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CATESOL Game Review: Connect, Communicate, and Grow with ESL Board Games by Educational Trainer, Consultant, and Creator Sherry MacKay, M.Ed. TESOL
01/14/2025
Michelle Skowbo
Have you ever led an ESL lesson so captivating that your students didn’t want it to end? Imagine them asking to come back during lunch to continue the activity. That’s the kind of energy The Language of Love brings to the classroom.
This board game I created for my ESL students goes beyond traditional learning. It helps students compare cultures, practice idiomatic expressions, and engage in lively discussions about love and relationships—a topic that always sparks curiosity and connection.
Why Games Work in ESL Classrooms
My journey with games began in my first ESL classroom in Toronto, where I taught a diverse group of intermediate-level international newcomers. I quickly realized that games offered something lectures couldn’t: a collaborative, interactive space where students could integrate reading, speaking, and listening while having fun.
What struck me most was how games leveled the playing field. Every student, even the shyest, had a chance to contribute. I saw hesitant learners transform into confident communicators when the focus shifted from “getting it right” to simply participating and enjoying the process.
The Story Behind The Language of Love
The idea for The Language of Love came from a desire to create a game that reviewed language concepts and encouraged meaningful conversations. I spent hours crafting it, testing it with students, and refining it based on their feedback. It quickly became a classroom favorite, so much so that I decided to have it professionally designed to share with other teachers.
The game is now a staple in my ESL toolkit. Whether I’m teaching teenagers or adults, it creates a space for cultural exchange, laughter, and authentic communication. While it doesn’t specifically cover modern trends like online dating, its flexibility allows students to tailor the experience. They can add questions about dating apps or other relevant topics, making it as current as their lives.
A Game That Brings People Together
The beauty of The Language of Love lies in its ability to bridge gaps—linguistic, cultural, and generational. I’ve seen 80-year-olds in my classes share touching stories about meeting their spouses and offering advice to younger classmates with broad smiles. In one instance, a colleague used the game with Brazilian and Korean students who had struggled to connect. Everything changed once they started playing. The Brazilians were fascinated by how common blind dates were in Korean culture, while the Koreans were surprised by the Brazilians’ more traditional approach to dating. The laughter and conversations transformed the classroom dynamic, fostering empathy and understanding.
How It Works
The Language of Love is designed to be intuitive and easy to play. Here’s how you can set your students up for success:
Join the Conversation
The Language of Love isn’t just a game; it’s a tool for building confidence, fostering connections, and creating a classroom culture of joy and inclusion. It reminds us that language learning is more than grammar or vocabulary—it’s about understanding people and their stories.
Find out more here: esolwithtlc.com/shop.
I’d love to hear how it works for your students! Share your feedback or reach out with any questions at sherry@esolwithtlc.com. Let’s inspire connection and growth together.
Michelle Skowbo
Connect, Communicate, and Grow with ESL Board Games by Educational Trainer, Consultant, and Creator Sherry MacKay, M.Ed. TESOL
Have you ever led an ESL lesson so captivating that your students didn’t want it to end? Imagine them asking to come back during lunch to continue the activity. That’s the kind of energy The Language of Love brings to the classroom.
This board game I created for my ESL students goes beyond traditional learning. It helps students compare cultures, practice idiomatic expressions, and engage in lively discussions about love and relationships—a topic that always sparks curiosity and connection.
Why Games Work in ESL Classrooms
My journey with games began in my first ESL classroom in Toronto, where I taught a diverse group of intermediate-level international newcomers. I quickly realized that games offered something lectures couldn’t: a collaborative, interactive space where students could integrate reading, speaking, and listening while having fun.
What struck me most was how games leveled the playing field. Every student, even the shyest, had a chance to contribute. I saw hesitant learners transform into confident communicators when the focus shifted from “getting it right” to simply participating and enjoying the process.
The Story Behind The Language of Love
The idea for The Language of Love came from a desire to create a game that reviewed language concepts and encouraged meaningful conversations. I spent hours crafting it, testing it with students, and refining it based on their feedback. It quickly became a classroom favorite, so much so that I decided to have it professionally designed to share with other teachers.
The game is now a staple in my ESL toolkit. Whether I’m teaching teenagers or adults, it creates a space for cultural exchange, laughter, and authentic communication. While it doesn’t specifically cover modern trends like online dating, its flexibility allows students to tailor the experience. They can add questions about dating apps or other relevant topics, making it as current as their lives.
A Game That Brings People Together
The beauty of The Language of Love lies in its ability to bridge gaps—linguistic, cultural, and generational. I’ve seen 80-year-olds in my classes share touching stories about meeting their spouses and offering advice to younger classmates with broad smiles. In one instance, a colleague used the game with Brazilian and Korean students who had struggled to connect. Everything changed once they started playing. The Brazilians were fascinated by how common blind dates were in Korean culture, while the Koreans were surprised by the Brazilians’ more traditional approach to dating. The laughter and conversations transformed the classroom dynamic, fostering empathy and understanding.
How It Works
The Language of Love is designed to be intuitive and easy to play. Here’s how you can set your students up for success:
- Teach key idiomatic expressions like "playing hard to get" or "falling head over heels" before introducing the game.
- Equip students with conversational tools such as, “I’d rather not answer that” or “It’s your turn,” to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included.
- Let the game begin! Players take turns rolling the dice, answering questions, and sharing their thoughts. The setup is simple, but the conversations are anything but.
Join the Conversation
The Language of Love isn’t just a game; it’s a tool for building confidence, fostering connections, and creating a classroom culture of joy and inclusion. It reminds us that language learning is more than grammar or vocabulary—it’s about understanding people and their stories.
Find out more here: esolwithtlc.com/shop.
I’d love to hear how it works for your students! Share your feedback or reach out with any questions at sherry@esolwithtlc.com. Let’s inspire connection and growth together.