Three More Easy Games and Activities for ESL Classrooms

As I wrote in another article, it's a well-known fact that students retain more information if they have fun while they're learning. One of the best ways to make a lesson fun is by incorporating a game into it. That's what I'm here for! The following game suggestions are not only easy to explain and prepare, but they are inexpensive and sure to be a hit with your students.

1.) Bomb Game

This is one of the games that get the students really riled up! That can be a good thing, especially after lunch or for a class that's especially quiet. Here's what you do: Make a board that has 6-10 vertical rows and the same amount of horizontal rows. Place either points (1-5) or "bombs" in the grid and cover each one with numbered post it notes. You will also need to prepare a list of questions pertinent to the subject matter.

Divide the class into two teams and give each team an item (a stuffed animal, paddle, flashcard, etc). Choose one person from each team to compete. Ask a question and whoever raises the item first is able to answer the question. If s/he answers correctly then that person gets to choose a number. Lift the number and see how many points that team gets. If they get a bomb, they lose all their points! (You can make a double bomb where both teams lose all their points).

2.) Sentence Scrabble

This game is great for advanced learners. To prepare, come up with a list of 20-25 words and print them out. Cut them up and place them in a bag. Create as many sets as needed. This game works best for groups of 3-6 people. Hand out a bag to each group. In five minutes, the students must make as many sentences as they can. The team with the most grammatically correct sentences is the winner!

Another variation of this is to say a sentence. The students must the find the words to make the sentence and glue the pieces of paper onto a sheet. Once they are finished they must hold it up. Whichever group finishes first gets a point.

3.) Memorizing Game

I love this game for days when I need a rest from all that shouting kids tend to do! In order to prepare for this game, all you need to do is make a picture (either with PDF, Paint, Publisher, PPT, etc.) that has a bunch of items. The items should be from the current subject you are teaching. Let the students look at the screen for 15-30 seconds and then remove the picture. They must write down all the objects they can remember. Whoever has the most is the winner. You can also do this with teams.

Good luck! Feel free to check out my other articles on Associated Content regarding ESL. There are other game ideas and survival tips!