Here are my top 3 Reasons why I love Matching Games for ESL.
New Vocabulary
Memory match is a simple game to model for English learners and you can incorporate any vocabulary you want. It is a great first game to play with newcomers. You can easily incorporate social and academic language. Phrases such as “my turn” and “your turn” transfer to the playground. English vocabulary such as “same” and “different” as well as questions such as “What is it?” give students language they can use in their new classroom. I prompt students to name the pictures or read the words with support. I slowly repeat the new vocabulary, reminding them when it is my turn, or asking for their help with yes or no questions such as, “Do they match?” to start. You can match two photos, a word to a photo, rhyming words-you name it!
Fun and low stress
Matching games for ESL are fun. With so much input to process on a daily basis, matching games allow newcomers to focus on the targeted vocabulary, and the chance to practice new words with low stakes. I’ll admit I sometimes “forget” where a match is, and students love this. They get a chance to feel successful and show the teacher how much they remember. I don’t always do this, but I want to make sure they get enough repetition with the new vocabulary while experiencing success. Add in sentence starters for multilingual learners to repeat based on their proficiency level or immediate language needs, such as “I see a ___.” or “Where is the other ___?” You will be working on speaking skills without the pressure of speaking in front of a larger group.
Time saver
Finally, matching games are quick. With relatively low prep, easy storage, and a variety of vocabulary options, teachers can have memory games ready and play in a short session. When I’m even shorter on time, I put pictures face up to speed the matching or just use a few targeted matches. Once you have introduced it, students can independently play with a buddy or a group while building relationships with their peers and continuing to practice new terms. Pictures and words can later be added to a writing center or pocket chart.
Check out the Teachers Pay Teachers freebie which is a short vowel memory game(at top) Students will match real photos with CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, helping them to learn vocabulary with photos not often included in phonics’ curriculum and practice tapping out the sounds in words.
Looking for these matching games? They are great for Kindergarten and first grade classrooms. Click on any photos above to get the links to these matching games for ESL. Wish you had a bundle to prep for several games at once? Check out the bundle below! Have fun!
Looking for other games for your ESL classroom? Additionally, check out this blog post:
You will learn about other games multilingual learners love including this school vocabulary game in in this bundle here:
