Scratch My Back ESL game-Scratch My Back ESL Card Game Resources

Scratch My Back Materials and Resources:

Game Rules and Tutorials:

Scratch My Back standard rules (pdf) English / Japanese

Scratch My Back animated tutorial (powerpoint / exe flash file) Note: As the powerpoint presentation is animated, it requires powerpoint, or powerpoint viewer to work properly.( i.e. it won't work properly with google docs)

Simple games (pdf) English (updated June 2010 to include extra ESL classroom games)

Rule extensions and strategies(pdf) English

FAQ (pdf) English

Classroom Materials:

Scratch My Back Classroom Guide e-book.

(includes lesson plans and exercises to help players and instructors get the most out of the game, plus all game rules).

Articles:

About the different Game Versions:

Scratch My Back standard rules of play

This version contains all the elements of an exciting card game: strategy, luck, fluctuating fortunes, word play, and the reading your opponents. This game is recommended for language students and native speakers alike. 2-6 players.

Two simpler card games playable with the Scratch My Back deck:

'Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions' and 'Freestyle Conversation', which bares some similarities to 'Crazy 8's'.

Plus two simple yet effective ESL games - providing an easy entrance point for new players.

Scratch My Back (extended rules)

These extra / optional rules add a little more skill and variation for those in need. You'll want to master the standard version of the game first, however.

What our customers have been saying:

I used the cards with a

company class and they

LOVED it. Vocabulary, idioms and speech acts were all very useful, relevant and interesting for my students. So much so that we checked out your site and they are interested in purchasing their own set.

Laura (Osaka, Japan)

Well done for creating a game that is both entertaining and useful. We based a three week communication module around playing Scratch My Back and the feedback was very positive.

Barbara (Tokyo, Japan)

The cards arrived Friday, (within four days of placing the order). Very speedy considering the distances involved. We broke the game out last night and played over a few drinks. It was a good laugh! ...

Craig (Missouri, USA)

I have recently been using your game in some of my classes and it's proved a hit. I'm interested to know if you have published any other similar games or materials...

David (Nagasaki Language University, Japan)

...Last week, I ran out of ideas of what to do with my class so I tried your game and to my surprise, we all enjoyed it. I'm so glad because they wanted to continue the game even

though the time was up. I'm glad I purchased it. Thanks so much, Scratch My Back is such a great help.

Mel (Hyogo, Japan)

It's a really interesting and funny game. My students love playing it, and have picked up a lot of new phrases. W e're planning to hold a tournament soon...

Yoshimi (Okamoto, Japan)

Just thought I'd write to let you know that my High School students can't get enough of Scratch My Back! I don't want to say that it's the 'missing link' in Japanese education, but it's got them interested in using English! (which is a nice change)...

Michelle, (Saitama, Japan)