{"id":358,"date":"2026-02-23T18:44:41","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T01:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sandbox.bridge.edu\/bridgetefl.com-2017\/blog\/?p=358"},"modified":"2026-02-25T17:44:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T00:44:51","slug":"esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Fun ESL Games and Activities for Kids &#038; Teens"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>Let\u2019s face it \u2013 young learners and teens might not always put learning English as a second language on their favorite activities list. However, ESL games for the classroom can help you incorporate interactive, fun, and memorable review into your lesson plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online TEFL courses<\/a> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-80876dfa-7d85-44ee-a54a-ae96c221e4d7\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#0-how-do-i-make-my-esl-class-interactive\" style=\"\">How do I make my ESL class interactive?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#1-what-can-esl-games-do\" style=\"\">What can ESL games do?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#2-where-can-i-find-esl-games-and-activities-for-children-and-teens\" style=\"\">Where can I find ESL games and activities for children and teens?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#3-what-are-the-best-esl-games-for-teaching-english-to-young-learners\" style=\"\">What are the best ESL games for teaching English to young learners?<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#4-1-whats-missing\" style=\"\">1. What&#8217;s Missing?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#5-2-h-a-n-g-m-a-n\" style=\"\">2. H-A-N-G-M-A-N<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#6-3-categories\" style=\"\">3. Categories<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#7-4-bingo\" style=\"\">4. Bingo<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#8-5-alphabet-relay\" style=\"\">5. Alphabet Relay<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#9-6-memory\" style=\"\">6. Memory<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#10-7-telephone\" style=\"\">7. Telephone<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#11-8-ball-toss\" style=\"\">8. Ball Toss<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#12-what-are-the-best-esl-games-for-teaching-english-to-teenagers\" style=\"\">What are the best ESL games for teaching English to teenagers?<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#13-9-english-only\" style=\"\">9. English Only!<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#14-10-balloon-sentence-race\" style=\"\">10. Balloon Sentence Race<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#15-11-around-the-world\" style=\"\">11. Around the World<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#16-12-hot-potato\" style=\"\">12. Hot Potato<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#17-13-roll-the-dice-make-a-question\" style=\"\">13. Roll the Dice, Make a Question<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#18-14-minimal-pairs\" style=\"\">14. Minimal Pairs<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#19-15-never-ending-story\" style=\"\">15. Never-Ending Story<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/#20-16-your-day-in-emojis\" style=\"\">16. Your Day in Emojis<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-how-do-i-make-my-esl-class-interactive\">How do I make my ESL class interactive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Interactive ESL lessons matter for all levels of English language learners, but they matter especially for younger students and teens. Children have shorter attention spans, and teens may lack the natural motivation that older students have for language learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An interactive class keeps students engaged in the lesson. Here are a few ways to achieve this:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list wcb-button cb-common check-button\" id=\"ub_styled_list-1741c4e8-93fe-4ee6-9c38-27c68b218f82\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-6090fee8-08ef-4433-9779-5010a0dd1909\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Encourage students to speak up by <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-ttt-when-teaching-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reducing teacher talk time<\/a><\/strong> and giving them plenty of opportunities to talk.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-772cb858-7b75-4fd3-829a-b182c7aab618\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Find out what your students are interested in and use it in your class.<\/strong> For example, if you&#8217;re teaching teens a lesson, try using one of their favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-songs-kids-teens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">songs to demonstrate the language point<\/a>.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-afeff7bc-d6a0-4014-ba15-85f0ba3e4a0a\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Use a variety of media<\/strong>, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\/teaching-english-using-podcasts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">podcasts<\/a>, videos, news articles, and music, to keep things interesting and lively.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-2cd2e206-7510-4c9b-9101-d5df27627448\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Offer small <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/reward-system-teaching-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rewards or other incentives to motivate students<\/a>. <\/strong>These can be simple, such as &#8220;If everyone participates at least once today, you can choose three short English videos on YouTube to watch next class.&#8221;<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-660ffa95-46c0-41dd-8ccb-00ca916cf675\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Involve students in the lesson planning.<\/strong> For example, give them two options for activities for the next class and let them vote on which one they want to do. This will make them more invested in the lesson!<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-f302026b-03ea-4a78-b28c-174ed968854a\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Incorporate fun ESL games and activities <\/strong>like the ones we&#8217;ll show you in this article!<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p>A good way to keep your ESL class interactive is to build lessons around student talk, student choice, and a steady shift from students \u201cwatching you teach\u201d to \u201cusing English with purpose.\u201d When you connect tasks to what learners already care about, and you use variety \u2013 audio, video, short texts, movement, and simple incentives \u2013 the whole group feels engaged. Invite students into planning, even in small ways, because ownership often beats speeches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tefl-speaking-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Check out these fun TEFL speaking activities to get your students talking.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template2\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Grupo-6825.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Supercharge your career:<\/h5><h3>Train with Bridge, the Biggest Powerhouse in TEFL<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">Explore Courses<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-what-can-esl-games-do\">What can ESL games do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>ESL activities and games can help students learn when teachers incorporate them into their classroom. Here are a few reasons why games make a good idea for teaching English.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list wcb-button cb-common circle-plus-button\" id=\"ub_styled_list-cc61910f-96ac-4280-8429-32d715be67f6\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-13a729d3-47a1-4879-80fd-985744edbbff\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>ESL activities and games engage students. <\/strong>Because they&#8217;re having fun, students will pay attention and participate more. They probably won&#8217;t even realize they&#8217;re learning!<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-25835c55-f961-4f41-8eaf-458042f4ff02\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Learning through games helps students retain information.<\/strong> Associating English words or sentence structures with certain activities can help kids and teens recall them better.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-4ba2a054-7f51-4680-9e72-f9a35bd80d29\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>English games for kids and teens create a lively environment where students are energetic and don&#8217;t feel as much pressure as they might during other activities.<\/strong> Focusing on having fun means learners might feel more comfortable speaking in English and making mistakes.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e3f3e055-b59d-4536-b983-7f41680147ef\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Playing ESL games with young learners and teens helps you connect with them. <\/strong>By promoting a fun classroom environment, you will cultivate an authentic relationship with your students and motivate them to learn.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/StefanoChin_3-1.jpg\" alt=\"Stefano, an English teacher from Jamaica, teaches young students in China.\" class=\"wp-image-4405\" style=\"width:670px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Teacher Stefano, a Bridge grad, uses ESL games in the classroom to help him connect with his students. <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/from-jamaica-to-china-bridge-graduate-stefano-chin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read his story here.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>ESL games can do more than fill time, because they pull attention toward the language without turning the room into a pressure cooker. Students often retain vocabulary and structures more effectively when they link them to an activity, a challenge, or a quick win that feels memorable. Teachers also build confidence when they normalize mistakes inside a playful format, because learners take more risks when the stakes feel lower. You also strengthen rapport when you share a classroom rhythm that feels lively and human, and create a space where participation becomes the norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-where-can-i-find-esl-games-and-activities-for-children-and-teens\">Where can I find ESL games and activities for children and teens?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for ESL games and activities for kids or teens to incorporate into your classroom, consider the following resources:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list wcb-button cb-common check-button\" id=\"ub_styled_list-4328e66e-0cf3-4fb0-bf87-48478c8361d7\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-afe7116b-8b0e-406f-bd81-260ce09c9edd\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Join Facebook groups for ESL teachers, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/bridge.teo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bridge Teaching English Online Group<\/a>. <\/strong>Other teachers are usually happy to offer advice or share ideas. For example, if you have an upcoming lesson topic and don&#8217;t know which activities would be a good fit, try asking in a Facebook group!<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-a7609950-a437-4a5e-9ff2-b68f31d31b7d\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Use websites that offer <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/free-esl-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free ESL lesson plans<\/a>.<\/strong> Sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/busyteacher.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">BusyTeacher<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usingenglish.com\/teachers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">UsingEnglish<\/a> are great options to get you started, as they have plenty of English games for kindergarteners through adult students.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-f1980e05-20cb-484f-a9a6-a393c7d2f0ab\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Take a TEFL\/TESOL course that includes activity and game ideas.<\/strong> For example, Bridge offers short, <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Micro-credential courses in Games and Activities for the Online Classroom<\/a>.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-86f9ca80-ee57-4631-9b1e-54e474148518\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Ask your students what games they like to play in their free time.<\/strong> Then, adapt these games for your EFL classroom. Just about any game \u2013 Bingo, Taboo, Tic-Tac-Toe, etc. \u2013 can be altered to incorporate English language learning concepts.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p>You can find strong ESL games for kids and teens when you treat your resources like a toolkit, because you only need a few reliable sources that you can adapt quickly. Teacher communities can give you real classroom-tested ideas, and lesson-plan websites offer ready-made activities that you can tweak for level, topic, and timing. Courses and some TEFL websites offer structured collections of games and creative English activities for students that align with clear objectives, saving planning energy when you need it most. Start with your students\u2019 favorite games and reshape the rules around language aims, because familiar formats often produce faster engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/creating-materials-efl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Need help creating your own classroom activities from scratch? Learn more about creating ESL materials for the classroom.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-what-are-the-best-esl-games-for-teaching-english-to-young-learners\">What are the best ESL games for teaching English to young learners?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Young children can be enthusiastic and active learners. Here are some ESL games for kids that are fun and engaging yet not too complex for young learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-1-whats-missing\">1. What&#8217;s Missing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In this memory game, the teacher puts about 10-15 target vocabulary words on the board. The teacher can do this by taping flashcards on the board or by writing the words or drawing pictures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The students line up in front of the board, and the teacher gives them about a minute to try to memorize all the vocabulary words they see. Then, the students must turn around so they can&#8217;t see the board (no peeking!), and the teacher removes one of the words. The students turn back around and must guess what&#8217;s missing. The first student to say the correct word gets a point! (If you use flashcards, you can hand the student the card as an easy way to keep score.)<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 384 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M256 384c9.6-31.9 29.5-59.1 49.2-86.2l0 0c5.2-7.1 10.4-14.2 15.4-21.4c19.8-28.5 31.4-63 31.4-100.3C352 78.8 273.2 0 176 0S0 78.8 0 176c0 37.3 11.6 71.9 31.4 100.3c5 7.2 10.2 14.3 15.4 21.4l0 0C66.5 324.9 86.4 352.1 96 384H256zM176 512c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80V416H96v16c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80zM96 176c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16c0-61.9 50.1-112 112-112c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16c-44.2 0-80 35.8-80 80z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list wcb-button cb-common idea-button\" id=\"ub_styled_list-d3cad681-a20d-4160-a7fb-3063f2a4a5cf\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 384 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M256 384c9.6-31.9 29.5-59.1 49.2-86.2l0 0c5.2-7.1 10.4-14.2 15.4-21.4c19.8-28.5 31.4-63 31.4-100.3C352 78.8 273.2 0 176 0S0 78.8 0 176c0 37.3 11.6 71.9 31.4 100.3c5 7.2 10.2 14.3 15.4 21.4l0 0C66.5 324.9 86.4 352.1 96 384H256zM176 512c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80V416H96v16c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80zM96 176c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16c0-61.9 50.1-112 112-112c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16c-44.2 0-80 35.8-80 80z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-64a5fcd3-d669-423f-97f9-5b63271003c5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 384 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fcb900\" d=\"M256 384c9.6-31.9 29.5-59.1 49.2-86.2l0 0c5.2-7.1 10.4-14.2 15.4-21.4c19.8-28.5 31.4-63 31.4-100.3C352 78.8 273.2 0 176 0S0 78.8 0 176c0 37.3 11.6 71.9 31.4 100.3c5 7.2 10.2 14.3 15.4 21.4l0 0C66.5 324.9 86.4 352.1 96 384H256zM176 512c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80V416H96v16c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80zM96 176c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16c0-61.9 50.1-112 112-112c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16c-44.2 0-80 35.8-80 80z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong> To add variety, have a student come to the board and take the teacher&#8217;s place. You can also use this game to practice grammar, such as by putting verbs on the board and having students say the missing verb in the past tense to get a point.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-2-h-a-n-g-m-a-n\">2. H-A-N-G-M-A-N<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This game gives English language learners practice with vocabulary and spelling skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have one student think of a word in their head.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have this student count how many letters are in the word and then draw underscore marks on the board for each letter in the word.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The other students then take turns guessing letters from the alphabet that they think may be in the chosen word.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If they guess a correct letter, it is written above the corresponding underscore marks and that student then gets a chance to guess what the word is.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If they guess an incorrect letter, it is noted on the board, and one part of the stick figure hangman is drawn.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The game goal is to guess the word before a full stick figure is drawn, \u201changing\u201d the man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To put a little twist on the game, draw a person with a parachute. Draw the same number of strings attaching the person to the parachute as the number of letters in the chosen word. The other students then take turns guessing letters from the alphabet that they think may be in the chosen word. If they guess a correct letter, it&#8217;s written above the corresponding underscore, and that student then gets a chance to guess what the word is. If they guess an incorrect letter, it is noted on the board, and one of the parachute strings is erased. The game goal is to guess the word before the person loses all of their parachute strings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/last-minute-esl-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>No time to plan before class? Try these last-minute ESL lesson plans that can be adapted for any group.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/MarilenaMoraru_5-1.jpg\" alt=\"ESL Teacher Using Songs in class with her young learners\n\" class=\"wp-image-2411\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/MarilenaMoraru_5-1.jpg 560w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/MarilenaMoraru_5-1-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 560px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Learning through an ESL class game helps students retain information long-term. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-3-categories\">3. Categories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This game gives students another fun way to practice vocabulary. Brainstorm with your students to come up with a list of categories (maybe from new vocabulary you have recently taught), and write each category on a flashcard. Examples could be colors, jobs, or verbs. Choose two students to stand up. Call out a category and a letter of the alphabet (for example, \u201ccolors\u201d and \u201cb\u201d). The first student who comes up with something from within that category that begins with the letter is the winner and remains standing. Choose another student to face the winner, then repeat with a new category and letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-vocabulary-games\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get even more vocabulary ESL game ideas for in-person or online teaching.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-4-bingo\">4. Bingo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can create bingo cards and a call sheet or print them from a website like <a href=\"https:\/\/bingobaker.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Bingo Baker<\/a> for this classic game adapted for young learners. For your call sheet, you can use the usual numbers and letters or get more creative with the vocabulary you have recently taught. For very young students, use pictures instead of words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cut up the call sheet and put the squares into a hat. Give each student a bingo card as well as something to mark their card with. Allow each student a turn to be the \u201ccaller.\u201d Have the caller pick one square at a time from the hat and call out what is on the square. The other students listen for what is called and mark the word or image on their card. The first student to mark their entire bingo card calls out \u201cBingo!\u201d and is the winner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/planning-online-esl-games-teens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Feeling stuck when planning games? Follow this checklist and make sure they all work.<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-5-alphabet-relay\">5. Alphabet Relay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Divide your students into two groups to play this ESL game for children. Give each group pieces of paper, and have each group write the letters of the alphabet on the paper to make flashcards. Shuffle each group of flashcards and place them in two piles on one side of the room. Have each group line up on the opposite side of the room. On the word \u201cGo,\u201d the first student in each line has to run across the room, find the letter A, and bring it back to their group. The next student finds the letter B, and so on. The first group to get to Z wins!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnnaKosogorova_circletime.jpg\" alt=\"Anna, teaches kids English in Vietnam.\" class=\"wp-image-1743\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3333449465212694;width:598px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnnaKosogorova_circletime.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnnaKosogorova_circletime-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/AnnaKosogorova_circletime-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Fun activities for ESL students build rapport between the teacher and students.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-6-memory\">6. Memory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick five small objects and hide them under a piece of cloth. Show the objects to your students for a minute or two and then cover up the objects again. See how many of the objects your students can remember. Add more objects to make the game more challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-7-telephone\">7. Telephone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Students form a circle and one student starts by whispering a sentence into the ear of the student next to them. Have students incorporate at least one new vocabulary word or the newly learned grammar structure in their sentences. The second student then whispers the same sentence in the next student\u2019s ear, and so on. At the end of the circle, have the last student say the sentence aloud and see how close (or hilariously far) it is from the original sentence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-teaching-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Need ideas for the virtual classroom? Here are some low-prep ESL games for teaching online.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-8-ball-toss\">8. Ball Toss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep an inflatable ball in your classroom (or use something else, like a balled-up piece of paper, in a pinch!). Choose a question\/instruction based on the lesson\/level you just taught, e.g., \u201cName a fruit!\u201d The student must answer and then toss the ball to another student to answer. Change the question mid-game. The random nature of the ball toss keeps students on their toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You keep young learners focused when you give them simple rules, clear goals, and quick turns, because they need structure even when the activity feels playful. You build language gains when you choose games that recycle the same target items repeatedly, since repetition hides inside the fun and still does the learning work. You also reduce behavior issues when you keep transitions tight and roles clear, because \u201cWhat do I do now?\u201d often causes more chaos than the game itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\/teaching-online-games-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check out the Micro-credential Games and Activities for the Online Classroom (Young Learners).<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-what-are-the-best-esl-games-for-teaching-english-to-teenagers\">What are the best ESL games for teaching English to teenagers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Teenagers and students with more experience with English typically use it more productively and communicatively. These ESL games for teens can be a great way to get your learners involved in the classroom and prompt them to use their knowledge of English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/RichardAllen_class-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two teen ESL students play a game of charades in front of the classroom.\" class=\"wp-image-2668\" style=\"width:547px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/RichardAllen_class-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/RichardAllen_class-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 900px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Teen students play ESL games in the classroom.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-9-english-only\">9. English Only!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Turn it into a competition to speak only English during the whole period. Keep a tally on the whiteboard for each time a student speaks in their native tongue. This keeps them focusing on English, and fellow students even turn into \u201cEnglish police.\u201d To turn it into a reward\/consequences game that everyone can enjoy, have the student with the most tallies bring a treat for the whole class next time. Cookies for everyone!<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 384 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M256 384c9.6-31.9 29.5-59.1 49.2-86.2l0 0c5.2-7.1 10.4-14.2 15.4-21.4c19.8-28.5 31.4-63 31.4-100.3C352 78.8 273.2 0 176 0S0 78.8 0 176c0 37.3 11.6 71.9 31.4 100.3c5 7.2 10.2 14.3 15.4 21.4l0 0C66.5 324.9 86.4 352.1 96 384H256zM176 512c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80V416H96v16c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80zM96 176c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16c0-61.9 50.1-112 112-112c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16c-44.2 0-80 35.8-80 80z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-5a061349-ab8f-478e-b4b0-2d1bfdf08d2b\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 384 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M256 384c9.6-31.9 29.5-59.1 49.2-86.2l0 0c5.2-7.1 10.4-14.2 15.4-21.4c19.8-28.5 31.4-63 31.4-100.3C352 78.8 273.2 0 176 0S0 78.8 0 176c0 37.3 11.6 71.9 31.4 100.3c5 7.2 10.2 14.3 15.4 21.4l0 0C66.5 324.9 86.4 352.1 96 384H256zM176 512c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80V416H96v16c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80zM96 176c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16c0-61.9 50.1-112 112-112c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16c-44.2 0-80 35.8-80 80z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-9a342de6-5d44-44a6-b8e0-51e8e41297fc\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 384 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fcb900\" d=\"M256 384c9.6-31.9 29.5-59.1 49.2-86.2l0 0c5.2-7.1 10.4-14.2 15.4-21.4c19.8-28.5 31.4-63 31.4-100.3C352 78.8 273.2 0 176 0S0 78.8 0 176c0 37.3 11.6 71.9 31.4 100.3c5 7.2 10.2 14.3 15.4 21.4l0 0C66.5 324.9 86.4 352.1 96 384H256zM176 512c44.2 0 80-35.8 80-80V416H96v16c0 44.2 35.8 80 80 80zM96 176c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16c0-61.9 50.1-112 112-112c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16c-44.2 0-80 35.8-80 80z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong> You can extend learning beyond the classroom with a language app like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flowspeak.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">FLOW Speak<\/a>, which provides a fun, low-stakes way for students to practice conversations in English. Students complete short, 2-7 minute conversation activities while the app uses voice recording technology to analyze responses and provide instant, AI-powered feedback. Students enjoy the conversation activities and can practice lessons repeatedly to work on sounding natural. Teachers can access the app&#8217;s admin dashboard to track progress and plan activities around areas of need highlighted by the app. Language apps like these are a fun, simple way to build students&#8217; confidence and supplement classroom instruction. <\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-10-balloon-sentence-race\">10. Balloon Sentence Race<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This high-energy game (from the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bridge Specialized TEFL\/TESOL Certification Course in Teaching Teenagers<\/a>) incorporates balloon popping and cell phones, so it&#8217;s perfect for teens or young adults. It can also be adapted to a variety of language levels and target grammar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/321304072?color=ffffff&amp;title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students play the game in the following way:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list wcb-button cb-common arrow-button\" id=\"ub_styled_list-e694c86a-b402-48b2-9266-dce6506240aa\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-9db95ca0-786a-4064-b5e3-3de2dd64b8bb\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">When the teacher says &#8220;go,&#8221; the students race to the board to grab a balloon and bring it back to the table.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-5b70640f-1bff-4da7-8f62-52cc557e6c83\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Each student pops his or her balloon to access the paper strips inside, which have words on them.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-ec6d472f-5dad-45e1-ab1c-7f20bcd7704d\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Students must race to arrange the words on the pieces of paper into a correctly-formed question (for example, &#8220;What&#8217;s the longest word in the English language?&#8221;).<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-d2797f36-0564-4d8d-aa97-59263701be36\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Once they&#8217;ve formed the question correctly, students must use their cell phones to look up the answer.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 448 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-ce27f0ca-b396-44ec-b5fe-45eead299147\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M438.6 278.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L370.7 256 233.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0l160-160zm-352 160l160-160c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L178.7 256 41.4 393.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">The first student to tell the teacher the correct answer to the question wins!<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-grammar-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Learn how to create ESL grammar lesson plans for any group.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template3\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-teach-online-games-young-learners\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ebook-Teaching-Online-Games-and-Activities-Suite-TOGAS-Young-Learners.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Infuse fun into your lessons with this free eBook sample<\/h5><h3>Teaching Online Games and Activities \u2013 Young Learners<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-teach-online-games-young-learners\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">download<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-11-around-the-world\">11. Around the World<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Have one student stand next to a seated student. The standing student must make it around the world (around the class) by correctly answering the question before each seated student does. An example of a question might be \u201cWhat is the correct past tense ending of [insert an infinitive verb]?\u201d Change the verb with each turn. If the standing student can answer correctly enough times to make it around the class, they have won! If a standing student is defeated by the seated student, they switch places, and it is the new student\u2019s turn to try to make it around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-teaching-methods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Not sure how to improve your lessons even further? Read about the most popular and effective ESL teaching methods and choose the one that fits your needs.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-12-hot-potato\">12. Hot Potato<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pass a ball or other object around the room, and the student with the ball has to answer a question, ask a question, or draw a prompt out of a bag when the music stops \u2013 you decide, though it is best to stick to one format for the duration of the game!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/lesson-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"An EFL teacher playing a game with young students in Asia.\" class=\"wp-image-5088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/lesson-2-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/lesson-2-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Incorporating ESL games creates a more engaged, relaxed atmosphere for English language learners.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-13-roll-the-dice-make-a-question\">13. Roll the Dice, Make a Question<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Write the numbers one through six on the board and a different question word (who, what, why, where, when, how) next to each one. When a student rolls the dice, he or she needs to make a question with the corresponding question word. Then, the student will call on a classmate to answer it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-teach-online-games-teenagers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Download the free eBook, Teaching Online Games and Activities (TOGAS) \u2013 Teenagers, and get even more ideas.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-14-minimal-pairs\">14. Minimal Pairs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use minimal pairs (words that sound similar and are often mispronounced by EFL learners) to make a list on the board. Examples: 1. very 2. berry 3. kitchen 4. chicken 5. three 6. tree 7. sixty 8. sixteen 9. sit 10. six. Students must write a number five or six digits long and then say their number using only the corresponding words. For example, if the student&#8217;s number is 23354, they&#8217;d have to say &#8220;berry, kitchen, kitchen, three, chicken.&#8221; Students take turns listening and trying to guess the other student\u2019s number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-pronunciation-games\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Check out other ESL pronunciation games to make your class stand out.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-15-never-ending-story\">15. Never-Ending Story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Students form a circle (either as a whole class or in small groups). Write a sentence that could start a story, ideally incorporating vocabulary or grammar from the day\u2019s lesson. Give the sentence to the first student, who continues the story by writing the second sentence before she passes it to the next student, who continues. At the end of the circle, have a student read the completed story. It is sure to get a laugh!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20-16-your-day-in-emojis\">16. Your Day in Emojis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use your phone to make a pictorial representation of any day in your recent past using only emojis. Take a screenshot, and then share it with your students (either give them handouts or display it on your screen if teaching online). Individually, with a partner, or in groups, have students create simple past-tense sentences about your emojis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"604\" height=\"214\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/emojis.jpg\" alt=\"A speech bubble full of emojis for an ESL emojis game.\" class=\"wp-image-30267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/emojis.jpg 604w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/emojis-480x170.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 604px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, using the photo above, which represents a Saturday, they could say something like, \u201cShe slept in. She woke up and ate breakfast. She watched some TV and took a shower. Then, she went to the park for a run. Next, she went home and read while she listened to music. Later, she got a coffee with her friends. Finally, she went home and slept.\u201d It\u2019s funny to see what your students come up with! Whichever student\/pair\/team is closest to correct wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Afterward, have students make an emoji pictorial of their weekends (or any day in the near past) on their phones. Then, see if the other students can figure out what they did from the emojis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teens get involved when teachers give them tasks that feel fast, social, and slightly competitive, because teenagers often respond well to momentum and challenge. The teacher should keep the language output meaningful by setting clear communicative aims, so games push learners to use English rather than to hide behind it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teachers may also gain traction when they let learners use familiar tools \u2013 phones, music, quick searches \u2013 while keeping boundaries clear, because structure keeps the class from turning into free time. Stronger participation is built when teachers frame games as a way to show what students can do, not as a way to act like kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping young students interested and engaged can be a difficult task, but you help everyone in the classroom (including yourself) when you do, because students participate more, take more language risks, and build confidence through consistent success. When you choose games that match your language aim and classroom reality, you create a routine that supports learning instead of distracting from it, and fun ESL games and activities also make teaching more sustainable, because a class that feels engaged and connected usually gives you better learning (and a better day).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"21-looking-for-more-tefl-ideas-for-teaching-kids-and-teens-check-out-the-bridge-specialized-tefl-certificate-in-teaching-english-to-young-learners-and-teenagers-\"><em>Looking for more TEFL ideas for teaching kids and teens? <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check out the Bridge Specialized TEFL Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners and Teenagers.<\/a><\/em><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learning English as a second language probably won&#8217;t make young learners&#8217; and teens&#8217; list of top three favorite activities, but incorporating games into your lessons is a great way to help young students review what they&#8217;ve learned in an interactive, fun, and memorable way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":41717,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,10],"tags":[645,650,651,176,628,617,350,354],"post-language":[685],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-358","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-classroom-games-activities","category-pedagogy","tag-elt-games","tag-games-for-children","tag-games-for-teens","tag-lesson-planning","tag-resources","tag-teaching-groups","tag-teaching-teens","tag-teaching-young-learners","post-language-english"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WP-Images-Edit.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Bridge","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/bridgetefl\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=358"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41735,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/358\/revisions\/41735"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=358"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=358"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}