In times of emergency, when traditional classroom settings are disrupted, teaching through phone recordings becomes a practical solution for most Haredi schools. Although this approach may limit visual aids and direct interaction, it also presents an opportunity to rethink how we engage students in meaningful learning experiences.
The following vocabulary games are designed specifically for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) through audio lessons. These activities are fun, interactive, and can be played while students listen to recorded lessons. They aim to keep students motivated, focused, and involved, even when physical materials or live instruction are unavailable. With a bit of creativity, you can ensure that distance learning remains effective, enriching, and enjoyable for your students, no matter the circumstances.
1. Translation Puzzle
Description: Say a word in English and give two possible translations in the students' native language (e.g., Hebrew), each connected to a number. As students listen, they write down the correct number for each word. When they combine all the numbers, it forms a code. The first student to figure out the code (or phone number) can call a designated number to win a prize.
Why It Works: This game adds an element of mystery and competition, motivating students to pay close attention.
2. Vocabulary Bingo
Description: Before the audio lesson, give students a bingo card with vocabulary words. During the lesson, as you introduce or repeat words, they cross off the words they hear. The first student to get a row or full card shouts "Bingo!" by sending you a message or calling.
Why It Works: It’s a fun and interactive way to make students listen closely for target vocabulary words.
3. Listen and Draw
Description: Describe an object or scene using vocabulary words, and have students listen carefully and draw what you are describing. For example: "Draw a tree with five branches, three birds on top, and a large sun shining in the sky." When the lesson is over, students compare drawings or share them with you (if possible) to check accuracy.
Why It Works: This game encourages active listening, visualization, and creative engagement with the new words.
4. Word Chain Game
Description: Say a vocabulary word, and the next student must say a word that starts with the last letter of your word. The chain continues, and students are eliminated if they repeat a word or can’t think of one. You can pre-record the chain and have students continue it in their own time.
Why It Works: It practices quick thinking and reinforces the vocabulary in a fun, competitive way.
5. Odd Word Out
Description: Say a group of words where one does not belong. For example: "dog, cat, chair, bird." Students must listen and identify the word that doesn’t fit (in this case, chair). The first one to find the odd word out and send you the answer gets a reward.
Why It Works: It sharpens students’ listening skills and critical thinking as they have to quickly identify the word that doesn’t belong.
6. Synonym Hunt
Description: Say a vocabulary word, and then give two words—one of which is a synonym and the other isn’t. Students have to identify the synonym. For example: "Big. Is the synonym large or small?" Students write down their answers, and after the lesson, they can send in their answers for a chance to win a prize.
Why It Works: It strengthens vocabulary by encouraging students to understand word meanings through connections.
7. Rhyme Time
Description: Say a word, and students have to come up with words that rhyme with it. For example: "What rhymes with cat?" You can ask them to send you their list of rhyming words at the end of the lesson. The student with the most correct rhymes wins.
Why It Works: It’s a creative way to engage with vocabulary, making connections between words based on sound and structure.
8. Memory Challenge
Description: Say a series of vocabulary words, then ask students to repeat them in the same order after a pause. As the game progresses, increase the number of words they need to remember. After the lesson, students can send their answers, and those who get the sequence right win a prize.
Why It Works: It practices memory and recall skills while reinforcing vocabulary.
9. True or False Quiz
Description: Say a sentence using the vocabulary word, and students must decide if it is true or false. For example: "A lion is a vegetable." (False) Students note down their answers and can submit them at the end of the lesson.
Why It Works: It tests comprehension and encourages students to think critically about the vocabulary’s meaning and context.
10. Guess the Word
Description: Describe a word without saying it directly, and have students guess the word. For example: "This is something that you use to write with. It is long and made of wood." (Answer: pencil). Students write down their guesses, and the person with the most correct answers wins.
Why It Works: This game promotes active thinking and the use of context clues to deduce the correct word.
11. Listen for the Mistake
Description: During the lesson, intentionally use a vocabulary word incorrectly in a sentence. For example, "I’m going to swim my homework." Students have to catch the mistake, write down what was wrong, and send it in. The fastest or most accurate listener wins.
Why It Works: It teaches students to focus on how words are used in sentences and improves their listening comprehension.
12. Fill-in-the-Blank
Description: Say a sentence with a missing word and give two options for what could fit. For example: "I need a ____ to write on paper. Is it pen or ball?" Students note their answers, and the person with the most correct answers by the end of the lesson wins.
Why It Works: It’s a simple way to practice vocabulary in context and ensures that students actively listen for meaning.
13. Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt
Description: Give students a list of words to listen for in the lesson. Each time they hear one of the words, they have to pause the recording, find something in their environment that represents the word, and write it down. For example, if the word is book, they can find an actual book in their room.
Why It Works: This game encourages physical interaction with vocabulary and connects words to real-world objects.
14. 20 Questions with a Twist
Description: Pick a vocabulary word and record yourself answering yes/no questions about it. The students’ job is to figure out what word you’re thinking of by the end of 20 questions. For example, "Is it something you can eat?" (Answer: Yes). "Is it a fruit?" (Answer: Yes). They write down their guesses and can submit them after listening.
Why It Works: It’s a fun mystery game that engages critical thinking and reinforces vocabulary.
15. Secret Word Countdown
Description: Tell students there is a "secret word" that will appear three times during the lesson. They have to listen carefully and identify the secret word each time they hear it. At the end, they write down the word and when it was said. The first one to correctly identify all three wins.
Why It Works: It builds anticipation and keeps students focused throughout the lesson.
These games transform passive listening into active participation, encouraging students to engage with vocabulary in playful and meaningful ways. You can mix and match these ideas to keep your audio lessons dynamic and motivating for your learners!
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