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English Primary Games

English classes in primary school focus on grammar, writing, reading and preparing for deeper literary analysis that comes with middle school course work. While practicing writing and reading are necessary parts of development, they can make class a little dull. English games for primary students can be fun as well as educational and a good way to get students more involved in the lesson.

Caption Match
- This game allows students to explore journalistic writing and practice some descriptive writing of their own. To begin, divide students into pairs and provide each pair with a newspaper. The pairs can work together to cut pictures and their captions from the newspaper. Each student takes five or six pictures with captions for themselves, keeping the captions a secret from their partner. They should cut the caption from the picture then paste the pictures and captions to note cards. When they finish, the pairs swap pictures, but not captions. Each student writes his own idea of what the caption should be describing the picture. Afterward, each pair lays out their pictures, then matches the original caption to the picture to see how close their descriptions were.
Fantastic Story
- Prepare a set of note cards with one fantasy-related noun on each, such as "dragon" or "knight." Have students sit in a circle, and place the note cards face-down in a pile in the middle. Provide students with story prompt, such as "Last week, I went into a cave and found a..." then draw a card and insert the noun on the card. Move to the student next to you and have him continue the story with one sentence, then draw another card and add a second sentence using that word. As the students build their story, write it on the board. Afterward, students go back to their desks and write the story, including illustrations.
Definition Dorks
- This game is intended to focus on using and understanding an English dictionary. Begin by reviewing a dictionary entry with students, reminding them how to find the part of speech and pronunciation of a word as well as the definition. Next, choose a word students most likely do not know and write it on the board. Use the word in a sentence, then ask students what they think it means. In their notebooks, students write a definition entry, including part of speech, pronunciation and the meaning. Have each student read their definition, then read the real definition to see who was the closest. For a more competitive game, divide students into teams. Set a timer for one minute and give the teams a word. At the end of the minute, compare their definitions to the actual definition. The closest definition wins a point.

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