I found this pronunciation game on The Internet TESL Journal, it’s a great way of drawing attention to, and practising, vowel sounds. Click on the pronunciation tab above for more pronunciation activities. For this activity, you will need a list of ten one syllable words which differ only in the vowel sound. Here are some examples. Choose […]
ESL crosswords are a great way to review vocabulary, reinforce grammar structures, or introduce new topics in a fun, focused way. You can use them as warmers while waiting for late arrivals, as quick fillers, or assign them as homework for extra language exposure. They’re ideal for reviewing grammar points like the past simple, present […]
“Snap!” is an effective activity for helping ESL students practice short answers and different forms of the verb “be.” Follow these simple steps to set up and play the game: Remember to demonstrate how to play with one of the pairs before letting your students play. With a bit of practice, your students will become […]
Warm-up activities play a crucial role in the English language classroom. Students often arrive to class feeling tired or preoccupied, making it important to gently transition them into the learning environment rather than diving straight into challenging grammar or vocabulary tasks. A well-designed warm-up can engage students, sparking their interest and encouraging active participation. It […]
Tic Tac Toe is a fun and easy game that can be used to review a variety of grammar forms, including irregular forms of the past simple. To play this game, you will need two teams of 1-4 players, with one team playing as Xs and the other as Os. Begin by drawing a classic […]
The A to Z game is a fast-paced vocabulary activity that gets students thinking, moving, and often shouting (in a good way). It’s a fantastic classroom warmer, great for reviewing vocabulary or introducing new topics. You can use it with just about any theme — from jobs to adjectives, food, or things you take on […]
This recipe game is based on a suggestion from the absolutely essential teacher’s resource book 700 Classroom Activities. This fun activity lets learners get creative while practising food vocabulary and presentation skills. What to do Put students into pairs or threes and tell them that they are going to write a shopping list, then write on the board […]
The expert game is a fantastic speaking activity that get your students chatting merrily to each other about things that are close to their hearts. It’s always gratifying to hear an English class abuzz with conversation and this activity never fails. Fold a piece of A4 paper in half so it can be propped up […]
Lying games work brilliantly in an English class because they push students to ask purposeful, well-formed questions. Meanwhile, the “liar” must rely on creativity—and sometimes heroic efforts—to keep a straight face. Before starting one of these games, get students thinking by asking them to discuss this question in pairs or small groups: How can you […]
The Categories Game is one of those essential no-prep ESL activities that every teacher should have ready. It’s simple, fun, adaptable, and ideal for filling a 20–40 minute slot in any lesson. I’ve played this game with students of all ages and levels, and it always gets them thinking, laughing, and speaking. This team-based vocabulary […]
