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!” 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 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 […]
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 […]
These lying games work so well in an English class because they require student to form purposeful questions, while the interrogated student is challenged to use their creativity as well as heroic acts of keeping a straight face. Before playing one of these games, you could set the students this question to discuss in pairs […]
The Categories Game is one of those essential activities that you can pull out of your bag (although no materials are needed) and will nicely fill up a 20-40 minute slot. I’ve played this game with students of all ages and levels and it has always been a success. This team game is based on the popular party game Scattergories and is […]
ESL Taboo is a simplified version of the popular board game. It’s a lively crowd-pleaser and it’s perfect for reviewing and reactivating vocabulary, as well as forcing students into speaking freely without over-analysing their output. See below for some ready-made, printable Taboo cards. Also, check out picture taboo for a twist on this popular activity. […]
