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Animals have these advantages over man: they never hear the clock strike, they die without any idea of death, they have no theologians to instruct them, their last moments are not disturbed by unwelcome and unpleasant ceremonies, their funerals cost them nothing, and no one starts lawsuits over their wills.

Voltaire (1694-1778)

Across The Table

Target:

Vocabulary

Age:

children and up

Duration:

2 minutes

Class Size:

Small group

Energy Level:

low-moderate

Type:

speaking

Equipment:

Flashcards, table

speed
listening
chain
focus

AIM: To create a chain of flashcards from one end of the table to the other.

procedure: Select enough flashcards so that if they are laid out next to each other they can stretch the length of the table. Include some familiar items but the focus is on new vocabulary. Shuffle the cards. Set a timer for 2 minutes and start by showing the top card. If anyone can name the card place it face up at the edge of the table. Continue with subsequent cards laying them next to each other to create a chain of cards. If no-one can name a card say the answer, gather all the cards on the table and shuffle them back into the pack. Can the group make a chain across the table before the time runs out?

Variation: With more able speakers get them to make a sentence including the target word. Perhaps increase the time limit by a minute to accommodate the extra speaking time.

Notes:

If the players get close to naming a card, give the answer and cut the card into those remaining but leave the cards got on the table. Only gather the cards when the group don't know, are not close or are taking too long to come up with an answer.

Use the same set of cards until the group actually makes it across the table or time has run out

The game should be played at a fast pace. Usually used for review or as a time-filler rather than a whole activity in its own right.