This game can be used to revise vocabulary or as a means of learning new words. Its main function, however, is as a physical activity designed to get the students moving around and revive tired minds.

Procedure

  • Divide the class into groups of 10 to 15 students and ask them to form circles with their chairs. Then ask them to stand up. 
  • Remove one chair from each circle so that there is now one chair fewer than the number of students in each circle. 
  • There are two simple rules. They cannot sit in the same seat as they were sitting before and they are not allowed to push or run. 
  • One student is chosen to stand in the middle of the circle and he or she starts things off by saying, for example, 'Everyone  with brown eyes, change places'. All the students with brown eyes now have to try and sit in another chair. The person in the middle also tries to sit down. 
  • There will always be one person left standing and he or she gives the next instruction. 

The game can continue for 10 or 15 minutes or until it becomes repetitive and/or the students’ vocabulary is exhausted. It can also be fun if the teacher joins in. 

Tip: Make sure the students know expressions like 'with brown hair', 'wearing something blue' etc before you start.