Introduction
This game was inspired by the german German game and song "Der Plumpsack geht um ..." which is similar to playing tag, but in a circle.
This game in particular is combined with a learning activity that consists of identifying a category and an "intruder" in a row groups of words that belong together. The Playing CLIL Handbook (Müller et. al 80, 2015: 86) provides a game called "Duck, duck goose" which was an inspiration for the basic rules.
I adapted the rules of both games to create an energizing activity about a topic that almost everyone loves: ice - cream. Still, the game can be linked with another topic that is appropriate for the students regarding their age or interests.
Target group and Time
It is recommendable recommended to start with an opening conversation about summer, holiday and favourite flavors of ice-cream. Since the game " Der Plumpsack geht um..." is also played in the kindergarden as a tag game, I would not recommend to play it I scream for ice cream with students older than 13 years. Otherwise, there is a high risk of running from child ambition into adolescent boredom which would kill the fun factor.
It can be played either at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of the class. I recommend to play it either as a warm-up activity which can be used to be topic spedificis topic specific, or at the end to consolidate learned vocabulary.
Depending on the level ability of the group and their learning advance, there will be provided are different grades levels of difficulty: . 1. introduce Introduce the pattern of the game, 2. find the "intruder" of in the row, 3. can Can you tell which is a lie? Depending on the level of theDepending on time and ability, the game can be performed played for 10 - 15 minutes.
Since there will be running, the game requires some space. The game needs at least 5 participants.
Learning objectives
The aim of the game is establishing, developing vocabulary and consolidate it.
The game will motivate shy students to talk in a smaller group about something they are excited about. The game reequires requires the participants to be phsysically physically active, and can be used as a tool for "waking" the students up (Energizer).
They have to pay attention and be very concentrated, not only when it is their turn, but also when it is their collegues' turn. Depending on the topic, the game does not provide much spoken acitivity activity during the easy levels, but it is very effective to evaluate the students' knowledge on a chosen topic. The students can apply vocabulary they already had, and then memorize and consolidate new words. Here, they learn flavors of ice - cream.
Since there is no "real" winner, it is about the fun the group has during the game.
Instructions to set up the activity
Introductory conversation: <What "What do you like about summer? What do you do on vacation?> " ( <Go "Go swimming, play outside, ... .,...,... and eat ice - cream!>")
<What "What is your favorite kind of ice cream?" / "What is your favorite ice - cream flavor?>"
It helps to provided different cards depicting different fruits and flavors of ice - cream. Each student has to pick a card and say what is on the card. (Since we did not know the students before the actual session, I could already get an impression on the students' level) If a student does not know what is depicted, the students or the teacher can help they out.
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If the basic level works, play it a couple of rounds, and then go on to the next level.
Letting it run
For the second and third level it is recommended to put the cards depicting the different flavors in the middle of the circle on the ground, so the players can have a glance if they need inspiration.
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