Blindfolded Maze Game Overview:

The Blindfolded Maze game is an entertaining way to engage both children and adults in practising directional vocabulary, especially useful for learning how to give and take directions in English. It's especially enjoyable when played with adult ESL students, offering a mix of fun and education.

Playing the Game:

The game's preparation is straightforward. You'd need a few enlarged photocopies of mazes (some examples are available for download), along with a couple of blindfolds or alternatives like hats that can cover the eyes.

To begin, introduce the directional vocabulary that will be used during the game. Words like "Up", "Down", "Left", "Right", "Straight", "Backward", and "Turn around" are essential.

Once the vocabulary is established, divide the class into pairs. Distribute a maze to each pair, instructing them to keep it face down on their desks until the game starts. Along with the maze, provide each pair with a blindfold.

Next, one student from each pair should be blindfolded and given a pencil. The other student reveals the maze and places the blindfolded partner's pencil at the maze's entrance. On your signal, the unblindfolded student must guide their partner through the maze using the previously taught directional vocabulary. The aim is for the blindfolded student to trace their way through the maze under the guidance of their partner. The pair who successfully completes the maze first claims victory.

For added fun and practice, roles can be reversed, allowing the guide to be blindfolded this time, and the maze can be reused, given that the blindfolded participant won't remember its route.

The Blindfolded Maze offers a blend of challenge and laughter, making the process of learning directional vocabulary memorable and enjoyable. It's certainly a game that many educators and students hold dear.