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 all ages, and it’s a great icebreaking activity for new classes or when new students enter a class.

Have each of the students introduce themselves and choose an object or word to be their symbol. (For example, I could say, “Brian” and “orange” because my favorite color is orange.) After everyone has introduced him/herself, including the teacher, say someone’s symbol. That person must then say another person’s symbol, and so on. If someone hesitates or says the wrong symbol, they are out. (For a “punishment,” you could have them try to say everyone’s name, or symbol.)