| Lots of people who do not speak English natively, | | | | introduced into their classes is the game of ESL bingo. |
| want to either learn English or improve their skills in the | | | | This is played almost exactly like a normal game of |
| language. This might be for business or professional | | | | bingo (with the teacher taking the part of bingo caller, |
| reasons, perhaps because they want to travel or | | | | and the students each being given a bingo card or |
| immigrate to an English speaking country, or just | | | | worksheet), but with one key modification: the bingo |
| because they are interested. Whatever the reason is | | | | cards are printed with words relating to a chosen topic, |
| that they want to learn the language, one of the best | | | | rather than numbers. It is a good way to learn |
| ways to do is to attend an English a Second | | | | vocabulary, it's a lot of fun, and if the game itself is |
| Language (known for short as a "ESL") class. | | | | played entirely in English, it helps with all round English |
| ESL classes are usually intended for adult learners, and | | | | speaking skills, not just with learning the words used on |
| often involve a variety of enjoyable but worthwhile | | | | the bingo cards. |
| activities intended to improve skills in reading, writing, | | | | When you think about it, bingo is actually ideal for |
| listening to, and speaking in English. Particular classes | | | | teaching. Firstly, it does not require expensive materials. |
| might focus on particular subjects of interest, for | | | | Secondly, the game play can easily be customized - |
| example the vocabulary used in business and finance, | | | | for example, by using different words on the bingo |
| or learning the English necessary for a visit to an | | | | cards, or by the teacher giving definitions of words, |
| English-speaking restaurant. | | | | rather than calling out the words directly. |
| One particular activity that many ESL teachers have | | | | |