In order to get students to speak out more in class and to speak more fluently, I often use a stopwatch. It may sound odd, but students really love to see how much faster and easier they can speak when after practicing. Beating the clock when speaking English is as fun as scoring a last-minute goal in football or getting to the finish line first in a race.

Has anyone else here used a timer in class? Or have you thought about it? It really does make classes more lively while also helping students improve their speaking quickly. I have written a description of one game I use often in class. You can read it at www.teacherjoe.us/TeachersTimedPP.html - let me know what you think!