level: Elementary
target_English: Any question with three responses and associated actions
Janken is a great game and all students and all levels enjoy playing, but aside from the words "Rock", "Paper" and "Scissors" (if you play the English version) this game doesn't offer much English educational value.
So why not play "How are you?" Janken!
This game is fantastic for big groups and can be played with any question with three responses and actions. I started playing this game with the well known question "How are you?", but it works great with most other questions. Here's how to play:
1. Place three emotions on the board. For example, "good", "hungry" and "great".
2. All students stand up and you count to two and everyone says "How are you?".
3. Continue counting to three and then everyone chooses one of the emotions on the board and says the emotion and does the action. If any students are the same as you they have to sit down.
4. Continue until one, two or three students are left and they are the lucky winners! Make sure seated students are still saying the question and play two or three rounds so everyone has a fair go. That's it, just like Janken!
The counting keeps everyone in time and the actions are a must otherwise you can't catch anyone out. And watch out for those sneaky students who try and change their response at the last minute! Have fun :)
by Graham Davies
Also have a look at the "Weather Clap Clap" game
