I’m always exploring ways to increase interaction and engagement in my online Hebrew classes (as always), and I got to thinking about some of my favorite childhood games, one of which was – you guessed it – Connect Four!
If you’re not familiar with the game, this 20 second video will tell you everything you need to know – it’s that simple.
I used Pages and Canva to create the template, then uploaded it as a background in Jamboard, which is where students play the game in pairs. Jamboard is great for activities that require student interactions; just split your students into breakout rooms, assign each room/group a slide, and they can play together almost exactly the way they would in person!
This activity works just as well with a large class as it does in one-on-one sessions. Check out my video below to learn more about how I created this Jamboard activity, and get ideas on how you might use the blank template to create your own.
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Connect Four Language Game Ideas
In all these game varieties, the game itself and the objective remains the same (to get four in a row), but with the added language factor. Below are just four templates, but the set includes access to 7 (the ones below + foods/drinks, Hebrew verbs, and a blank one shown above).
IMAGE COLLECT FOUR
For novice learners, you can have them name the image that’s in the slot they want, and/or use it in a simple sentence. To make it a bit more challenging, learners will have to use each word in a more complex sentence, or describe it using three (3) adjectives. For an even more challenging and creative twist, learners will have to create a story out of each image they choose. Watch the video above for examples.
CLOTHES + COLORS CONNECT FOUR
For novice language learners, you can have them name the clothing item and its color. They can also use the structures “I have” and “I don’t have” to say whether or not they own that item of clothing (e.g. yo tengo los zapatos marrones; אין לי כובע אדום). You can have them use it in a sentence, which can be a challenge depending on the language; in Hebrew, for instance, there are multiple verbs for “wear” that are used with different types of clothes. You can also require the sentences to be in the past or future tense, depending on your class/student.
LETTERS CONNECT FOUR
This is best suited for novice learners, but there are still a couple of variations. They can simply name the letter, say its sound, and/or say a word that starts with the letter in the desired slot.
READING CONNECT FOUR
This is another novice activity that helps students practice their Hebrew reading fluency (and of course you can use the blank template to create something similar in another language). To make it a bit more advanced, you can have them use the word in a sentence also/instead.
Let me know how you use any of these Connect Four templates or activities with your online language class, and feel free to tag me in any pictures on Instagram @thekefar!
Until next time, keep teaching + thriving 💙
