ESL Game: The Symbol Game
By the end of this game, everyone should have a smile on their faces and be familiar with all of their classmates. Instructions: This can be used for students of…
ESL games for students of all ages, including simple ESL games for beginner students as well as more advanced ESL games for older students, adults, and advanced English learners. These ESL games and activities are a great way to add some fun to your classes and get students engaged in learning English!
ESL Activity: Murder Winks
A classic party game that is easily adapted to the classroom. Instructions: The students stand in a circle, and one of them will be the "murderer". This student will "murder"…
ESL Activity: Circle Memory Sentences
A good icebreaker or review speaking activity for all levels. Instructions: This activity is especially good for reviewing vocabulary when you have 15 minutes left at the end of class!…
ESL Game: The Dice Chooses
Let the dice determine who does each task in the classroom. Instructions: This works great in classes where you have 5 or 6 students (or 5 or 6 teams). Simply…
ESL Game: Dice Gambling
Students can choose a guaranteed 3 points, or they can roll the dice and gamble! Instructions: This is a great way to review vocabulary or material from previous classes. First,…
ESL Activity: Tag Question Game
Tag questions are questions "tagged on" to the end of sentences, like "did he?" or "do you?". This is a simple game to help students review these. Instructions: Print out…
ESL Games and Activities: Phonics Hammer (Flashcard Game)
This is a great way to review phonics or any other material that you have on flashcards. Instructions: First, put the kids' desks in a circle. Then, give each kid…
ESL Games and Activities: Hoops! (Flashcard Game)
An active game especially suitable for youngsters. Instructions: For this game, you will need a big room and some hula hoops. Place the hula hoops around the room on the…
ESL Games and Activities: Memory Game
Another game that is good for little kids, although it can be adapted to older students as well. Instructions: You will need several flashcards and some magnets to play this…
ESL Flashcard Game: Around the World
A classic competitive flashcard game that kids love! Directions: Starting at one side of the classroom, have two students stand up. Then, show them a flashcard, and the first student…
ESL Speaking Game: Cardhead
This is a good, simple game for intermediate and advanced students that gets them talking and having a bit of fun. Materials: pen, small rectangular pieces of paper (about…
ESL Activity: The Lying Game (All Levels)
A great speaking game in which students get to lie without consequence! Materials: pen, paper. Instructions: First, you, the teacher, write down three things about yourself, two of which are…