Alibi

This ESL classic is often given as a suggested activity for practising the past continuous tense. However, in my experience, students often revert to the past simple in the heat of the moment. Nevertheless, it’s still an often hilarious game which encourages inventive thinking while posing and answering questions. Inform students that a terrible crime […]

Pit Pat Putt – A Pronunciation Game for Practising Vowel Sounds

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 Crossword Puzzles and How to Make Them

Crossword puzzles are really great for introducing a new theme or grammar point, you can give them out as a warmer while you’re waiting for all the class to arrive, or they make a  handy homework or vocabulary review task. Note: not every student will be familiar with crossword puzzles, so make sure to explain it […]

Snap! (forms of to be)

“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 […]

Engaging ESL Warm-ups and Fillers: Over 30 Creative Ways to Kickstart Your Class

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 […]

The A to Z game – a quick and fun vocabulary race

The A to Z game is a fun and occasionally rowdy vocabulary game and a surefire way to inject some energy into the classroom. It’s ideal as a warmer and is a great way to introduce new topics. Themes might include adjectives,  jobs, food, things you take on holiday, etc. If you like this activity […]