashcard Magic Tricks
4-7 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Lay out eight flashcards in a row on the board or floor — all visible to children Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Children study all eight cards carefully for 15 seconds. 'Look at all the words! Remember them!' Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3Children close their eyes or cover their faces. Teacher quietly removes one flashcard and hides it Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4Children open their eyes. 'Which card is MISSING?!' — Children race to name the missing vocabulary word Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5The first correct answer Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Start with only 4 cards for very young children. Increase to 6–8 as their memory gets better over weeks of practice — Class loves learning together!
92
🎮 Team Flag Race
5-8 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Each team is given a coloured flag or a large piece of coloured card on a stick (or just hold it up) Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Flashcards are placed on the board. The first child in each team runs to the board and touches the correct card when the teacher names it Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
3Child runs back to their team and waves their coloured flag — this signals that the next teammate can now run Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
4The next child sprints to the board Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
5As a bonus round, children returning to the line must name a vocabulary word before their next teammate can start running Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Have all flashcards pre-placed on the board before starting — quick setup between rounds keeps energy high and waiting time low — Class loves learning together!
93
🎮 Rhythm Number Match
4-7 yrs Individual ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Place number cards (1 through 8) on the floor in a scattered line Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Teacher shows a vocabulary flashcard — for example 'DOG' (three letters)
3Children must jump to the number 3 card — the number of letters in the word Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4First child to reach the correct number card says 'DOG! Three letters!' and earns a Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Continue with different words. Children who jump to the wrong number card do a fun forfeit — hop on one foot twice and say the word Teacher cheers: 'Amazing movement!' Class claps for everyone's effort.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Start with number recognition only before adding vocabulary. First round: jump to the number of syllables in the word, not letters — Class loves learning together!
94
🎮 Guess the Object
4-7 yrs Circle ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Place a small object from today's vocabulary into a sealed box with a small hole — just large enough for a child's hand Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2One child reaches into the box without looking and describes what they feel: 'It is round', 'It has a lid', 'It is smooth...' Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
3The class guesses the vocabulary word from the description. Correct guesses earn a point for the class Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4The reaching child pulls the object out and everyone says the word together. Swap the child and repeat Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5Each child can describe one object — if they struggle, the class can ask yes/no questions to help Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Seal the box firmly so objects cannot fall out. A shoebox with a drilled hole works perfectly and is easy to prepare — Class loves learning together!
95
🎮 Flashcard Express
5-8 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Divide the class into two teams and have each team form two lines facing each other across the room Teacher calls: 'Find your team!' Children line up behind their leader. Both teams cheer.
2Teacher shows a flashcard to the child at the front of each line — both children say the word simultaneously
3The first child to say the word correctly receives a soft ball and passes it down the line to their teammate Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
4The ball travels down the line — each child says a vocabulary word as they receive the ball Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5First line to pass the ball to the end and have all children say words correctly Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Words should be pre-assigned per position in the line — front child has card 1, second child has card 2 — so everyone knows their word before starting — Class loves learning together!
96
🎮 Animal Sound Clap
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Teacher holds up a flashcard for all children to see
2If the card shows an ANIMAL — children make the animal sound: cow card = 'MOO! MOO!' and clap twice Class echoes the rhythm together. Teacher: 'Now let's do it with a word!' Class claps and says syllables together.
3If the card shows an OBJECT — children tap the table twice with no sound Teacher calls: 'First to swat it — go!' Class cheers the effort of each round.
4If the card shows an ACTION (someone doing something) — children mime the action and say the word Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
5Children and teacher participate together in this activity.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Pre-teach each category rule clearly before starting — spend two minutes practising each type of card response — Class loves learning together!
97
🎮 Colour and Word Match
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Before the game, note which children are wearing which colours — this information guides the game Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
2Teacher calls out a colour: 'RED!'
3Children wearing red stand up and say one vocabulary word together as a group: 'APPLE!' Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
4Children not wearing red stay seated and listen — if they know the word, they give a silent thumbs up to themselves Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
5Next colour call: 'BLUE!' — children wearing blue stand and say a word. Keep cycling through colours Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — This game celebrates colour knowledge AND vocabulary at the same time. It also encourages children to notice what their classmates are wearing — Class loves learning together!
98
🎮 Flashcard Wave
5-8 yrs Teams ⏱ 10
How to Play
1Children form three or four teams and each team lines up behind a starting line facing the board Teacher observes and encourages: 'Wonderful participation, everyone!' Class cheers.
2Teacher sticks flashcards in a row on the board — 5–6 cards per row, clearly visible
3The first child in each line sprints to the board, slaps the correct flashcard when the teacher names the word, and returns to their line Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
4Child tags the next person in their line — that child immediately sprints to the board Teacher cheers: 'Go, go, go!' Class supports all runners with applause.
5First team to complete five correct slaps (one per child) wins. Count the team's correct slaps to check accuracy Teacher leads: 'Let's count together!' Class counts: 'One, two, three...'
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — Celebrate enthusiastically when teams win — group cheers, clapping, and celebrating builds team spirit and makes vocabulary fun — Class loves learning together!
99
🎮 Team Whisper Chain
5-8 yrs Teams ⏱ 8
How to Play
1Each team lines up. The first child in each team hears today's vocabulary word whispered by the teacher Class listens carefully as each child whispers. Teacher: 'Did everyone hear that?' Class nods.
2That child whispers the word exactly as they heard it to the next child in their line Class guesses what word is being shown. Teacher: 'What word is that?' Class calls out guesses.
3The second child whispers to the third child, and so on — the word travels down the line like a whisper chain Class listens carefully as each child whispers. Teacher: 'Did everyone hear that?' Class nods.
4The last child in each line says the word they heard out loud. Compare to the original word Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
5If the word is correct, the team scores. The farther down the line the word travelled correctly, the more impressive the teamwork! Teacher observes and encourages: 'You are doing wonderfully!' Class cheers.
TipTeacher: "Here is a helpful tip!" — This game teaches careful listening and clear speaking. Reward teams for trying even if the word was misheard — the effort counts — Class loves learning together!
100
🎮 Big Finale Freeze Dance
3-6 yrs Whole Class ⏱ 12
How to Play
1Play the most popular children's music in the room — the songs children always request.
2All children dance and move freely around the room while the music plays.
3When the music STOPS, the teacher holds up a flashcard — children must FREEZE immediately AND say the word together.
4The word must be said clearly before the music starts again. If children freeze but say nothing, the music restarts without points.
5Celebrate with a big final round where all children dance and the teacher shows every word from today's lesson. End on a high note!
TipSave this game for last in the lesson — it burns off any remaining energy and leaves children happy and full of vocabulary.