THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING GAMES IN TEACHING ENGLISH TO YOUNG LEARNERS
Keywords:
Young learners, game-based learning, English language teaching, motivation, communicative competence, EFL.Abstract
This article investigates the effectiveness of using games as a teaching tool in English language instruction for young learners. In recent years, game-based learning has gained significant attention as an alternative to traditional teacher-centered approaches. The study explores how games influence young learners’ motivation, vocabulary acquisition, speaking skills, and overall engagement in the classroom. Using a qualitative and descriptive research approach, data were analyzed from existing studies, classroom observations, and educational research conducted over the past decade. The findings indicate that games create a low-anxiety learning environment, enhance learners’ participation, and promote meaningful language use. The results confirm that incorporating games into English language teaching significantly improves learning outcomes for young learners compared to traditional instructional methods.
Downloads
References
1.Cameron, L. (2001). Teaching languages to young learners. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
2.Harmer, J. (2015). How to teach English (2nd ed.). Harlow: Longman.
3.Piaget, J. (1962). Play, dreams and imitation in childhood. New York: Norton.
4.Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and methods in language teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
5.Slattery, M., & Willis, J. (2001). English for primary teachers. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
6.Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
7.Wright, A., Betteridge, D., & Buckby, M. (2006). Games for language learning (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.



















