The Internet is full of fun and eye-catching games for younger learners or even low-level adults. What I have been struggling with, was finding suitable online activities for more advanced students that would not be more of the same exam practice or grammar fill-in exercises. Feeling my students would appreciate (and deserved!) some language fun, I started looking for online games and activities I could use in the classroom.
While compiling this list, I tried to include games which I believe truly represent educational value and challenge (but don’t depress!) more advanced students. This list is quite random in the sense of not focusing on any given language area or skill. Click the name of the game or the picture to play.
This game has all it takes: it’s dynamic, competitive, and easily adaptable for different levels of advancement. It requires students to summon all kinds of words they know and puts stress on spelling.
How to play:
At each level, find three words beginning with a given letter.
The second word should also include another given letter.
The third word must include two given letters.
The position of the second and third letters in the word doesn’t matter. For example, “Manual” will be accepted when the required letters are “MLN”.
This game is perfect for those who read a lot and have vast passive vocabulary. At the same time, it’s a great opportunity to learn new words.
How to play:
Find as many words as you can, that begin with the three-letter seed. The longer the word, the higher the score. The value of the letter will be multiplied by its position inside the word.
This might be one of the most difficult vocabulary games I’ve played with my students. It’s a great challenge for advanced students and an amazing way to show them how much they already know.
How to play:
When you start a new game you’ll be given a definition, the first letter of the word it’s referring to, and 1 minute to solve the problem.
How well can your advanced students spell the words they hear and don’t see? The answer might surprise you! This spelling bee offered by Visual Thesaurus tests and teaches at the same time. Each word you hear is accompanied by its definition(s) and a visual map of synonyms. There are three attempts to spell the word you hear correctly. It’s a great resource for students who are preparing for any exams that include listening and penalise incorrect spelling.
Have you ever seen these tiny fridge magnets with different words written on them that you could arrange into funky poems? Why not try this in class with your students? Students might compete in teams to come up with the best 4-line poem, race against the clock or simply enjoy some time with English words trying to invent something new and original. You don’t have to be a poet to play and you can choose from a number of kits (including Love and Geek).
Are you interested in more game ideas? Take a look here, here, here, and here.
Excellent suggestions, thanks a lot!
Hope you have a chance to use at least some of them, my students really like them!
Hi Gosia,
At first, I have to say that I love your blog, it is well-designed and well organized. It is so nice to find a lot of useful things in one place.
I’d like to suggest some online games I prepared with Articulate Storyline (I think you should have a look at this elearning tool, I’m sure you will create really good stuff.)
Here are some games and a reading course created with Articulate; https://englishinlife.wordpress.com/online-activities/b2-level/
Keep up the good work!
Hi Ridvan, thanks so much for your kind words! It was your blog that introduced me to Articulate (or rather made me aware of its existence) and it seems awesome! I haven’t got down to it yet, but it is definitely something I’d like to learn more about. Thanks for the link!