EFL Game: Behind Your back

Before the game starts, show the class the series of flashcards you intend to use. Give descriptions for each one. Have one child at a time come up to the front. Using tape, stick the picture on the child’s back. I have the children yell, “Turn around!” and then the child turns around so the class can see the picture on his/her back. Have the children give descriptions of what is on his/her back. The child then has to guess what the picture is. (When playing in teams, you can give extra points if it is guessed in less than three guesses. You can also play that if the other team happens to say anything, they lose a point.)

This game can be played in teams or as a whole class depending on the age, class size, and so on.

EFL Game: Basketball

This game works best when played in teams and lets the students take a shot (with a soft toy or ball) at the trashcan or box. This game works best in teams. Ask a student from the first team a question, if he/she answers correctly, he/she gets a shot at the basket. If the student gets the ball in the basket he/she gets 2 points, if not they just get the 1 point from answering the question correctly. The team with the most points wins.

EFL Game: Balloon Pass II

Have the children stand in a circle. Without using their hands, have the children pass around the balloon. If a child happens to use their hands or is unable to keep the balloon afloat, the child must then say an English word. This game is great for reviewing words, themes and so on.

Three Sources of Energy

Do not mistreat your body. Learn to handle it with respect. Do not look on your body as only an instrument. Preserve vital energies (sexual, breath, spirit) for the realization of the Way. (For brothers and sisters who are not monks and nuns:) Sexual expression should not take place without love and a long-term commitment. In sexual relationships, be aware of future suffering that may be caused. To preserve the happiness of others, respect the rights and commitments of others. Be fully aware of the responsibility of bringing new lives into the world. Meditate on the the world into which you are bringing new beings.

--The Fourteenth Precept of the Buddhist Order of Interbeing, from the book Interbeing, by Thich Nhat Hanh

Preschool Methods Of Discipline That Promote Self-Worth Number Twelve

Remember that the job of a toddler, and to some extent the job of all young children, is to taste, touch, smell, squeeze, tote, poke, pour, sort, explore, and test. At times toddlers are greedy, at times grandiose. They do not share well; they need time to experience ownership before they are expected to share. They need to assert themselves ("No," "I can't," "I won't," and "Do it myself"). They need to separate to a degree from their parents, that is, to individuate. One way they do this is to say no and not to do what is asked; another is to do what is not wanted.

If adults understand children in this age range, they will create circumstances and develop attitudes that permit and promote development. Self discipline is better learned through guidance than through punishment. It's better learned through a "We are a team, I am the leader, it's my job to help you grow up" approach than through a "me against you" approach.

EFL Game: Ball Passing (Buzz!)

This is a counting game. Have the students sit in a circle. The students pass around a ball while counting (1, 2, 3, etc…). When the number reaches 7 (or any random number) the student must say, “buzz!” You can play this game in which any number with the number (let’s say 7) must be replaced with “buzz” (7, 17, 27, 37, etc…) the other way to play is that with any multiple of the number (let’s say 7) must be replaced with “buzz” (like 14, 21, 28, etc…).

Twelve

Sung to: "Ten little Indians"

T-w-e-l-v-e
T-w-e-l-v-e
T-w-e-l-v-e
Twelve eggs make a dozen


From my original post "Number Songs for Little Kids," where you can see songs for all the numbers up to twelve.