EFL / ESL games have a key role to play in today’s classroom, and not just for kids. In the modern world student attention is more divided than ever, so it’s imperative we create a fun, engaging learning environment.
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There’s no doubt that we have to be mindful of our surroundings and the mindset of our students when choosing ESL classroom games; sometimes the situation may call for a more focused, serious approach. But there are significant benefits to be had, not least that many students lose their inhibitions more in a competitive situation.
English language games are not just a time-filler; there is real value in practising your current grammar or vocabulary topic in this way. Not only does it force students to process language at speed, but the way they break up the class will leave students refreshed and invigorated for the next piece of work.
Of course to achieve the maximum amount of value from a game you need to find something well-suited to your class – and the way we organise our resources will allow you to do just that. Maybe you want specifically want ESL games for advanced students, or ESL games to practice the present perfect? Simply filter below by student level, or your current target language.
Our website offers a wide range of ESL games for adults and kids alike, and many are suitable for any age group. However, if you’re looking specifically for ESL games for kids, click the ‘kids’ filter, and the page will only display games suitable for kids.
Whether it be a warmer, a fun way to review specific grammar or vocabulary, or just a time-filler, we’ve got what you’re looking for. Check out our activities, projects, and conversation ideas too! Here’s a list of fun ESL games for your English classroom.
If you’re teaching adults, take a look at our article on the 15 Best ESL Games for Adults.
Looking for interactive online ESL games? Check out our interactive section.
Level:
The Back Draw Telephone ESL game is a version of Telephone for practising numbers and letters with beginner level kids.
Use the Bingo ESL game to practise any kind of vocabulary pairs, including ordinal numbers, nationalities, phonics, and antonyms.
The Board Race ESL game is a flexible, active way to start the class and/or practise vocabulary.
In the Catch And Count ESL game, students throw a ball around, continuing a count whenever it is caught.
The Go Fish ESL game is a version of the classic card game, in which students have to get four numbers/vocabulary items of the same type.
In the Hot And Cold Numbers ESL game, students guess numbers from temperature clues.
In the Numbers Board Slap ESL game, students slap the correct number on the board when it is called out.
The Red Light Green Light ESL game is a version of the well known children’s game (also known as Statues), in which students have to write instead of running.
Based on the long-running TV game show, The Price Is Right ESL game involves students guessing the price of products.
The Twenty-One ESL game is a version of a popular party game in which counting gets harder and harder as numbers are replaced by other words/sounds/gestures.
Also known as What Time Is It Mr Fox, the What Time Is It Mr Wolf ESL game is the classic game of tag that’s great for younger kids.