Introduction

This game was inspired by another adverb game I found online. It creates speaking and active opportunities for all participants.

Target group and Time

The game requires understanding of the term adverb, that is why the recommended target group is from the age of 9.

The game could be made harder by providing a table with more complicated averbs (e.g. confidently, mysteriously) or by asking students to think of adverbs themselves (that is, without giving them a table).

Depending on the age group, the game can be performed for 10 - 15 minutes.

Learning objectives

The aim of the game are to help students understand adverbs, practice pronunciation and eventually learn new words.

Participants also practice asking questions and making requests.

Instructions to set up the activity

Prepare two identical tables with adverbs and images, as well as verb cards. Make space in the classroom and think of an optimal team size.

After explaining the rules, say briefly what an adverb is. (I said "Adverbs show how things happen"). Give examples and act out a situation (e.g. dance quickly and then slowly). Read out all adverbs and explain with words or movements what they mean. Ask participants if they understand all adverbs. If they don't, explain again. Make sure all participants understand the game and the adverbs before the start of the game.

Letting it run

The Adverb Game is played in 2 teams (team A and team B). Both teams get a table with adverbs and images which illustrate their meaning (see image).
Team A chooses an adverb that team B has to guess. To do this, team B asks team A to perform an action in a way which corresponds to their adverb (e.g. "Please play the piano." or "Can you play the piano?") Cards with verbs (e.g. "dig a hole", "play football") are provided to help students who struggle with formulating an action.

After no more than 3 different actions team B has to take a guess. If it is correct, team A gets a point.
After the correct adverb is announced, every student pronounces it out loud.
In the next round, the teams change roles.