Teaching grammar for communication

I think you will...

ESL Future Predictions Game - Reading, Listening and Speaking Activity - Elementary (A1-A2) - 25 minutes

Here is a free making predictions game to use in class. In the game, students make predictions a partner's future using the future simple form will and won't. The aim of the game is to make the most accurate predictions. Divide the students into pairs and give each student a copy of the worksheet. The students read the predictions on the worksheet and think about their partner’s future plans. Students also write three more predictions of their own at the bottom of the worksheet. Students then write 'yes' next to the prediction if they think it will come true or 'no' if they think it won't. ⁹
They do this without consulting their partner. If a student writes 'yes', they must think of a reason why. The students then take it in turns to tell their partner about their predictions and reasons using the future simple form will and won't. Their partner tells them if their predictions are right or wrong. If a prediction is correct, the student puts a tick in the last column. If it's wrong, the student puts a cross. The student with the most correct predictions wins the game.¹⁰

Past Perfect Truth Seekers

ESL Past Perfect Activity - Reading, Matching, Listening and Speaking - Pre-intermediate (A2) - 25 minutes

In this fun past perfect speaking activity, students ask and answer questions about their experiences of growing up. Give each student a copy of the worksheet. The students begin by matching an activity with one of the pictures on the worksheet and writing the activity under the picture. Students then put a cross through one activity in each category.
Next, divide the students into pairs. Students take it in turns to ask and answer questions about the activities in the pictures using the past perfect, e.g. 'Had you broken a bone by the time you were seven?' When a partner asks about the activities that are crossed out, the other student has to lie about their experiences. When talking about experiences that are not crossed out, the student tells the truth.
Their partner then asks follow-up questions to help them find out if the student is telling the truth or lying. Their partner then guesses whether the student is lying or telling the truth and the answer is revealed. For each correct guess, students score a point. The student with the most points at the end of the activity is the winner.
Studies show that rote memorization isn’t necessarily the way to go when it comes to learning grammar. Every day, the ESL teaching community comes closer to the realization that there are more effective and fun ways to teach grammar.
One of these is games.
ESL classroom games aren’t just for fun.
Games and fun activities for teaching grammar can have purpose if used correctly and at the right time.
Just take a look at some of the benefit a well-timed grammar game can offer any ESL classroom:
Games shake things up. 
When language learners can apply grammar and use it in a fun way, there’s a better chance that they’ll retain it all. They’ll be able to practice and internalize grammar phenomena extensively rather than just learning a bunch of rules superficially.¹¹
When language learners are exposed to repeated target grammar through different and varied activities, they’ll be more motivated to work and retain the grammar as much as possible. They know that games are coming up, and they need to be prepared if they want to win!
Think about this compared to boring old grammar lectures about the differences between the present simple and the present continuous. Sure, you’ll still need lessons, but the enthusiasm your students have for games and being classroom champions will carry them through.
Help students develop a competitive streak. 
Grammar games for learning English don’t only motivate, they also boost the idea of competition in the ESL classroom. Like they say, a bit of healthy competition never hurt anyone. Students will strive to be their very best when thrown into action, and they’ll need to outperform their peers and surpass their own expectations.