For this game, prepare two sets of related flashcards. You can choose to teach verb-noun or even adjective-noun associations. For example, you can have pairs similar to the following: read-book, brush-teeth, cook-dinner, etc. Shuffle both sets of cards and then display them in two rows. Students should take turns guessing which words can be associated with one another. The student with the most correct pairs wins.
For this game, the instructor calls out a word to the class, like 'car.' Each student takes a turn and calls out another word that is somehow associated with the first (tire, wheel, truck, etc.). The instructor writes each word on the board, and other students are allowed to call out if they feel the new word does not fit. This game goes around in circles until someone gets stuck or runs out of words. You can also set up groups and have students compete against one another.
For this game the instructor writes a word on the board, like the word 'shirt.' Students then have to use the last letter of the word to come up with another word that is somehow associated with the first. For example, they could say 'tie' or 'tuxedo.' Go around the classroom, and if a student doesn't have an answer, he is out of the game. The instructor can then put out a new word and continue until only one student is left.
Several free online word association games exist that are helpful educational resources for beginning English students. Games can be played in class, if you have access to computers, or at home. For example, a game called Free Association is available at the Stanford University website (see Resource 1). A website called Kongregate offers a word association game titled Lateral (see Resource 2). Playing online games can be entertaining and educational.