Meet David De’ Ath, founder, editor, and writer at Wonderful World English. With his extensive background as an English teacher, David provides valuable insights and practical tips on ESL for students and teachers alike.
Learning English can seem daunting for many, and oftentimes, it even feels like a chore.
Whether it’s coming to terms with the grammar rules or trying to build vocabulary, there are plenty of obstacles that English language learners must overcome.
As an experienced English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, I firmly believe that keeping language learning fun and entertaining is pivotal in garnering the best results.
If things are kept predictable, repetitive, and mundane, students are sure to switch off and not retain as much information.
This can be stressful for both students and teachers.
Fortunately, there are some excellent, trialed, and tested games, apps, and activities that can enhance the learning process.
The best games to learn English while keeping it fun and engaging include classic board games such as Scrabble and Boggle, comical card games like Apples to Apples, trivia games such as Trivial Pursuit, puzzle games like crosswords and word searches, apps like Duolingo, and even some video games (RPGs especially)!
Whether you’re an English learner or an ESL teacher, there’s a game out there to help boost your results.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of games designed to make the English language journey much more enjoyable and effective.
Let’s jump in!
Best Games to Learn English
People of all ages and backgrounds love games.
They can cause an often boring process to become an enjoyable activity.
From this enjoyment comes increased focus and engagement, which boosts motivation and retention.
Games are an excellent tool in any classroom or language learning plan.
Below are some of the best games available to take any learner’s English ability to the next level:
1. Board Games
First up, board games are excellent at keeping learners engaged and entertained.
They offer an excellent offline way to conduct learning while having fun.
Whether it’s between friends, classmates, or family, there are some brilliant board games available that can enhance one’s English skills.
Below are some of the best board games available for learning English:
Scrabble
Scrabble is an all-time classic and offers more than just an opportunity to showcase vocabulary and spelling finesse.
Each turn is a puzzle that prompts players to think strategically about word placement, maximizing point potential, and anticipating opponents’ moves.
It’s a brain-challenging game that not only enriches linguistic skills but also hones critical thinking, ensuring every round is both educational and enthralling.
Whether in the classroom or the living room, this one is a belter!
Scrabble Junior is perfect for children, while standard Scrabble is the one for teens and adults.
Click one of the images below to check them out on Amazon:
Boggle
Boggle is another brilliant board game that invites players into a thrilling race against the clock while challenging them to unearth as many words as possible from a jumbled grid of letters.
With each shake, new word possibilities emerge, pushing participants to expand their vocabulary and sharpen their spelling skills.
It’s not just a game; it’s a dynamic exercise that boosts linguistic creativity, ensuring both fun and learning in every round.
Bananagrams
Bananagrams offers an exciting challenge and stand as the more energetic counterpart to the classic Scrabble.
In this game, players are in a head-to-head race to skilfully craft a web of interconnected words.
It’s not just about vocabulary knowledge; it’s also about speed and spatial reasoning, which makes every match a gripping blend of language prowess and fast-thinking strategy.
2. Card Games
Much like board games, card games offer learners the chance to get hands-on and involved in English language learning while having a lot of fun and connecting with others.
Below are a couple of the best card games for learning English:
Apples to Apples
Apples to Apples is more than just a card game; it’s a party game where players mix words in a comical and often unexpected way.
This sparks both laughter and insightful discussions and is a favorite among many.
As players draw comparisons and defend their choices, they are sure to expand their vocabulary and comprehension as they build an understanding of different contexts.
Apples to Apples is a celebration of language’s playful side, offering both entertainment and a delightful way to enrich one’s English knowledge.
Taboo
Taboo is a riveting game where every second counts, and linguistic skill is paramount.
Players are tasked with bringing a specific word to their teammates, but here’s the twist: certain “taboo” words or phrases are off-limits.
This restriction challenges players to think outside the box and tap into a deeper reservoir of their English vocabulary.
So it’s not just about knowing words but also about finding inventive ways to express them.
Taboo is a thrilling exercise in quick-witted communication and linguistic creativity.
3. Trivia and Puzzle Games
Much like board and card games, trivia and puzzle games are packed full of fun and excitement.
These can be perfect for those with inquisitive minds who love learning facts and information about other subjects while taking their English to the next level.
Let’s explore the best of this category:
Trivial Pursuit
Trivial Pursuit is an absolute classic and has been loved by people of all ages for decades.
This game is perfect for those who love trivia and general knowledge.
Playing this will be sure to give learners lots of laughs while allowing them to practice their English and learn culturally relevant information from the various categories on the question cards.
This game is perfect for families and students in the classroom and will be sure to help bring anyone’s grasp of the English language higher as they read the questions and learn the answers.
Learning is an intrinsic part of Trivial Pursuit, and we believe this is another staple for any great learning environment.
Crossword Puzzles & Word Searches
These book-based activities are perfect for those who want to study in a quieter setting.
Crosswords and word searches are lots of fun and excellent tools for building general knowledge and vocabulary skills.
They are grid-based challenges that push players to dig deep into their vocabulary and piece together clues and answers.
These can offer a very rewarding experience that gives a great sense of achievement after completing a puzzle.
An excellent choice for a classroom, a home, or as a gift!
4. Apps and Online Games
In today’s digital age, many people turn to technology for games and entertainment.
Despite offline games still being excellent choices, some people prefer the convenience that can come from an app.
With a vast wealth of online resources, choosing the best for English language learning may seem a little overwhelming.
These tools are ideal for out-of-the-classroom learning, so check out the list below for some of the best digital options available:
Duolingo
This app is an excellent tool for English learners outside of the classroom and has revolutionized how we learn by blending gaming with education.
Instead of a traditional learning route, Duolingo offers a gamified experience.
Users earn “XP” (experience points) for completing lessons, and as they accumulate points, they advance to higher levels, unlocking more challenging content.
This approach not only tracks a learner’s progress but also injects motivation and fun into the journey.
Babbel
Babbel prioritizes practical conversation skills with its bite-sized lessons tailored to fit different learning speeds.
Its interactive, game-inspired exercises keep users consistently engaged, making language acquisition feel less like a task and more like an enjoyable activity.
Another excellent tool for English language learners.
Memrise
Memrise is a fantastic tool that merges classic language learning with spaced repetition and mnemonic tactics.
This app crafts a very engaging game-inspired experience.
Its engaging structure ensures learners are not only drawn in but also eager to return for further study.
Clozemaster
Clozemaster is ideal for those who have a basic grasp of English and wish to enhance their vocabulary.
The fill-in-the-blank exercises are both challenging and rewarding.
Vocabulary and grammar go hand-in-hand in English language learning.
For a list of the best apps to learn English grammar, check out the guide below!
Related Article: Best Apps for Learning English Grammar – Top 10
FluentU
Another fantastic tool that transforms real-world videos into personalized language lessons is FluentU.
FluentU offers a unique learning experience.
This platform also offers a quiz mode that adds an element of challenge, testing comprehension, and vocabulary.
5. Classroom Games
For teachers, there’s little more frustrating than several rows of bored, uninterested students, watching the clock and waiting for the class to end.
Including classroom games within a classroom schedule is an excellent idea to keep things fresh and engaging for everyone involved.
There are lots of great games that teachers and students can play.
From quizzes, bingo, and hangman to team-based and role-playing games, there are many excellent options for students of all ages and abilities.
Some games require minimal preparation and can be lots of fun, helping keep things interesting and students involved.
Classroom games highlight a profound truth in that education isn’t just about regurgitating facts from a textbook; it’s about igniting curiosity, promoting teamwork, and making learning an adventure that every student enjoys embarking on.
For a more detailed list of the best games to play in the classroom, check out the link below!
Related Article: Fun Classroom Games to Play – Teacher’s Guide
6. Video Games
Another excellent way that many English learners around the world have enhanced their language skills is through video games.
Most console games offer language settings.
By switching to English, learners can immerse themselves in the story while picking up new vocabulary and phrases.
Notably, the captivating realms of role-playing games (RPGs), where players can immerse themselves in virtual worlds, are brimming with English interactions.
Poplar video game titles that can boost English language skills include The Sims, World of Warcraft, and Skyrim, among many others.
These types of games are rich in encounters with other players and characters where English will be needed in order to improve and progress.
With various dialogues, engaging storylines, and fun quests, any learner can be sure to develop their English speaking, reading, and writing skills while having lots of fun.
In the realm of RPGs, language learning seamlessly intertwines with adventure, making the process both exhilarating and educational.
Just remember that video games should be played in moderation and used as a tool to accompany other language learning tools for the best results.
For some insights into the power of video games and how they can be used in English language learning, check out the link below!
Related Article: How Video Games are Teaching the World to Speak English
Conclusion
The journey of learning English, while rewarding, has many obstacles that learners have to overcome.
Fortunately, there are some excellent games available that offer a refreshing alternative and turn those potential obstacles into avenues of joy and engagement.
Success in language acquisition isn’t just about rigorous study—it’s about consistency, passion, and discovering what truly captivates you.
From gathering around a board game with family, friends, or classmates to playing games online, there are a myriad of options available for learners to boost their English skills while having lots of fun.
There really is something for everyone, so be sure to check out some of the suggestions above and see what would be perfect for your wants and needs.
Make sure to relish every moment as your or whoever you’re helping’s English elevates to new heights.
Remember that learning is at its very best when it is fun!
We hope you have found value in this guide.
Feel free to contact us if you need any assistance.
Have a wonderful day!
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