Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of English grammar, but it can be challenging for ESL learners to master. Fortunately, there are many fun and engaging games that can help students practice and improve their understanding of subject-verb agreement.
Game #1: Sentence Relay Race
This game requires students to work in teams, with each team forming a line at one end of the room. The teacher writes a series of sentences on the board, each containing a subject and verb that must agree. The first person in each line runs to the board and circles the correct verb, then runs back to their team and tags the next person. The game continues until all sentences have been circled correctly, and the first team to finish wins.
Game #2: Verb Toss
This game requires students to stand in a circle, with the teacher standing in the center holding a ball. The teacher calls out a subject, and the student who catches the ball must then say the correct verb agreement for that subject. For example, if the subject is “he,” the correct verb would be “is.” If the student answers correctly, they get to toss the ball to another student and choose the next subject. If they answer incorrectly, they must sit out for one round.
Game #3: Subject-Verb Match
This game requires the teacher to create a set of cards, each containing a subject and verb. The cards are all mixed up and spread out on a table or board. Students work individually or in pairs to match the correct subject and verb and write the complete sentence on a piece of paper. The first student or pair to correctly match all the cards wins.
Game #4: Sentence Scramble
This game requires the teacher to create a set of scrambled sentences, each containing a subject and verb that must agree. Students work in pairs to unscramble the sentences and write them out correctly. The first pair to correctly unscramble all the sentences wins.
By incorporating these fun and engaging games into your ESL lessons, you can help your students improve their understanding of subject-verb agreement and build their confidence in using it correctly. Whether you choose to play Sentence Relay Race, Verb Toss, Subject-Verb Match, or Sentence Scramble, your students will enjoy learning and practicing this important aspect of English grammar.