Topic: Directions

Speaking focus: Turn left, turn right, go up, go down

Time: 10 minutes (or as you see fit)

Game: Pacman & Orbox

Preparation

Either play this in a connected classroom and have this game on the board using a projector or IWB or play this in a computer room with two learners to each computer.  this game does not last long but remember the aim of the game is to see how high a score you can get using English.

1) While one person has access to the keyboard (and preferably can’t see the screen) the other learner (s) sit in front of the screen with their arms folded.

2) When the game starts the learner(s) with their arms folded shout out instructions to the keyboard gamer.

3) The person at the keyboard has to listen and use the arrow keys to guide the pacman blind.

4) Make sure you are standing near by so that when they lose a life the pause ‘P’ key can be pressed and learners can swap roles.

5) When learners are ready to continue press ‘P’ again to resume the game.

Student A can say the following words: Student B uses the following keys:

(turn) left = left arrow P = pause/ resume game
(turn) right = right arrow
(go) up = up arrow
(go) down = down arrow

NOTE

Playing Pacman in this way means that most games won’t last longer than 10 seconds or so.  Make a note of the scores and see who can get the highest score.  Remember you can always use this as a warmer.  If you want a game that can be played in the same way but hasn’t got such a demanding/ stressful time limit then play Orbox.

Don’t forget to familiarise yourself with the games before using them in the classroom.  Also, be prepared to teach your learners how to play them.  These games are either well known or fairly simple to get across (even just by miming) but should be used as practice not presentation.