ESL Game: Three Dice (All Levels)

This is a great way to break up the monotony of classes. Great for all levels.

Materials:
Three dice and a cup.

Instructions:
Put the three dice in a cup and shake it up. When the dice settle, add the sum of the dice together (if the dice say 3, 5, and 1, then the sum is 9).

Then, start with one student and go around the room. The students have to count, starting with “one,” until one of the students says the “sum” of the dice. Each student can say one, two, or three numbers. (The first student might say “1, 2.” The second student could say “3, 4, 5.” The third student might say “6.” The fourth student could then say “7, 8.” The next student would say “9.” This student loses, because 9 is the sum of the dice.)

By the way, this game only works if the students are unaware of the sum of the dice in the cup. It keeps them guessing and creates suspense.

The student who says the “sum” of the dice must perform the task that you determine. I often use this game in the most mundane of ways: When we’re doing our reading book or magazine, instead of just taking turns reading, I use this “game” to determine who the next reader will be. Or you can make the “loser” say a sentence with a vocabulary word, or ask a question, or review whatever aspect you are currently teaching.

Always keep a cup and three dice on your desk, just in case.