EFL Tool Bag: Ball Games

What is it about the humble sphere that makes games, even EFL ball games, so exciting? This ordinary object has the extraordinary ability to turn English as a Foreign Language lessons into vibrant and interactive experiences.

Is it the ball’s potential for spontaneous engagement or the way it enlivens a classroom? These games are more than just play; they are powerful tools for language development and classroom dynamism.

While these EFL ball games may seem simple, their power to ignite engagement in quiet classes is immense. Their capacity to enliven the classroom atmosphere makes them an essential part of any EFL tool bag.

Hot Potato

Basic Concept: Hot Potato is a universally recognized and engaging game, ideal for classroom settings. It involves passing a ball (the ‘potato’) around in a circle, with participants quickly handing off the ball to avoid being the one holding it when the signal is given.

How to Play:

1. Formation: Students form a circle, either sitting or standing.
2. Passing the Ball: The ball is passed rapidly from one student to the next.
3. Signal for Stopping:
   • The signal to stop passing the ball can vary. Common triggers include:
     • The teacher saying “stop”.
     • The teacher turning away from the class, then suddenly turning back.
     • Music playing in the background, stopping randomly like in musical chairs.
     • A student, in place of the teacher, giving the stopping signal.
4. Performing a Task:
   • When the signal is given, the student holding the ball must complete a task. This could be:
     • Reading something displayed on the screen.
     • Answering a question posed by the teacher.
     • Asking another student a question using the target language.
     • Performing a quick, fun activity related to the lesson.

Educational Value: Hot Potato is excellent for reinforcing language skills, encouraging spontaneous speaking, and building a fun, dynamic classroom atmosphere. It’s adaptable to any language level and can be tailored to specific lesson objectives.

Variations:

1. Random Toss:
   • Instead of passing the ball to a direct neighbor, students can throw the ball to anyone in the circle. This variation adds an element of surprise and keeps students alert.
2. Color-Coded Balls:
   • Use balls of different colors where each color represents a specific role:
     • For example, one color could signify that the student holding it must ask a question, while another color indicates that the student must provide an answer.
     • This variation not only adds a visual element to the game but also helps in structuring dialogue or Q&A sessions in a fun, interactive manner.

These variations of Hot Potato add complexity and learning opportunities to the game, making it a more versatile tool for language practice and classroom engagement.

Classroom Basketball

Basic Concept: Classroom Basketball is an energetic and competitive game that combines language learning with the fun of scoring points in basketball. Using a simple setup of a basket-like object, such as a clean trash can, students get to practice language skills and enjoy a friendly competition.

How to Play:

1. Setup: Place a basket, such as a clean empty trash can, at a suitable distance in the classroom. Divide the class into teams.
2. Language Task:
   • Each student takes a turn at performing a language-related task. This could be:
     • Saying a vocabulary word and using it in a sentence.
     • Making a complete sentence using a specific grammar rule.
     • Asking or answering a question in the target language.
3. Taking the Shot:
   • Upon successfully completing the language task, the student gets the chance to throw a ball into the basket.
4. Scoring Points:
   • If the student gets the ball into the basket, they score a point for their team.
5. Gameplay:
   • The game continues with each team member taking turns. The team with the most points at the end wins.

Educational Value: Classroom Basketball is an excellent way to motivate students to engage with language tasks. It provides a physical outlet for energy and a tangible reward for academic effort, making learning both fun and memorable.

Pros and Cons of EFL Ball Games

Pros:

1. Enhances Engagement: Ball games capture students’ attention and interest, making them more engaged in learning activities.
2. Encourages Participation: Even shy or reluctant students are often motivated to participate in these interactive and fun games.
3. Promotes Physical Activity: Incorporating movement helps to break the monotony of traditional classroom settings and can improve overall student energy and focus.

Cons:

1. Noise and Classroom Management:
   • Ball games can become noisy and may lead to difficulties in classroom management, especially in larger groups.
2. Limited Content Depth:
   • The focus on quick responses and physical activity might limit the depth of content that can be covered during these games.
3. Physical Space Requirements:
   • Not all classrooms have the necessary space for active ball games, which can be a limiting factor.
4. Risk of Exclusion:
   • Some students may feel left out or uncomfortable with physical activities, leading to a sense of exclusion.

Should I use ball games in my EFL classroom?

While ball games in the EFL classroom come with their challenges, such as noise management, the benefits they bring in terms of student engagement and language practice often outweigh these concerns. Like any teaching tool, the key lies in knowing when and how to use them effectively, ensuring that they complement your teaching style and meet the needs of your students.

As you continue to explore the vast array of resources available for language teaching, remember that each tool, including ball games, has its unique place and purpose. I encourage you to check out the other tools in our EFL Tool Bag series.