Learn vocabulary in a game

As learners of French, we don’t often invite our French neighbours or friends around for fear of wondering what to say after all the greetings are done with . . . it starts getting a bit tricky!

So here’s a great game to play amongst your nibbles and drinks where you all expand your vocabulary together and have a laugh at the same time! 

Warning: Learning FUN alert

Discover: 

• How to play this simple vocabulary expansion game

• How you can make the game yourself

• How to make sure it sticks!

How to inspire learning vocabulary through play.

I am sure you will agree that it is always better when we learn and have fun at the same time.

Actually, it is proven that you learn better through play. Why? Because you don’t even realise that you are learning. Time goes by and you still want to play and learn.

No need to learn lists and lists of words and repeat like a parrot. Instead, I will show you a game to learn any vocabulary or any subject with fun.

It works both with children like adults. Act like a native French and invite your friends for a French apéritif with saucisson and pastis or fruit syrups!

How you can make the game yourself

You need basic things to create the game. Create your own cards.

First, choose the words you want and write them in both languages: French and English.

If you wish, you can even add a picture or drawing for visual learners.

Decide on the words for the game. I suggest you to have basic and useful words. Start easy with objects and not abstract ideas.

How many words do you want? The more, the longer it lasts!

If you make to many, you can always remove some for another game…

I bet that you will learn the words while making your cards.

So, how do you prepare your gameplay papers? You don’t have to buy anything. Instead, recycle scraps of paper you certainly have. I personally re-use all my cleanback papers. I will explain shortly how to use them.

How do you play the game?

How long do you want to play? I play this game with my grandson on line but I can play with more people too.

The example I am giving you is for 4 players.

Once you have the cards, give a game paper to each player. Then, choose how many words you are each going to make from a stimulus card.

Here, we chose 5 words from the stimulus étoile / star. 

In addition, decide on the length of time and set a timer.

Naturally, you will keep your play secret!

Remember that the word was étoile / star.

I chose:

1. nuit >>> night
2. briller >>> to shine
3. ciel >>> sky
4. souhaiter >>> to wish
5. filante >>> shooting (star)

Then, when everybody has written their 5 words, you will compare them.

By the way, these answers are in French, but you can mix up the languages!

Who scores the most? When you compare your words, you get a point if you have the same word. You can write your points directly onto the play paper.

And, if you are the only one with a word, you win no points.

In a nutshell, try to think what the others will pick but…if all the players have the same word, no one gets a point either! So, the words should be common but not too easy…

Reflect on the answers. 

When you compared all the answers from the card, I invite you to talk about the choice of each word and what it means in both languages.

Maybe you have chosen a new word for the others. You could give synonyms and more explanations to make sure that everybody understands the new word.

You can add examples as well.

As you can see, the game can be as simple or complex as you want it to be.

Learn vocabulary in a game

I hope I proven you how fun and easy it can be to learn new words. Make it a habit to play this game to learn more words. It's the discussion and the explanation that helps you remember them.

You create your cards for once and always add more if you want. Then, play as much as you can. I’m sure your friends will want to play it with you.

If you like this kind of activity where you do something while learning, I have these for you:

French comprehension practice: How to make pomegranate juice in French.

Set the table with me  (Listening practice)

The juicy truth about fruit and their plant names

Do you learn with games? I would love you to share all your tips with me!