FOR

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

GUIDELINES

LANGUAGE GAMES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS

GUIDELINES

1.0

RATIONALE
Language games are a meaningful way of learning the English language in a
non-threatening and nurturing environment. Games are highly motivating since
they are amusing and at the same time challenging. They create the motivation
for learners of English to get involved and participate actively in the learning
activities, bringing the real world context into the classroom and enhance
pupils use of English in a flexible, communicative way.

2.0

AIM
The aim of all language games is for students to "use the language"; however,
during game play, learners also use the target language to persuade and
negotiate their way to desired results. This process involves the productive and
receptive skills simultaneously thus encouraging powerful language learning.

3.0

OBJECTIVES
3.1

The objectives of Language Games are to enable participants to:

3.1.1 promote communicative competence in the English language.
3.1.2 create a meaningful context for language use
3.1.3 integrate various linguistic skills.
3.1.4 think critically and creatively in English.
3.1.5 construct a cooperative learning environment.
3.1.6 foster participatory attitudes of the students.

4.0

TARGET GROUP
This competition is open to Year 3 and Level 2 primary pupils from
government-aided schools in Malaysia. These students will be selected from
the individual state teams that would have participated in the five competitions
of the National English Language Carnival. Participation includes:
4.1

a minimum of five pupils per state must be multi-racial to promote

integration

4.2

1 teacher-in-charge per state who would also be a station judge.

5.0

MODUS OPERANDI

5.1

PREPARATION
Suggested steps to be taken.
5.1.1 Hold meetings set agenda
5.1.2 Establish Organising committee and Sub committees
(Refer to Appendix A)
5.1.3 Prepare suggested worksheets and facilitators guide as well as
language game stations.
5.1.4 Competition Equipment & Material
The games committee should have a checklist of:
5.1.6.1
5.1.6.2
5.1.6.3

Lap top , LCD projector, tables and chairs, stationery, stop

watch etc
Printed materials worksheets, printed instructions for
competitors
Other relevant materials such as marker pens, manila cards,
mahjong paper etc.

5.1.7 Other important details to consider:

5.1.7.1
5.1.7.2
5.2

Venue

: Preferably enough number of rooms for each

station game
Video recording (for documentation)

COMPETITION PROCEDURE

5.2.1 Registration
5.2.2 Briefing for facilitators / officials
5.2.2.1
5.2.2.2
5.2.2.3

Competition Rules and Regulations

Facilitators Guide
Programme, games equipment and materials

5.2.4 Briefing and orientation for participants

5.2.4.1
5.2.4.2
5.2.4.3

Introduction of the Games Commandant, officials and facilitators

Programme, timetable, equipment and materials
Log book

5.2.5 Evaluation of the Games

Evaluation by officials and facilitators is necessary to see the impact of the
games on the learning of English language. Feedback is useful for future
English Carnival organisers. (Refer to Appendix B for sample of evaluation
form)
5.3

Competition Procedure

5.3.1. Teams wait at their assigned station to begin the competition.

5.3.2. Teams to compete and complete all required stations.
5.3.3. Teams must have a validation on their participatory cards.
5.4

POST COMPETITION
5.3.1 General cleaning of the rooms and designated environment.
5.3.2 Returning of equipment and materials.
5.3.3 Post mortem and recommendations.
5.3.4 Reports
5.3.4.1 All Sub-Committees
5.3.4.2 Evaluation / feedback / post mortem
5.3.4.3 Comments, suggestions and proposals for future games
competitions

Division of Co-curriculum and Arts

Ministry of Education, Malaysia

FOR
PRIMARY SCHOOLS

APPENDICES

Appendix A
Committee

No.

Role

Function

1.

Station Commandant

- to oversee, manage and ensure all activities

are carried out in accordance during the
competition
- to liaise with all sub committees

2.

Secretariat

- to liaise with all sub-committees to ensure

that preparations are in order
- to give progressive reports to main committee
- to appoint facilitators for various activities
- to arrange for grouping / duties of officials,
facilitators and participants
- to document and prepare reports on the
competition
- to prepare rules and regulations of the
competition
- to provide maps of the station route
- to inform participants of competition
requirements e.g. stationery etc.

3.

Programme / Printing

- to prepare and produce/print all

and other printed materials

4.

Food / Refreshment

- to cater for all food and refreshments for

participants, facilitators and officials

5.

Equipment

- to ensure all equipment is available and

checked before and during the camp
- to ensure all equipment is returned in good
condition

Appendix B
EVALUATION FORM FOR LANGUAGE GAMES
(To be completed by officials)
Date:

..

Venue:

..

Please evaluate the Language Game based on the scale below. Tick () in the
column provided.
5 Excellent

4 Very good

3 Good

2 Satisfactory
5

No.
A
1.
2.
3.
B
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
C
1
2
3
4
5
D

1 Poor

Administration
Registration
Venue
Security / safety measures
Game Commandant
Is he / she proficient?
Is his / her briefing / instructions clear?
Is he / she punctual?
Is he / she helpful?
Is he / she a good leader?
Facilitators
Are they proficient?
Are they able to give clear instructions?
Are they well prepared?
Are they helpful?
Are they punctual?
Language activities (host - state list down accordingly)

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Comments

Suggestions

Competition Rules and Regulations

1. State teams to register for the competition.
2. Teams will receive a participation card which must be validified by each

station facilitator.
3. The teams will be assigned their first station. An example of this is as follows:

Teams
A*
B*
C*
D*

Stations
1, 2, 3, 4
2, 3, 4, 1
3, 4, 1, 2
4, 1, 2, 3

WHEN ALL TEAMS COMPLETE THE FOUR STATIONS, THEY WILL ASSEMBLE AT
STATION 5 FOR THE FINAL COMPETITION
*to represent the individual states
4. At any one time, there will only be four teams participating. The other teams

will await their turn in quarantine rooms.

5. When all teams complete the initial 4 station games, all participants will

assemble for the 5th station game which will be conducted simultaneously for
all states.
6. All station worksheets will be marked and scores given. Scores of each team

for each station game will be tabulated and an overall winner will be
ascertained .
7. The judges decision will be final.