Hello,

My co teachers do not like using powerpoint games, as they were all that the old teacher would use. What are some ideas for non ppt games?

There are many games and game templates on this site that you can use or adapt. So use the search function and look around!

I don't know what level you teach. I teach Elementary, so my advice will probably better serve you if you work at that level.

Generally, the types of non-PPT games that I play with my students are board games, coin flick, card games like Go Fish (this can require a lot of time to make materials), bingo, connect 4, spinner (a circle with many divisions, Ss flick a clip and say the word/make a sentence based on the picture/prompt they land on) and several others that are difficult to describe in one word (see websites I reference below).

Here are some useful websites with printable/adaptable games and materials. There are so many ideas. Try them out and see what your co-teachers are happy with and what works for the Ss.

mes-english.com
esl-kids.com
eslkidz.com
kizclub.com

I hope this helps! Best of luck to you 

You could look into some of these, depending on what level you are teaching:

- Card games (there are several ideas here on waygook)

- Pass the _____ games (there are lots of variations here on waygook, you could even use music on your phone or the computer as a timer of sorts)

- Word chain or categories games (you give a category and students must all name something in the category without repeating, usually all the students will do a specific action/clapping pattern between each student's answer)

- Spy games or mafia games (several here on waygook, although you may need a ppt and your co-teacher to explain how to play)

- I forget the name, maybe the pyramid game or king game? (there are x number of levels with the teacher as the top/king, students play rock paper scissors against someone of the same level. The RPS winner asks the target expression and moves up to the next level. Eventually, a student will beat the teacher and become 'king.' Continue as along as needed.)

- Board games (eg. jenga with questions on the blocks)

- If you have higher level students in middle or high school, you could have them play a mystery game (find the murderer, solve a riddle such as Einstein's 5 houses riddle)

Just do bomb games without a power point. Write A -Z on a chalky board - then when they pick a letter make up a question using the target language - you can even write it on the board for legitimacy. Then you can decide what points to give the kids based on if you like them or not. Vocally make a bomb sound to show them that their points have been wiped when you feel necessary. Repeat the whole year so that the co-teacher thinks maybe the lazy power points were a better option than this nearly exactly the same replica of the old fashioned and might I say highly enjoyable activity loved by students throughout Korea. Cue a load of pointless debates on Waygook no one outside of this forum cares.com

PPT games are super ineffective, so you shouldn't be using them often, regardless of what your coteachers say.

And this idea is based on what??

well, if you're using those games for your controlled practice, there's no way to check if all your students are pronouncing the target language properly or using correct grammar (or even if they are speaking at all), as i'm guessing they are played in large groups. the students are also only saying one sentence every couple of minutes while the rest of the class are sitting doing nothing. you can't really error correct if you can't hear individual students

if you're using it for your production activity.. the problems are obvious

I have 24 students in my class, divided in three teams of eight. When it's team one's turn, one of the students has to answer the question. The other students in his or her team are allowed to help. So they're all talking to each other in English and when they have made up their minds that one student answers the question. The next round another student has to answer the question. I don't see a problem at all.

After 17 years of teaching there's no doubt in my mind that kids learn the most when they're playing games. That's when everyone is involved and paying attention. Of course the games have to be relevant.

Quote from: akplmn on April 11, 2016, 04:50:12 PM

Just use the bomb games sparingly - they're good for the occasional review, and of course students often love them, but the kids aren't learning anything.

  How do you figure they're learning less than doing any other activity?

Hey dude - if you feel your kids are learning a lot from bomb games, have at it.  But a lot of activities are far better for language skill development, in my opinion - if for no other reason than because they involve every kid in every question, instead of just passive listening/waiting their turn for five sixths of the game.

1) To the OP, attached are a couple of resources I have that may be useful to you.  Here is a great website: http://www.bogglesworldesl.com
2) I use "bomb" games occasionally, they are pretty good for reinforcement/review.  In order to make sure all the students are attentive, I simply give them a warning that we will stop and do something much less fun if I catch any more off-task behavior (just be prepared to follow through and have a sentence-copying activity handy).

However, there are many many other sorts of fun activities using PPT.  Also, many non-PPT activities whose aims, vocab and instructions are really nicely put forward if you use ppt.  Which brings up another point, OP, have you tried calling them "activities" with your Co instead of games?  Just a thought.