For teachers: “explain the word” in language class
Ushanka Hat is a word game in the style of Alias, Taboo and the Hat game: one player explains a word without saying it, the others guess. In a language class this is a ready-made speaking exercise: students look for synonyms, descriptions and examples while the class listens and guesses. The game is free, runs in the browser and needs no sign-up.
The app is in Google Play's closed test right now. How to become a tester: How to install the app
Why use it in class
Explaining a word without saying it or words with the same root means speaking freely: describing, finding synonyms and opposites, giving examples. The guessers listen and recall vocabulary.
A turn lasts 60 seconds (you can change the time in the settings), so everyone gets to speak in turn. Ready-made words come in English, German and Russian.
Which word sets fit
Beginners: “Kids” (about 200 words) and “General” — simple objects and actions.
Topic vocabulary: “Food”, “Animals”, “Home”, “Travel”, “Professions”, “Sports”, “Nature”, “Music”, “Cinema”, “Fantasy” — pick the topic of the lesson.
Advanced: “Phrases”, “Idioms & sayings” and “Hard words”.
Your own words: in “Where the words come from” choose “Own” — before the game each player types in their own words, for example the vocabulary of the lesson. Turn on the “Family filter” to keep only family-friendly words in the sets.
How to play with a class
One phone or tablet: tap “New game”, split the class into teams and pass the device to whoever explains. Only they see the word. In the “One explains to all” mode one student explains and the whole class guesses.
Everyone with their own phone: the teacher creates an “Online room” in the “We are in the same room” mode (up to 16 players) and shows the room’s QR code on the projector or board — students join as guests, without an account. Use the projector for the code and the score: only the explainer sees the word, on their own phone.
Remote lessons: “Play online (with a call)” — voice and video right in the game, up to 6 phones; “Play online without a call” — if the lesson already runs in Zoom or another service, up to 16 phones.
For a warm-up, add the “One word” and “Gestures” rounds on the same words; for movement there is a separate charades mode, “Crocodile”.
Questions from teachers
Do students need to sign up?
No. The game opens in the browser without installing anything, and students join the online room as guests, with just a name.
Is it free?
Yes, it is free in the browser and on Android. The game shows ads.
Can I use my own word list?
You can type in your own words before the game: in “Where the words come from” choose “Own” (or own words plus a set). Each player enters their words; the others don’t see them.
Does it work without a call or a microphone?
Yes. On one phone and in the “We are in the same room” mode there is no call, and in the “Play online without a call” mode the game does not ask for the microphone or camera.