“Pictionary Race” Interactive Vocabulary Game

Author: Ngan Dao

This activity can be used as a warmup activity for students to review the list of
important vocabulary from the previous lesson or as a practice activity after the new
vocabulary lesson has been taught. As a reinforcement activity, teachers can add this
game at the end of the class so that students can recap what has been learned in a
more refreshing and fun way, yet still learning while playing.

Level: Beginner to Advanced Levels

Purpose: This game is a great activity for students to practice and memorize
vocabulary, while encouraging teamwork, creativity, and interaction. Some extensions
and modifications can also be added for higher-level learners to reinforce their
comprehension of the words’ usage as well.

Preparation and Materials: Whiteboard, markers (best of different colors for the
groups), cards with words (with or without pictures), timer (for more difficult levels)

Time: 15-20 minutes, depending on the amount of vocabulary as well as how fast the
students can complete the activity.

Procedure:

1. Before the activity, the teacher should prepare the cards, each with a word from
the list of vocabulary to be reviewed/practiced.
2. Divide the class into 2 groups. If the class size is big, the teacher can divide the
class into 3 groups. A larger number of groups, however, will be hard for the
teacher to moderate the game.
3. Divide the whiteboard into sections, with the number of sections corresponding to
the number of groups. The sections are separated by a line, with the names of
the team on the top. (Teacher can make it more fun by having the groups coming
up with their own group names).
4. Tell each group to choose a person to come to the board. This person will be the
“artist” who will explain each of the words by drawing its illustration on the board.
The teacher makes sure to explain (can use teacher talk technique) that the
“artists” can only use their drawing for describing the words, i.e. they cannot
speak, make any sound, and/or write any word.
5. The teacher will give each group a word of the same difficulty level and have the
“artists” draw the description for the word. Their teams will guess what the word
is based on their “artist’s” drawing and raise their hand to take a turn to give the
answer.
6. The first team to guess the correct word will win one point for that round. The
teacher marks the point on their board section and lets the other team(s) finish
 their words (if there is sufficient time), or has the other “artist(s)” reveal the
word(s) being drawn to the class.
7. The groups will nominate other “artists” for each following round and the game
continue until they complete all the cards/words. The team with the highest total
points will win the game. The teacher may have some reward or have the class
give the winning team a big clap as an encouragement.

Extensions/Modifications: For more advanced learners, the game can be modified to

increase its difficulty level:

 Including Speaking: Instead of drawing, the “artists” may describe the word in
words, but they cannot use the word or the family forms of the word being
described. In this version, each team will be given a certain amount of time for
both describing and guessing the correct answer. (This version is similar to the
“Hot Seat” game but with more teamwork and a sense of competition, instead of
one person describing a word/phrase to the entire class)
 Including Writing: After guessing the correct word, the teams may have to
provide a sentence using that word before getting a point for that round.

Tips: Teacher can use warm language and positive reinforcements (Affective
Humanistic Approach) throughout the activity to keep the students engaged and
motivated.

Adapted from English for Asia

Link: https://youtu.be/cLKBx1UEYbk
Teacher: Nick Deal
Students from: W.F. Joseph Lee Primary School
Director: Angelina Komar (English for Asia)