Read for Speed (All Levels)
This activity will get your students reading faster, faster, and faster with each passing class! Materials: Two eyes, a mouth, and a book. Instructions: Ok, this isn't actually a game,…
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 Games: Phonics Bingo
Instructions: Download the .pdf files by clicking the links below. Then print and cut out the cards. For each set of cards, there are 10 unique BINGO cards, all…
ESL Activity: Question Game (Beginner/Intermediate)
This game is good for practicing question forms. Instructions: Print and cut out the cards below. The teacher chooses a card and reads it aloud (this is the "answer"). The…
ESL Activity: I’ve Never (Intermediate/Advanced)
This is a classic drinking/party game (also called "Never Have I Ever") that also works very well for teaching present perfect tense in the ESL classroom. Instructions: Students take turns…
ESL Activity: Interactive Writing (Intermediate/Advanced)
You can spend at least an hour doing this, and the kids will be reading, writing, laughing, and writing more. Instructions: First, you hand out a writing prompt -…
Don’t Say the Words! (Advanced: Jobs)
This game, similar to Taboo, is a lot of fun and can be adapted for all levels! Instructions: Print and cut out the cards below. Have a student choose…
Don’t Say the Words! (Advanced: Weather)
This game, similar to Taboo, is a lot of fun and can be adapted for all levels! Instructions: Print and cut out the cards below. Have a student choose…
ESL Game: Don’t Say the Words! (Intermediate #2)
This game, similar to Taboo, is a lot of fun and can be adapted for all levels. Instructions: Print and cut out the cards below. Have a student choose a…
ESL Game: Don’t Say the Words! (Intermediate)
This game, similar to Taboo, is a lot of fun and can be adapted for all levels. Instructions: Print and cut out the cards below. Have a student choose…
ESL Game: Don’t Say the Words! (Beginner)
This game, similar to Taboo, is a lot of fun and can be adapted for all levels. Instructions: Print and cut out the cards below. Have a student choose…
ESL Activity: Conversation Cards
Less a game than an "activity," although it can be tweaked to make it enjoyable for the students. (I find that anytime they close their books and get to focus…
ESL Game: “Categories” (Beginner / Intermediate)
This is an incredibly useful and versatile game that can be used for low-intermediate to advanced level students. Instructions: This game is adapted from "Scattergories." First, separate students into teams…