385 - Top 10 Exciting ESL Games for kids

Introduction

Teaching English through engaging games can significantly enhance the learning experience for kids. This tutorial outlines ten exciting ESL games that promote language skills while ensuring students have fun. These activities can be used in classrooms or tutoring sessions to encourage participation and interaction among young learners.

Step 1: Step Forward

1. Have students stand in a line.
2. Take turns asking yes/no questions like "Do you like to draw?" or "Do you like apples?"
3. If a student answers "Yes," they take one step forward.
4. Continue until they reach the teacher.
5. Upon reaching, they say "Nooo..." and all run back to their chairs while the teacher pretends to chase them.

Tip: Ensure that the game remains light-hearted, avoiding any physical contact to respect students' comfort levels.

Step 2: Can I Sit Down?

1. Students line up facing the wall.
2. The teacher stands in front, turning away from them.
3. Students ask "Can I sit down?"
4. The teacher initially responds with "No."
5. After a few rounds, when the teacher says "Yes" and turns quickly, whoever is still standing becomes the next teacher.

Pitfall to Avoid: Ensure students understand they must remain standing until "Yes" is called to maintain the game's flow.

Step 3: Let's Go Jogging

1. Arrange students in a straight line.
2. The teacher holds a flashcard at the front.
3. Each student jogs to touch the card and jogs back to their place.
4. Gradually increase the speed for added excitement.

Safety Note: Make sure the area is clear of obstacles to prevent accidents.

Step 4: Blindfold Tag

1. A blindfolded teacher tries to catch a student while music or a chant plays.
2. If a student is caught, they must answer a question or say a sentence related to the lesson.
3. Display words on the screen or use flashcards if needed.
4. Ensure the playing area is safe by removing furniture.

Step 5: Let's Find a Cat

1. Stick flashcards on the wall, spaced apart.
2. Call a group of kids and say, "Where is the cat?"
3. Students run to touch the card and say, "It's a cat."
4. Continue with different words to keep the game engaging.

Tip: Keep the pace lively to maintain excitement and interest.

Step 6: What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?

1. Students form a line while the teacher sits in front.
2. They take turns asking, "What time is it?"
3. The teacher responds with times like "It's 1 o'clock," stepping forward each time.
4. When the teacher says, "It's time to have lunch," students run back to their seats.

Step 7: Peek-a-Boo Game

1. Students stand in a line and interact with the teacher.
2. When the teacher covers their eyes, students must freeze.
3. If they move or don’t answer quickly, they are out but do not sit down.

Safety Reminder: Monitor children closely to ensure they are not running or moving too quickly.

Step 8: Draw and Color

1. Have students sit at their desks while the teacher demonstrates sentences using Total Physical Response (TPR).
2. Use fun actions like clapping and stomping to help them remember and repeat sentences.

Step 9: Blindfolded See

1. A blindfolded teacher moves around the room.
2. Students ask, "What do you see with?" to encourage sentence practice.
3. This fun activity helps them practice difficult sentences.

Step 10: Juggling

1. Use juggling activities to teach simple sentences or phrases.
2. Kids enjoy catching balls, making it a playful way to reinforce language skills.

Conclusion

Incorporating these ten ESL games into your teaching can make learning English enjoyable and effective for young learners. Each game fosters communication, movement, and critical thinking. Try implementing one or more of these activities in your next lesson to see the positive impact on student engagement and language acquisition. Happy teaching!