Run, run, run! ... Stop!

This is an excellent way to teach action verbs, adverbs and lexical sets, and to work on sound discrimination. You can use it for five minutes every day, right from the start, and develop it. Use it when a class needs livening up or as part of the class routine.
Playing the game
1. Basic procedure

• Take the children somewhere where they can have some space and simply give out orders which the children have to follow.
• Shout Run, run, run! to get them started.
• Do each action with them and use voice inflection.
• When they seem to recognise each oder (after a few lessons), only use voice inflection and finally, only give the order.
• At the beginning, say each verb three times; eventually, say it only once to train your pupils to listen and recognise the different verbs.
• After each new order, say Stop! and clap your hands (this is to save your voice). The children have to stop suddenly and stand completely still in whatever position they are in. Then give the next order. Walk, walk, walk!... Stop!... Jump, jump, jump!... Stop! etc.
• Useful verbs to teach: run, walk, jump, play (a sport), play (an instrument), ride a bike, watch TV, eat, swing, fight, shout, drink, throw a ball, catch a ball, kick, climb, dance, sing, swim, fly, skate, push.