Practice giving clear and precise instructions

Games where students can hold stuff in their hands are always good. I like this one especially, because it ticks of a lot of boxes. It needs cooperation, precise communication and specific language.

As you can see, kids will find ways how to communicate what they want or need and they are always looking for a shortcut. In the video, they are guessing the number of bricks in a specific colour. When I offer them the question ‘How many’ they immediately realize that this is a shortcut and they will go for it. If they find shortcuts that don’t promote speaking English, you can always add a rule :), e.g ‘No Slovak!’ or ‘Instructing team, hands under the table!’.

In the download section, you will already find some constructions we have made for you.

Tip: Create a database of constructions by having students build their own constructions and then take pictures of it.

If you don’t have coloured bricks in your teachers’ room, you can purchase them here.

For higher levels: you could use cuisenaire rods or sets of tangram shapes for more challenging constructions and instructions.