Beat the Teacher is a fun and engaging game, originally from a British after-school TV show from years ago, where pupils competed against their teacher. The game setup is simple but highly enjoyable—students versus the teacher.
How It Works
You start by selecting a content set. In this example, we’ll use simple present tense AR verbs. I typically choose around 30 items—not too many, not too few. You can adjust this based on the complexity of the material you want to practice, review, or learn.
This game is a bit old-school, focusing on verb conjugation practice, which I find very valuable. While you won’t use it all the time, it’s a great occasional exercise. I’ve curated 30 questions (or answers, rather) in advance. Make sure to prepare these and provide a student answer sheet.
Game Setup
- Students Decide Order: Students decide the order in which they take turns. Each student must participate, with no repeats.
- Tic-Tac-Toe Grid: Draw a tic-tac-toe grid on the board or use pre-included grids from teaching materials.
For example, in a Spanish class, you might ask, “¿Cómo nadas tú?” (How do you swim, informally?). If a student correctly responds with “nadas,” they get to place their X or O on the grid. If they miss it, the teacher marks the spot. While playing, encourage students to write down notes and answers. Even if they don’t beat you in the first round, they’ll have the notes to try again.
Learning Through Competition
The real value of this game is the embedded practice. Students will naturally ask each other questions like, “What was question ten? What was question eleven?” This peer interaction reinforces learning. Initially, students might struggle, especially if it’s new material, but the goal is for them to eventually beat you by mastering the patterns.
Additional Resources
The document I’ve prepared includes Spanish verbs, thoroughly themed and spanning about 86 pages. You can create your own sets, or use templates available in my book, Building Proficiency for World Language Learners: 100+ High Interest Activities. The appendices offer templates you can use if you’re teaching Spanish. Check the description box for links to purchase the book, which includes additional digital and print resources.
I hope you and your students enjoy playing Beat the Teacher—it’s a fantastic way to sneak in study time while keeping it competitive and fun. Enjoy the game, and happy teaching! Beat the Teacher: Spanish Verb Conjugation Game
A quick video: https://youtu.be/iDiKW1YtitQ?si=Nn5qiKPQFkhv03J7