Eileen Eileen

W4-D5-Taboo

Description

This session uses a simplified Taboo-style game to encourage students to describe words and concepts without using key vocabulary. Working in teams, students practice paraphrasing, listening, and guessing in a fun, supportive environment. The activity is ideal for ending the week with high engagement and low pressure.

Materials

Abc Phone
Abc Taboo

Main Aims

  • To encourage spontaneous spoken interaction through description and guessing.

Subsidiary Aims

  • To develop paraphrasing and circumlocution skills.
  • To reinforce vocabulary recall without direct translation.
  • To promote teamwork, turn-taking, and active listening.
  • To build confidence speaking freely in English.

Procedure

Lead-in • Activate interest and set a relaxed, playful Friday atmosphere.

The teacher asks students if they know the Taboo game. Explain simply: You describe a word, but you cannot say some words. Clarify that today they will use the Taboo App on the phones. Emphasize that the goal is communication, not perfect English.

Explanation (8-10 minutes) • Ensure students understand how to play using the app and feel linguistically supported.

he teacher explains the app-based rules step by step: One student holds the phone facing their team. The main word appears with taboo words below. The student describes the word without saying the taboo words. The team guesses in English. If a taboo word is said, skip the word.

Team Setup & Practice Round (8-10 minutes) • Organize the class efficiently and reduce anxiety before full gameplay.

Divide the class into two teams (4 + 5 students). Each team chooses the order of players. Play one slow practice round so everyone understands the rhythm of the app. Clarify doubts if needed.

Game! (30-35 minutes) • Promote extended speaking, listening, and guessing through repeated app-based rounds.

Each team sends one student to the front with the phone. The student describes the word shown on the app. The team guesses as many words as possible within the time limit. After each round, a new student takes the phone. The teacher monitors, controls time, and ensures English-only use. Keep score if energy is high, or play without points if students seem tired.

Wrap-up (3-5 minutes) • End the week positively and reinforce confidence and participation.

Stop the game while energy is still high. Ask quick reflection questions: Which word was difficult to explain? What strategy helped you? Optionally recycle 2-3 interesting words orally. Praise effort, teamwork, and creativity.

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