Free resources

Teaching suggestions

Vocabulary Drilling: Each player rolls a die and calls out what s/he sees. This is the most basic use of the dice and is useful for drilling vocabulary. To make the activity competitive, why not add number dice? Every time the correct word is called out, the player gets the number of points on the dice.

Sentence Building: Players throw a combination of two or more topic dice and make up sentences to match the pictures: ‘If it rains, I play on the computer’, ‘I wear a T-shirt when I play tennis’ and so on.

Grammar Practice: Players throw a die or a combination of dice and need to build sentences using a variety of tenses: ‘When the sun shines I play badminton’, ‘If it stopped raining, I would play football’ and so on.

Storytelling: Split the players into small groups. Each player in each group has one die and the players are to create a story collectively. Each throws their die in turn making a story using the images on the upturned faces as they go around the group.

Memory Games: The players are given a number of dice from different topics. They throw the dice and look at them for 20 seconds. The dice are then covered up and the players have to see how many they can remember.

Role Play: Players throw dice from a mixture of topics. They are to develop a story or role play and must include the vocabulary on the dice they have thrown. This need not be as difficult as it seems; by limiting the vocabulary needed, this activity can be made suitable for all abilities.

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Language games ideas

Here are a few games ideas to get you started with Talking Dice, which show their almost limitless versatility, and give you ideas for making up your own games.

First Language and Special Needs

  • A simple, single dice game for vocabulary drilling
  • Each player rolls a die and calls out what they see. This is the most basic use of the dice, although useful for drilling vocabulary, it can quickly become tedious. Why not add number dice, which makes the exercise competitive?
  • As each player throws he or she calls out what he or she sees. If correct - monitored by the group - he or she gets the number of points on the dice. This game is now not only more interesting, but by adding chance, even those less able could win the game making it a more balanced activity for mixed ability pupils.
  • A straightforward single or multiple dice game
  • Let's now imagine the topic is pets and the initial introduction of vocabulary has been completed.
  • To stimulate a speaking a writing activity, split the pupils into small groups and ask them to write the names of their group members on the left hand side of a blank piece of paper. Next to each name they are to write the type of pet that they think each group member will throw.
  • In turn each member throws a pet die and a number die saying what he or she has just thrown. If anyone has guessed the pet correctly, they win the number of points on the die - if not they are to cross out the pet they wrote down initially and write down the correct pet.
  • The winner is the one who gets the most points. Following the game, pupils are to write a complete sentence based on the results. For example, if John threw a 'rabbit', the pupils could write, 'John has a rabbit'.
  • Hot-seating
  • The teacher chooses a selection of dice. For example, people, sports, hobbies & clothes.
  • One pupil throws the dice, which gives him or her an identity. Through a question and answer session the other pupils in the class have to find out as much as they can about this pupils new identity.
  • This game can be modified for use in any hot-seating activity by altering the dice chosen.
  • Storytelling
  • Split the class into small groups. Each pupil in each group has one die from any topic, and the pupils are to collectively create a story. Each throws their die in turn making a story as they go around the group.
  • These could later be presented to the class and could also be the basis for a written exercise.
  • Stimulating Memory
  • Split the class into small groups each pupil in each group has one die and they play the game:
  • ‘I went shopping and I bought …’
  • The variations of this game are endless.
  • In small groups the pupils are given a large number of dice from different topics. Each pupil throws the dice and looks at them for 30-40 seconds. They are then covered up and they have to see how many they can remember.
  • Poetry Writing
  • Using the dice to guide pupils in this difficult area can stimulate ideas. Pupils throw one die for each part of the poem to guide and awaken ideas. Alliteration, too, can be stimulated.
  • Each line of a poem is to be based around the image thrown.
  • Examples:
  • Bus - big bad bouncy bus
    Trousers - tight torn turquoise trousers
  • Music - Writing your own song
  • Inspiration for composition can be difficult for many pupils. To guide their compositions each group can throw a selection of dice. These images need to be included and can be supported with or without instruments.
  • Drama - Making your own play
  • Ask pupils to throw dice from a mixture of topics. They are to develop a drama and must include vocabulary based on the images from the dice they have thrown.
  • Make this more interesting by adding a few sound effects from a sound effects tape/CD or they could make them themselves. Try to ensure the sound effects have nothing to do with the dice images.
  • This causes much hilarity as pupils try to develop silly stories based on totally disconnected sources.
  • This need not be as difficult as it seems by limiting the vocabulary needed this exercise can be made suitable for all abilities.
  • Developing Tally and Frequency Charts
  • Pupils around the class repeatedly throw a selection of dice. The frequency of each picture and the number of times thrown is recorded. This could establish an understanding as to what is the modal class for more advanced pupils. The results could be entered onto a database to develop IT skills.
  • Multiple dice usage - cross-curricular
  • This is an activity that could be spread over a whole term and could incorporate all areas of the curriculum.
  • Split the class into groups. At each stage the group is allowed one throw of the specified die to build up their personal profile.
  • Pupils are to imagine they are stranded on a desert island. The entire activity is divided into many stages. All ideas gathered should be recorded and discussed at some point with the rest of the class.
  • The following stages are only examples:
  • Who am I? People
    How did I get there? Transport
    What is my occupation? Why? Occupations
    What did I take with me? Why? Hobbies
    What is the weather today? How does that affect me? (This can be done at every session)
  • At any point pupils could be asked to do their pose and present to the rest of the class.
  • Emotive Language
  • I worked with hearing impaired pupils on this exercise, although it could be used for any first language pupil. Each pupil threw a single die and had to make up a sentence using the picture in front of them together with emotive language. For example, the football exploded into the net, the exhausted dog walked home.
  • The group really enjoyed a fun activity to drill, what is to them, difficult grammar.
  • Contributor: Lucy-Ann Jones PHU Llanishen High School
  • Wet Play
  • Give the pupils the dice and let them get on with it! This is a great way to capture their attention.
  • Contributor: Mr E. Jones Llwyncoed Primary

Primary modern languages KS1 & KS2

  • What is it?
  • A very simple game for KS1 French learners
  • Split the class into groups and give them one or more of the simple dice topics, such as:
  • People
    Furniture
  • Each student rolls a die and the group asks:
  • "Qu'est-ce que c'est?"
  • The student replies with the words they've learned.
  • E.g:
  • C'est une fille
    C'est une garçon
    C'est une table
    C'est une chaise
  • This lesson can be adapted to any target language.
  • My Pets
  • This is a simple primary French game, which deals with pets and animals.
  • Split the class into groups and give each group a dice form the Pets topic.
  • Each student rolls the die in turn and the group asks:
  • "Tu as un animal?"
  • The student answers based on the picture showing, for example:
  • J'ai un chien
    J'ai un chat
    J'ai une souris
    J'ai un poisson
    J'ai un lapin
    J'ai une araignée
  • This can be adapted to any target language. It could also be extended to include colours, for example:
  • J'ai un poisson rouge
    J'ai un lapin gris
  • This allows students to be imaginative and have fun thinking of colours. Some of the answers can be quite amusing:
  • J'ai un chat orange, J'ai un chien vert …
  • What’s the weather?
  • All we ever do in the UK is talk about the weather! Primary students should pick this up easily, even if the weather is commonly taught at KS4.
  • 1. Split the class into groups
    2. Give each group a die from the weather topic
    3. Each student rolls in turn and the group asks
  • “Quel temps fait-il?”
  • The answers based on the weather pictures can be:
  • Il fait du soleil, il fait beau, il fait chaud
    Il fait du vent, il fait mauvais
    Il pleut
    Il neige, il fait froid
    Il est nuageux
    Il est orageux
  • What colour is it?
  • This game can be adapted to any language. This example uses simple French.
  • Talking Dice are several different colours. Split the class into groups and give them a selection of dice of different colours.
  • To start with, the students can just say the colour of the dice picked from a bag and rolled at random. For example, the group asks:
  • “C’est de quel couleur?”
  • The student answers, e.g.:
  • C’est bleu
    C’est rouge, etc
  • This game can be extended as the group progresses to include the colour of the picture rolled, for example:
  • C’est un stylo bleu
    C’est une voiture vert
  • Some of the pictures are unusual colours, so the answers can be amusing.
  • C’est un lapin violet, for example.
  • How many?
  • This game can be adapted to any language. This example uses simple French.
  • Split the class into groups and give them a few dice topics, which they have already learnt, such as People or Pets or Furniture. Also, give them a number dice.
  • Each student takes it in turns to roll a picture a die and the number die together and calls out the number and the picture to make plurals. For example:
  • “Combien?”
  • Cinq filles
    Un lapin
    Une table
  • The answers could also be written down to give the students a head start in genders. As the group progresses, add more number dice. This makes them add up and learn bigger numbers, for example:
  • Vingt-trois tables
  • You can also use this game and get the students to multiply the numbers by 10, e.g.:
  • 1 = 10 = dix
    2 = 20 = vingt etc
  • Add another number dice and get the students to multiply the sum by 10. This allows for multiples up to 120.
  • My body
  • This game can be adapted to any language. This example uses simple French.
  • Split the class into groups and give each group a die from the Body Parts topic.
  • Each student rolls the die in turn and calls out the body part, for example:
  • l'oreille
    la bouche
    la main
    le pied
    les yeux
    le nez
  • To make the game more interesting, get the students to draw a picture with the body parts included. If they roll one of the body parts, they can tick it off or write the name of the body part on their picture. The first student to get all body parts wins.
  • To slow the game down, tell the students that they have to roll both of the feet, hands, eyes, and ears before they win.
  • Things I like or dislike
  • This game can be adapted to any language. This example uses simple French.
  • This game can use a number of different topics that the students have learned through vocabulary drilling or through other games with Talking Dice.
  • Split the class into groups, and give them a few topics each, such as Hobbies, Pets, Snacks, Sports etc. Each student picks a die from a bag at random and rolls it, then says that they either like or dislike what they see, for example:
  • J'aime le football
    J'aime lire
  • Or
  • Je n'aime pas des souris
    Je n'aime pas la musique

Any Second or Foreign Language and Special Needs

  • A quick grammar exercise
  • This is a quick grammar exercise making sentences linked with the word 'because'.
  • Take two dice - such as Occupations and Clothes - and link them. For example:
    I cannot wear trainers to work because I am a doctor.
    I need new trousers because I am going to be a waiter.
  • Multiple dice usage - Grammar exercises
  • In a straightforward grammar drilling exercise, pupils throw the dice and need to construct sentences in the simple past, perfect, future etc.
  • More complicated grammar can also be practised. For example, throw one weather die in combination with anther topic die, such as clothes.
  • The results allow for full sentence construction, such as:
  • 'If the sun shines, I will wear a T-shirt'.
  • Multiple dice usage - Imaginative sentence construction
  • 1. Pupils are given a selection of dice each from various topics - any multiple of dice can be used; the more dice in the game increases the complexity. They have to build a story by throwing either all the dice at once or by throwing one dice at a time.
  • The first exercise allows the pupil to re-order the dice making them fit into a logical sequence. The second calls for more spontaneity and is therefore more of a challenge.
  • 2. Split the class into small groups. Each group has one die and the pupils are to collectively create a story. Each throws the die in turn using the pictures to create an ongoing story around the group. This game can be turned into a writing exercise that can be presented to the rest of the class.
  • 3. Again the class goes into small groups. Each pupil in the group has one die and they play any variation on 'I went shopping and I bought...' The variations of this game are endless.
  • Memory game
  • In small groups the pupils are given a number of dice from different topics. Each pupil throws the dice and looks at them for 10-20 seconds. They are then covered up and they have to see how many they can remember in the target language.
  • Noughts and crosses
  • Play a simple noughts-and-crosses game. If the pupils can name a picture or say a sentence relating to that picture they can enter a nought or a cross
  • Question game
  • The next exercise was invented by a group of students at the University of Wales Institute of Cardiff.
  • 1. Split the class into groups of four.
    2. Sit the groups around a table in a square shape.
    3. Stack a number of dice with one side facing each pupil.
  • Each pupil has to ask the others a question in the target language. For example:
  • 'What are you wearing?'
  • The others have to answer based on the picture-dice they have in front of them - with interesting results. A simple and entertaining question and answer exercise.
  • Word board game
  • Split the class into small groups. Make simple game boards on pieces of A4 paper consisting of twelve squares, and give a game board to each member of the group.
  • Write down a single word relating to the dice in each of the squares or get the group members to do this.
  • Each group member throws the die or a mixture of dice. Players can cover a word-square when they can say a sentence or construct a question using that word or words from the dice.
  • Picture board game
  • Using similar boards as above but this time with pictures instead of words, this can be turned in a whole class activity.
  • The class is split into small groups, and each group receives one game board and some markers to cover the pictures. The squares on the board also need to be numbered. Use as many squares as you like but only number the squares using the numbers one to six - as on a die. This means that two of each number appears on the board.
  • This is a teacher lead activity. The teacher throws a picture die and a number die together. Turning to the first group, the teacher calls out the number on the dice. The group has to find the number and call out the corresponding picture. If the picture matches the teachers picture dice, the group can then cover that picture on the board.
  • The game continues around the class until a group has covered all the pictures on their board. This game of chance can be exiting as well as a useful drilling exercise and can be won by any group - even in a mixed ability class.
  • Integrating other sources of information with the dice
  • Ask pupils to throw any multiple of dice from different topics. They are to develop a story or role-play and must include the vocabulary based on the dice they have thrown.
  • Make this more interesting by adding a few sound effects from a tape or CD. Try to make sure the sound effects are unrelated to the dice. This can be hilarious as pupils try to develop silly stories based on disconnected sources.
  • This need not be complex. By limiting the vocabulary needed, this exercise can be made suitable for all ages and abilities.
  • Reported speech game
  • Find a picture suitable for suitable for the age group, making sure it is quite 'busy' with one central character. Pictures used for this have ranged from cartoon characters to photographs of riots.
  • Split the class into smaller groups. Allow the groups to study their picture for a few minutes and ask them to feedback to the rest of the class on what they see. This is already quite a challenging exercise. Ask them to imagine themselves as a reporter and they need to imagine that they have interviewed the central character only minutes after the picture was taken.
  • This can be quite a serious exercise, until of course you ask them to throw a selection of dice and use the pictures to tell you what the character said in the interview. Using the dice the pupils need to create the characters story but in the context of the picture they were studying.
  • This is a very challenging exercise even for advanced pupils. Note that here we are using relatively straightforward vocabulary in a reported speech context. Therefore, the pupils are able to concentrate on the grammar without overtaking themselves on the actual vocabulary.
  • The Media
  • I gave pupils a whole range of topics. From the pictures they threw they had to produce a news programme. For example, the weather was the weather report. Sport was their sport report. With their clothes they produced an article about new Levis jeans, and so on.
  • They really enjoyed themselves, a simple yet effective way to inspire ideas.
  • Contributor: Lucy Stringer Asst. Head

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Icebreaker ideas

Here are a few icebreakers that can be used with Talking Dice. These are suitable for all ages.

  • Connections
  • Give each person in the group a random die.
    The group moves round from person to person rolling their dice and discussing with the other how both pictures are connected/ how they might find a question to join the two pictures.
  • Partners
  • Give out the dice to the group in matching sets.
  • Ask the group to find their matching partner. This is good for splitting the group into teams or pairs.
  • Bigger, smaller …
  • Give out the dice to the group and split the group into two teams.
    Each person the teams take it in turn to find someone of the opposing teams who has something bigger, smaller, more valuable etc.
  • What happened next?
  • Split the group into teams of 5 or six, and give each member a die from a different topic.
    Get each team to start a story by rolling their die in turn and make up the story using the pictures.
  • Lifeboats
  • Give everyone in the group a die. The group leader/teacher shouts out a number – e.g. 4; the group then have to get into groups of 4, making sure that they can justify why their objects 'go' together.
  • Q & A
  • Roll two dice and see if you can make one picture part of a question and the other part of the answer. E.g. hamburger & stethoscope – '”Will I become ill if I eat too many hamburgers?”,  “Yes, the doctor will need to examine you with his stethoscope!”
  • Odd one out
  • Roll three dice and ask which is the odd one out from the pictures shown. E.g. ice-skate, house, hot dog – hot dog is the odd one out because it's the only one I can eat.
  • Connect 3
  • Roll three dice and ask can you find something that connects them all. E.g. caravan, socks, and book – they can all be found on holiday! Add more dice to make it more difficult.
  • Word association
  • Play word association – I have 'x'. Who has something that will link with it? E.g. a castle and a pencil could go together because I could sketch a picture of a castle; Pencil and coffee pot go together because I write my shopping list with a pencil whilst I having my coffee break....
  • Descriptions
  • Split the group into small teams of 3-6 and give each group a few dice.
  • Each team member rolls a random dice in secret and describes the picture and the team has to guess.
  • Make this more fun and slightly raucous by allowing the team member throwing the dice to mime or make a noise like the picture for the team to guess.

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Vocabulary list

Click here to download a printable vocabulary list in English, French, Spanish, German and Italian.

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Let your imagination roll!