SURVIVOR
This is a fantastic game that students of all ages can enjoy.  I use it primarily for reviewing new vocabulary and verb tenses.

I introduce 6 – 10 new words to my beginner and intermediate classes. I usually give my advanced level classes 12 – 15 new words.  After teaching new vocabulary, give the students a few minutes to study the spelling of the new words.

Ask the students to stand up.  Explain that the students must work together to spell a word.  For example:  RED:  Student A says ‘R’, Student B says ‘E’, Student C says ‘D’. 

If the word is spelled successfully, the students remain standing.  If someone makes a mistake, they must sit down.  The last person standing is the ‘Spelling Survivor’.

You can impose a time limit.  If a student takes too long to answer, you can ask him/her to sit down. 

Alternate Ways To Play:

Advanced level students will catch on to this game quickly.  You can make it tougher by providing definitions in English for your vocabulary.   You provide each student with a definition and they must come up with the appropriate keyword. 

I recommend that you play this game after you’ve spent a significant amount of time teaching new vocabulary.  I usually teach my students and ask them to study keywords and definitions for homework.  Then I use ‘Survivor’ as a warm-up activity for next class.

For example:   Keyword:  DUVET
Definition:  a bed covering

I also use this to review past, present and future verb tenses. 

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