Quick Guide
- Keywords: Listening, vocabulary, language play
- Learner English level: Beginners and above
- Learner maturity: Junior High School and above
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Activity time: 30 minutes
- Materials: Karuta vocabulary cards (Appendix A), Worksheet and Answer Sheet (Appendix B).
Karuta for Young Learners is an adaptation of the traditional Japanese card game that promotes vocabulary review and listening practice through friendly competition. This version introduces an adjustable point system and definition-based listening prompts that make it more interactive and adaptable to different levels.
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare a document with your target vocabulary arranged in a playing card template, with cards for each word in both English and Japanese (e.g., Culture / 文化, Enjoy / 楽しむ, Fireworks / 花火). The activity is effective for reviewing vocabulary from textbook units. The vocabulary used in this example (see Appendix A) comes from Unlock Level 2: Listening, Speaking and Critical Thinking, Unit 2: Festivals and Celebrations (Dimond-Bayir et al., 2021). However, the target vocabulary can be adapted to any unit or theme.
Step 2: Print and cut out the Karuta cards, one set each for groups of four.
Step 3: Prepare and print a worksheet arranged in rows and columns. Each row represents one vocabulary item. Column A lists the English target words, Column B is left blank for students to write the answers, and Column C contains a list of Japanese equivalents in random order.
Procedure
Step 1: Distribute the worksheet to students and have them match the English words with their Japanese equivalents. For example, the word “Activity” matches with “C – 活動.” The answer sheet is available in Appendix B. Review the answers together to check comprehension.
Step 2: Place students into groups of four.
Step 3: Have students practise pronunciation and check meaning together to reinforce memory.
Step 4: Give each group a complete set of cards, and tell them to spread the cards out on the table face up.
Step 5: Tell students that English cards are worth ten points and Japanese cards five points (NB. You may adjust the values or invite students to decide the scoring system together if you wish).
Step 6: Tell students you are going to call out a word or give a definition in English. Students must try to grab the card with the correct word before their group mates. If they pick the English word, they get ten points; if they pick the Japanese word, they get five points. A student who grabs both cards gets 15 points.
Step 7: Give an example, saying “A meal prepared for a special occasion.” Students should try to grab the cards “Dish” for ten points and “一品” for five points.
Step 8: Continue the activity until all the cards have been collected.
Step 9: At the end of a round, tell students to add up their points. The player with the highest score wins.
Conclusion
Karuta for Young Learners combines a familiar game with effective language practice. It helps learners strengthen vocabulary recall, translation skills, and listening comprehension while maintaining a lively, competitive atmosphere.
Reference
Dimond-Bayir, S., Russell, K., & Sowton, C. (2021). Unlock Level 2: Listening, speaking and critical thinking — Student’s book with digital pack (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Appendices
The appendices are available below:
