Karuta

The aim of the activity is to review vocabulary, practice speaking and listening and to have fun. This page will introduce the Karuta game and show how it can be used in ESL and language learning classes.

The students should have been taught the pronunciation of the words before the activity so that they know most of the vocabulary.

Flashcards: Create set(s) of flashcards. They can include vocabulary or only have pictures.

Have the student make pairs or small groups. Instruct them to spread out the flashcards in the space between the students so that they are the same distance from each student.

There are different variations that can be used. The variations are listed below.

Vocabulary Listening Variation

If the students are new to the game or vocabulary then it can be good to play with the teacher saying the words.

- The students put both hands on their head
- The teacher says a word from the cards
- The students race to take the card that matches the word
- At the end of the game, the student or group with the most cards wins

Vocabulary Speaking and Listening Variation

When the students are more familiar with the game and vocabulary, it's good to play with the students saying the words.

- The students play rock, scissors, paper
- The winner of rock, scissors, paper will say the first word (the speaker)
- The other students put their hands on their head
- The speaker says a word from the cards
- The other students race to take the card that matches the word
- Rotate the speaker
- Continue until all cards have been taken
- At the end of the game, the student or group with the most cards wins