Computer games are a great opener for students learning Spanish. Almost all of these are games that involve only one player, and that offers a few benefits. Firstly, they are self-paced, meaning that the student can work without the anxiety of a time clock. Secondly, such games are not competitive. Competition in the early stages of learning a language can add undue stress to the learning process. Computer games vary from simple flash "noun-to-image matching" to complex crossword puzzles to accommodate learners of many ages.
Music games are fantastic ways to introduce a class into group language learning without putting pressure on a specific student. If you use the right songs, you can maximize exposure to certain parts of speech. Music games can start with sing-a-long activities and evolve into more complex games that require a certain section of the class to fill in the blanks when pointed at. "A Mi Me Gusta" is a great starter for learning about the parts of the body, while "El señor don Gato" is a silly, entertaining song that covers a broader vocabulary.
Games from the Mexican and Spanish cultures set the framework for education on multiple levels. Not only do the students benefit from exposure to common words from the language, they also get a broader understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures around the world. Dancing games are good because they encourage social engagement and exposure to music, but can sometimes intimidate younger or less physically adept students. Games with a piñata are fantastic motivators, especially when you make successful use of a word or phrase a requisite for participation. The rewards inside the piñata provide additional motivators to participate.
The games used for teaching Spanish must be carefully selected to minimize anxiety and provide incentives to learning. This often involves balancing the difficulty of the challenge to accommodate the broadest numbers of individuals and still offer a maximized opportunity to acquire skill. You may need to make individual changes to the rules or content of the games to account for the weaknesses or strengths of your students.