Fun Esl Activities

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What outdoor activities can help to teach English? I would like to say that there are plenty of outdoor activities that are effective to teach English. However, many teachers prefer indoor activities rather than outdoor, as they think that it might distract the students. Nonetheless, outdoor activities can increase their motivation for learning. Also, it helps to decrease their stress level, as they do not have to stay in the classroom as usual.Table of Contents Freewriting time Flashcard game 'Stand up if you've ever' game Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sarosh Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas When teaching young learners, it's important not to spend too much time on any one activity as they can soon lose interest. It is also a good idea to have activities that give younger learners the chance to move about and use the boundless energy they have at that age. Below we present a list of short activities suitable for young and very young learners of English.Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: What's the Time Mr. Wolf? Telephone Basketball Volleyball Bingo Can you …? I Spy Odd One Out Stand Up Please Mastermind Blindfold Obstacle Course Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This is a good activity for practicing time with small classes....  [Read more]

  Online ESL Activities: Are you an online English teacher? Do you want your students to enjoy and have fun? Then, this live stream is for you! Our TEFL/TESOL expert, Liza, will share five interactive activities that you will be able to use at your next class. Great news that these games will suit any age group and level. Don't miss! #TEFL#BestTEFL #TeachEnglishOnline 00:00-00:48 Mic was off 00:48-01:00 Intro Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Click here and get started today: https://bit.ly/37gs5vO What is TEFL Certification? Where is it valid: https://bit.ly/36ma2Fg Check out our wide range of TEFL Courses: https://bit.ly/3ltqt73 Teach English online from anywhere you want: https://bit.ly/3ltqEPL Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas You will find the web full of ideas for teaching vocabulary and, although most of them are undoubtedly good activities, some are only suited to a particular level. Here are some tried and tested activities that can be adapted to suit any level of student and a variety of class sizes.Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: 1. Hot seat 2. Beat the clock 3. Crosswords 4. Board games 5. Slow Pictionary 6. Vocabulary tennis 7. Pelmanism ("Concentration") Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This is a great activity that can be used as a warm-up at the beginning of a class, or as a game at the end of a lesson. It's suitable for any class size over 4 students and requires...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas The following activities may be adapted for use as warmers, engage activities, structured practice or free practice style activities. They may also be adapted for level and age.Table of Contents Watch the video about this topic Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! The first one is really simple but can be one of the best activities to improve grammar. Some students even at the higher levels are lacking automatic habits, which are really important for grammatical skill. Basically this activity is a grammar drill and it is supposed to be used as a warmer or as an ice-breaker activity. The main objective is to help your students automate...  [Read more]

  Online ESL Activities: Are you an online English teacher? Do you want your students to enjoy and have fun? Then, this live stream is for you! Our TEFL/TESOL expert, Liza, will share five interactive activities that you will be able to use at your next class. Great news that these games will suit any age group and level. Don't miss! #TEFL#BestTEFL #TeachEnglishOnline 00:00-00:48 Mic was off 00:48-01:00 Intro Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Click here and get started today: bit.ly/37gs5vO What is TEFL Certification? Where is it valid: bit.ly/36ma2Fg Check out our wide range of TEFL Courses: bit.ly/3ltqt73 Teach English online from anywhere you want: bit.ly/3ltqEPL Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Raijmond W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.Table of Contents 1. Game for liars 2. Get on the other side of the bridge 3. Memory challenge 4. Keyword race 5. More for listening skills Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: The liar game is a flashcard activity that can be used to drill vocabulary. This activity is ideal for vocabulary that a teacher is introducing as the activity involves repeating after the teacher. For this activity, the teacher should clap twice, point to a flashcard and say the vocabulary word. If the word and the flashcard match, students should clap twice and repeat the word....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The purpose of flashcards is rather simple and mundane; we use flashcards to introduce and review vocabulary or concepts. My first language teacher said, "The only way to learn a foreign language is repetition, repetition, repetition." Can't argue with that. Unfortunately, it can be really… repetitious and boring. But, if you watch children playing, they'll show you how to make it fun.Table of Contents Images Double-sided or single-sided cards? Multiple Sets 3 Types of Flash Card Activities Matching Ordering and Sorting Guessing Other Ideas I call these activities, as opposed to games, as they don't involve dice or rules of play. More Games Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Flashcards can be great tools for eliciting vocabulary, but teachers should not overlook the numerous other uses for these great tools. Flashcard games can add excitement to young learners' classes. The following activities are aimed to drill the vocabulary in the second study phase of the lesson, after the elicitation of vocabulary.Table of Contents 1. Game for liars 2. Get on the other side of the bridge 3. Memory challenge 4. Keyword race 5. More for listening skills Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kiyomi Ann H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The liar game is a flashcard activity that can...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Flashcards are an integral part of teaching English as a second language, and the variety of uses of cards is innumerable. Flashcard-based activities help teachers to make lessons fun, engaging, and therefore more effective. According to numerous studies conducted in different countries, and by various linguists, there are several types of students with varying abilities of memory and types of mind. And usually many of these types are represented within any one class, which leads us to the conclusion that the teacher should address each of them during the lesson.Table of Contents Reasons to Use Additional Resources Examples of Games Name the Card Match up Couples Sort and Name Funny steps Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Teaching Ideas Throughout this course, my favorite units have been the ones that teach us how to lead an effective lesson and have a fun classroom environment. I love all the suggestions and teaching ideas they give, and it excites me to think about using those for my future lessons. For that reason, I chose the topic of five activities with flashcards. This essay will be a perfect opportunity for me to delve further into my favorite part of this class and plan some fun things to do. When I move abroad I plan on teaching young children, mainly kindergarten-aged, so my five activities will be geared towards young learners. They need way more energy, fun, and excitement in their lessons than teenage or adult learners because their attention spans are so short, so I tried to...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas To keep the Activate Stage more fun and lively, offer your students one of these cool speaking activities. They will definitely enjoy the conversation and get creative with the tasks. Remember that any of these exercises can be easily used online.Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: 1. Teacher For a Day 2. Describe a Picture 3. Redo Your Talk 4. TripAdvisor 5. Communal Story Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Students share their ideas on how to make class more interesting and engaging. Let them discuss an ideal day in your ESL class and then propose their ideas to you. Give each student an unusual photograph...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Activities bring your classroom to life. They provide meaningful and fun use of language. Children learn through play and it is how adults learn, too. Acting, moving, having fun help learners effectively participate in the lesson, and retain what is being taught.Table of Contents The following are 5 activities with flashcards in the classroom: 1. Cups and cards (young kids): 2. Picture word match race: 3. Slam: 4. Four Corners: 5. Shopping: Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Trang M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Place the 3 cups in a row in front of your students. Tell your students to watch...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The idea of flashcards is essentially very simple. They are meant to introduce vocabulary and review existing vocabulary already learned in the classroom. Other than this, flashcards can be placed around the classroom for students' reference when performing activities. They may be used in drilling activities as well but this may also get boring for the students, and should be mainly used for sparking creativity and classroom games. Some of the possible flashcard ideas include, and are not limited to the following;Table of Contents Name cards The missing card activity The final flashcard activity Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hussein D. Please note that...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Here are four fun Easter activities for ESL students.   Grab this printable ESL worksheet with four Easter-themed activities for your ESL students.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Enhance your English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching skills with engaging classroom activities that will keep your students motivated and eager to learn. From interactive games to creative projects, incorporating a variety of activities into your lessons can make the learning process enjoyable and effective. Discover a range of classroom activities designed to improve language skills, build confidence, and foster a positive learning environment for ESL students. 1. Introduction 2. Vocabulary Building Activities 3. Speaking and Listening Exercises 4. Writing and Reading Tasks One of the key components of language learning is vocabulary acquisition. Engage your ESL students with fun and interactive vocabulary building activities such as word matching games, flashcards, and word...  [Read more]

1. Importance of Workshop Activities in ESL Teaching 2. Types of Workshop Activities for ESL Teaching 3. How to Implement Workshop Activities Effectively in ESL Teaching 4. Tips for Creating Engaging and Effective Workshop Activities Workshop activities play a crucial role in ESL teaching as they provide students with opportunities to practice language skills in a dynamic and interactive environment. These activities help students improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while also fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. By engaging in workshop activities, students can apply the language learned in a meaningful context, leading to better retention and mastery of the language. Additionally, workshop activities can cater to different learning styles...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas The simple past is one of the most important tenses in the English language. As it describes past actions, it's quite an easy tense to teach using a variety of fun and interactive activities. Here are 7 activities for teaching the simple past for the ESL classroom.Table of Contents 1. Preparations 2. Good Days and Bad Days 3. Charades Series 4. Dear Diary 5. Get Out and About 6. Accurate Endings 7. Double Duty Review Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: For more activities check out: 10 Exciting Activities for the Past Simple For this activity, the students think of significant accomplishments in their lives. After sharing with the class what they have accomplished, the students should describe what they did in...  [Read more]

1. Importance of Vocabulary Expansion in ESL Teaching 2. Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary 3. Using Technology to Enhance Vocabulary Learning 4. Activities for Vocabulary Expansion Vocabulary is a crucial component of language learning as it enables students to communicate effectively and comprehend written and spoken language. In ESL teaching, expanding vocabulary is essential for students to progress from basic to advanced levels. A rich vocabulary enhances students' ability to express themselves accurately and fluently. It also boosts their confidence in using the language in various contexts. As an ESL teacher, it is important to prioritize vocabulary expansion in your lesson plans to ensure comprehensive language development for your students. There are various strategies that ESL...  [Read more]

Shirin Sophy Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Today's pedagogical approaches put considerable emphasis upon the importance of providing students with the opportunity to have a joyful educational experience through adding enough and well-located variety to the lessons. One practical way to do so is designing and adding aimful games to your plan in order to inject positive energy into your lessons, improve the mood of your class and make your lessons stick in students' long-term memory.Table of Contents Pizza game Hot seat Hot potato Spelling games Whisper chain Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Since not only young learners but also grownups enjoy playing fun games while taking...  [Read more]

1. Introduction to ESL Games and Activities 2. Benefits of Using Games and Activities in ESL Teaching 3. Types of ESL Games and Activities 4. Tips for Incorporating Games and Activities in ESL Lessons Introducing games and activities in ESL classrooms can make learning English engaging, interactive, and fun for students of all ages. By incorporating these interactive elements, teachers can create a dynamic learning environment that enhances language acquisition and retention. There are numerous benefits to incorporating games and activities in ESL teaching. These include promoting active learning, improving student engagement, fostering collaboration and communication skills, enhancing vocabulary retention, and making the learning process enjoyable. By integrating games and activities...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas In a previous post, we looked at various teaching ideas for future simple and here we're going to describe some fun ideas for teaching three other future tenses. There are a wide variety of usages for future tenses and it's always important to make sure your activities focus on the usages that you've taught in your lesson. For example, future continuous can be used to talk about an ongoing action at a point in the future, a fixed future event, polite enquiries or to predict the future or the present. Predicting the present is one that students often have trouble conceptualizing, so we might as well start from there.Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Predicting the present Ongoing action at a point in the future Expected achievements at a point in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas It is effortless to get into a rhythm of teaching a certain way and relying heavily on your resources at hand. As a relatively new teacher, I spend a lot of time with the help (mainly books) I am provided, and in lessons, I teach the content necessary to complete a given objective. I often rely on the readers for additional activities, transitions, and traditional book work. While the students never spend the entire class with their noses in the books, I felt that we were not having quite as much fun as we could. Studies began to feel a bit stale, and interest seemed to be diminishing. So, I decided to conduct a small experiment and discovered something extraordinary. There is hope for bringing the excitement back to...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Storytelling can be useful to enhance students' imaginations as well as improve a wide variety of skills such as listening, comprehension, order, memory, and vocabulary. It is targeted for all ages, but best to start earliest possible to allow students to develop a liking towards reading. Storytelling can come with different forms of follow-up activities to further increase teaching efficiency as well as to check understanding of the students through elicitation. This essay will be focused on mainly storytelling activities for young learners in schools.Table of Contents Activities Experience Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jin K. Please note that this blog...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When I started writing this essay I found loads of interesting material on this topic and I think later on I will look for many more articles and books to learn more about this fascinating world of storytelling.Table of Contents What are Stories for? Storytelling and School Subjects Resources Another activity was the Autobiography of Anything Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Olha K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. If you think about storytelling, you notice that the passing down of stories from generation to generation from century to century taught us history, culture, skills, and knowledge....  [Read more]

 Table of Contents The Importance of Play in Teaching Engaging Students Through Games Benefits of Incorporating Play Implementing Play in ESL Lessons Creating a Playful Learning Environment Using Technology for Interactive Play Adapting Games for Language Learning Encouraging Collaboration Through Play Assessing Learning Through Play Conclusion: Play as a Powerful Teaching Tool Integrating play into teaching English as a foreign language can significantly enhance students' learning experiences. Play allows students to engage with the language in a fun and interactive way, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective. By incorporating play into lessons, teachers can create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment that motivates students to actively participate and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Learning English is often a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be boring or something to trudge through. By making English lessons fun and engaging, the students will be more motivated to learn the subject matter. Some ways that the teacher can make learning fun include playing games and turning activities into contests with positive reinforcements like prizes or additional game time.Table of Contents 1. Memory matching. 2. Charades 3. Slap it! 4. Telephone 5. Musical flashcards Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Matthew S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Flashcards are wonderful educational...  [Read more]

Shirin Sophy Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas No matter how seasoned and confident a teacher is, there are occasions specifically before starting a new class that every teacher might wonder, "what if they don't like me?" This nightmarish query may cause even more distress when one is getting ready to start a job at a new school or a new country. Considering the fact that students don't basically walk into a class with a bias against the teacher, and they tend to take a liking to him/her based on the very first impression they get, can clarify the importance of the first session. In fact, you can work towards establishing a strong rapport by having various fun warm-up activities ready in hand in order to provide your students with a bright start. Here are some sample warm-up ideas you...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas During the lessons, teachers usually use a variety of materials and teaching aids. One of the most common is flashcards. They have so many benefits:Table of Contents 1. Hit the flashcard 2. What's missing? 3. Pass the envelope 4. Am I? 5. Jump and name Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Oksana K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Flashcards can be used both for learning new vocabulary and for revision.Here are some of the activities with flashcards that I use working with children starting from 3 to 9...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I believe storytelling is one of the best methods for keeping students engaged while helping them to understand and remember a topic. Regardless of age, everyone enjoys a good story. There are many ways to integrate storytelling into the classroom. One way is to use a story to introduce a new topic. This could mean a funny or personal anecdote relating to the new subject. It could also mean reading aloud from a book or having students listen to an audio recording. Not only will the story grab the attention of the audience, but it will also be a good opportunity to speak somewhat casually with the students, using a variety of vocabulary you expect them to learn in context. An important aspect of storytelling to keep in mind is the English level of your...  [Read more]