Teacher Discussion Forums

Hi

I'm not sure how many of you know about this resource, but I've found it invaluable. English Maze (www.englishmaze.com) is a Flash site for ESL teachers and students. There are heaps of games in Flash (in both the mazes and the many different rooms). Our school has taken a subscription to have full access but you don't really need to: there are hundreds of free games, such as:

- Shooting down expressions in a space-invader actvity
- Kayaking down a river and trying to dodge expressions
- Click-and-remember memory pairs

I'd be interested in any feedback on English Maze from teachers who've used it with their classes. Also for details of any other ESL Flash resources like this.

Thanks

Trebor

I was going to helpfully refer you to previous threads on this topic, but when I used the search function, I found out they were all posted by you--all eight of them. So I guess you don't need to be "helpfully" pointed to all your own posts, hrm?

I took a look at the english maze site and some of your previous posts. As far as the website goes, I felt I had to fish through a whole lot of English menus and then instructions before I got to an actual exercise. That was even choosing level 1 . The choice of "pre" activities was a little faster but the "maze" is full of reading and low on games and practice.

You posted before stating that this is not simply and on line book but I would have to contest that argument. It seems to me to be very much like an on-line book. Or a nice online extension to a text.

I realize this is a bit harsh and it is a great site and valuable to upper level students as a day away from the books. I would gladly link to it but I don't believe most students intermediate level or below could find their way to the information.

www.free-english.com has some nice games. You have to register but it's free. They have grammar games, reading games, spelling games and something else I think. They have multi-language menus so I think it's very user friendly. However, this site doesn't work out the muscles for advanced students. They are trying to sell you lots of stuff on this site, but not the games.

For advanced students you might try a PSII role playing game. That would provide them the fun value as well as having to read their way (and I think some have spoken dialog now) through the game. The cost would be comparable if not cheaper assuming you can use the games and consoles year after year.

I also make flash games but I'm just a novice and my games are for beginners. I'm also not trying to sell you membership so the buttons to start the games are big and there are no big buttons for signing up.
www.marks-english-school.com/games.html

There are also hundreds of on-line games here.
www.manythings.org/ Interesting Things for EFL Students

However in all honesty studying is studying. Students may be attracted to these games in the beginning because they are a break away from the grind, but they tire of them very quickly. Think about all the Learn English Faster Than the Whole World software that sits in people's desk drawers. That's one reason why I have abandoned the flash game project for the time being. It's just not as rewarding as one would think, but it is Flashy.

Again I think English maze is a great site and very well put together (flash-wise, I can say nothing for the curriculum/content since it's hidden behind a membership password.) However, I think it's only a nice break for the afternoon to run to the lab and go through the free intro lesson.

I've got a lot more to say on this, but I bet you already feel this is long winded. So, I'll finish with: If you want some nice free games with a lot of choices for content, I recommend
www.free-english.com and
www.manythings.org/

Mark