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TimeGuessr - the game that tests both your geography and history knowledge. Guess the right time and location of a historical photo.

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How it works

A map will appear in the screen and a countdown starts.

The map zooms in slowly over time.

After 10 seconds, 4 possible answers appear.

Choose one!

There are 3 hints you can use. The hemisphere, the country flag and a picture. Hints can only be used once.

Repeat until you become the best player!

10+ new wonders: Notre-Dame de Paris, Gateway Arch, Hidden beach, ...

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A game about learning geography. An unknown country in the world and just 30 seconds to answer.

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World Geography Games Online - Let's play and learn Geography!

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Brain-engaging geography map games: learn countries of the world, capitals, flags, US States, continents, oceans, mountains, rivers, islands and much more.

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How to play Hide & Seek World?

Join a Game

Choose from one of the three game modes. You can hide, seek, and compete! Join a random match or host a game and play hide and seek with your friends.

Guess Geography

What country am I in? You'll be shown a street view of the hider's location. Look for clues like street signs, vegetation & county flags etc. to find the hider. Explore the earth and play a game of hide and seek online.

Most Points Win

Collect points, win games, unlock Geo Spirits, rise up the leaderboards and learn geography all at the same time! Check out our video if you want to see more.

Every month, the Top 3 players on the monthly leaderboard win the Legendary Map Spirit The Map Spirit is a very rare spirit, only awarded to our top players 🏅

Find your friends in different countries and explore the world with Google Street View!

2 - 20

Wolly is our cheeky, lovable mascot who loves to play hide and seek. Compete against others to find him!

2 - 20

World Streaks 📱

Playing hide n seek on the go? Download our new iOS game World Streaks and play anytime, anywhere! Guess the country and see how long of a streak you can achieve!

Who plays Hide & Seek World?

Gamers

We make geography fun! Play with random people or invite your friends. We have tools for hosting a match that make streaming a breeze. Check out Twitch for some recent streams! If you are looking for games like GeoGuessr, you're in the right place as well!;)

Educators

Take your classroom to the next level with engaging Geography games. With game room capacity large enough to accommodate your entire class, keep your geography lessons fun and fresh with Hide & Seek World.

Remote Teams

Build an amazing team culture by engaging with Geography. No matter where your team is around the world, connect by playing Hide & Seek World at your next virtual team meeting!

How do I host a private match?

Accounts that have the Pro and Premium plans can host a private match. Sign up for Membership and send an invite to your friends! Memberships come with additional benefits like unlimited games, free geo spirits, XP & essence (our in-game currency) bonus.

How do I join a private match?

Anyone can join a private match if they receive an invite link. No signup or membership required.

How is my payment being processed?

We use Stripe to process your payment. It's the same payment provider used by products such as Udemy, Lyft, and Patreon. We do not handle your credit card information directly and it's never stored on our servers.

How can I get a receipt?

Visit the Membership page and click on "Edit subscription & payment details" to open the payment portal. From there you can download all invoices for past payments.

Who made this game?

The game was made by two passionate indie developers. See the about page for more info. Or get in touch with us on the contact page.

How to play hide and seek world?

Rules for hide and seek world are quite simple, check out our how to play section for more info. Or just start a new game now. 1-2 games and you'll get the hang of it!

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Hide & Seek World: Online Multiplayer Street View Game

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Play Hide and Seek around the World 🌎. Use Google Street View to explore geography, hide, seek and compete with your friends!

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Become a geography expert and have fun at the same time! Seterra is an entertaining and educational geography game that gives you access to over 400 customizable quizzes. Seterra will challenge you with quizzes about countries, capitals, flags, oceans, lakes and more!

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Geotastic - the free crowdfunded multiplayer geo quiz app

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Geotastic is a free to play multiplayer focused geo quiz app that can be played with friends simultaneously. A free alternative to geoguessr.

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About us

It's so important to know the world we live in. But it's so huge! There are so many countries, cities, flags, rivers, seas and more than 7 billions of people. Do everyone know all countries of the world? Probably not :) Some people even don't know neighboring countries.

And I understand why. Sometimes learning is too complicated or a geography teacher is too boring at school :) But let's change it, let's make geography interesting. That's why playGeography.com was created.

We're a group of enthusiasts who wants to help you discover the world. It's so interesting, there're so many places you'll want to visit, there're so many countries probably you even didn't hear of. At the time of writing, there were 195 countries. How many can you... read more

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Are you ready to learn geography in the most interesting way? Meet playGeography.com! Just play and enjoy many colorful map quiz games which will help you to learn countries, flags, cities, rivers and much more!

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GeoHub is a free to play geography game that tests your ability to recognize where you are in the world.

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Typing Games Zone - Boost Your Typing Skills

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Enhance Your Typing Speed with Our Top-Rated Keyboarding Games

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ELLLO - Level 4 Low-Intermediate Grammar Points

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ELLLO - Level 4 Low-Intermediate Grammar Points

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ELLLO - 50 High-Beginner Listening Lessons

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50 free ESL listening lessons for beginner students featuring naturally spoken English. ESL students and teachers can access free listening lessons that come with audio, script, quiz and vocabulary support.

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930 Esl worksheets English ESL worksheets pdf & doc

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A selection of English ESL esl worksheets printables

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96 Free TEFL and ESL Worksheets You Can Use Today

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96 Free TEFL and ESL Worksheets You Can Use Today

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96 Free TEFL and ESL Worksheets You Can Use Today

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Nearly 80 ESL worksheets and PDFs that your class can use today - subjects range from kids and adults to reading and grammar.

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Printable beginners ESL reading passages with exercises. Reading comprehension, passage completion, paragraph grammar

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This Super Easy Reading site helps English beginners learn English through reading easy, short stories. They are free to use as teaching materials or extra homework.

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Vocabulary Quizzes 🤔 | ESL Quizzes | EnglishClub

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Vocabulary Quizzes 🤔 | ESL Quizzes | EnglishClub

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Adjectives and Adverbs Exercises - UsingEnglish.com

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Adjectives and Adverbs Exercises - UsingEnglish.com

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Our adjectives and adverbs category contains 46 English language quizzes and exercises listed by level. Simply answer all of the questions in the quiz and press submit to see your score. Each ESL quiz is also available as a printable worksheet.

Beginner Exercises (21)

Intermediate Exercises (21)

Advanced Exercises (3)

All Levels Exercises (1)

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Adjectives and Adverbs Exercises - UsingEnglish.com

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Our adjectives and adverbs category contains 46 English language quizzes and exercises listed by level. Simply answer all of the questions in the quiz and press submit to see your score. Each ESL quiz is also available as a printable worksheet.

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ESL Quizzes by Topic Here you will find ESL Quizzes for teens and adults organised by topic.

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ESL Grammar Quizzes Here you will find ESL grammar quizzes for teens and adults.

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Verb to be: Simple Present. - English ESL Worksheets

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Verb to be: Simple Present. - English ESL Worksheets

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This is a very simple worksheet I prepared 2 years ago for my youngest students. Thanks for downloading:) Have a nice day!

The above lesson is a great teaching resource for:

Quality not yet verified by the community.

This resource does not contain any images, words or ideas that would upset a reasonable person in any culture.

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This is a very simple worksheet I prepared 2 years ago for my youngest students. Thanks for downloading:) Have a nice day! The above lesson is a great teaching resource for: Quality not yet verified by the community. This resource does not contain any images, words or ideas that would upset a reasonable person in any culture.

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Our English Language Arts worksheets aligned with the CCSS and designed catering to the needs of kindergarten through grade 8 children focus on important aspects of the language such as grammar, vocabulary, figures of speech, reading, and writing. A variety of exercises accompanied by illustrations, definitions, and examples tap the interest of children and keep them engrossed. Our answer key feature is a time-saver and promotes instant evaluation. Walk through our free ELA worksheets for a glimpse of what's in store.

Trending Grammar Worksheets

Trending Vocabulary Worksheets

Trending Figurative Language Worksheets

Trending Reading and Writing Worksheets

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Grab this printable collection of ELA worksheets with myriad exercises in each topic, to ensure students gain mastery in a range of skills.

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Parts of Speech Worksheets | Printable Grammar Activities

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Parts of Speech Worksheets | Printable Grammar Activities

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Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

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Learning adjectives can be fun for students because it allows them to express their creativity in writing and comprehend how writers describe people, places, events, and more. Click here for some...

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Parts of Speech Worksheets | Printable Grammar Activities

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Learning adjectives can be fun for students because it allows them to express their creativity in writing and comprehend how writers describe people, places, events, and more. Click here for some...

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Ability and Inability ESL Printable Worksheets and Exercises

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Ability and Inability ESL Printable Worksheets and Exercises

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Free ESL Printable Grammar Worksheets, Eal Exercises, Efl Questions, Tefl Handouts, Esol Quizzes, Multiple Choice Tests, Elt Activities, English Teaching and Learning Resources, Information and Rules for kids about Ability and Inability

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Ability and Inability ESL Printable Worksheets and Exercises

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Free ESL Printable Grammar Worksheets, Eal Exercises, Efl Questions, Tefl Handouts, Esol Quizzes, Multiple Choice Tests, Elt Activities, English Teaching and Learning Resources, Information and Rules for kids about Ability and Inability

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Practice exercises | Oxford Practice Grammar | Oxford University Press

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Practice exercises | Oxford Practice Grammar | Oxford University Press

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Oxford University Press, English Language Teaching - elt.enquiry@oup.com

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Students >Oxford Practice Grammar >Advanced >Practice exercises

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ESL Phonics World offers free printable phonics worksheets for teaching pre-k, kindergarten, and primary school children. These worksheets include: phonics rules, initial sounds, CVC words, anagrams, handwriting worksheets, uppercase and lowercase letters, consonant sound pages, short and long vowels, ending blends letters, board games, diphthongs, trigraphs, and r-controlled vowel worksheets... Designed by ESL professionals, these resources help EYFS teachers in their lesson plans.

Our flashcards come in two sizes, large and mini. ESL Phonics World has an array of flashcards, which practice different sounds in the English language. Phonics flashcards come in both word and picture PDF format to make teaching a breeze. Flashcards include: alphabet, consonant digraphs, consonant sounds, diphthongs, short and long vowels, r-controlled vowel sounds, three letter blends, ending sound flashcards, and more. Teach pre-k to grade 2 using esl phonics world flashcards and learn fun phonics rules.

100's of free multiple choice games that practice phonics at home or in the classroom. ESL Phonics World's interactive games include: Darts, Cheese Quest, Wheel of Fortune, Spin the Wheel, Super Goldio, Mountain Climb, and Pizza Challenge... Play these online games for free and enjoy phonics play in your educational setting or school. Learn the alphabet, silent letters, ending blends, tri-graphs, and y-ending sounds, and much more. Designed by qualified teachers, these game resources will help activate your classroom environment.

400+ printable paper crafts and preschool crafts to make easy art ideas for kids. Paper craft worksheets to improve motor skills, memorization, and hand-eye coordination amongst young children. Cut, colour, and glue these free materials for the classroom and differentiate learning whether that be at home or in school. These phonics materials and crafts include: animal crafts, Christmas art, transportation crafts, Easter templates, dinosaur crafts, 52 animal masks, shapes, Chinese New Year, sea animals, and more.

It is commonly known that songs and nursery rhymes aid learning on multiple levels. Songs are known to improve memory retention and accelerate the learning process. That is why our song worksheets are perfect for small and large classroom environments. Print these free song worksheets for kids and learn English in a fun way. All our songs are categorized for your convenience: ABC songs, r-controlled vowels, short vowel songs, ending sound songs, digraph songs, esl diphthong songs, consonant blends, trigraphs and more.

More Worksheets

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teach kids to read with fun phonics activities

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Phonics Worksheets for Preschool | Phonics Activities | Learn to Read

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teach kids to read with fun phonics activities,learn to read,phonics play,phonics worksheets,esl worksheets,flashcards,board games, phonics worksheets for preschool,songs,games for the classroom,phonics sounds,paper crafts,kindergarten english worksheets,letters of the alphabet,beginning consonants, ending consonants,s blends,r blends,l blends,vowel digraphs,consonant digraphs,short vowels,short a,short i,short e,short o,short u,long vowels,long a,long e,long i,long o,long u,teaching phonics,for 1st grade,for 2nd grade,word families

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Free English ESL Printable Vocabulary Worksheets and Grammar Exercises - 

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Free English ESL Printable Vocabulary Worksheets and Grammar Exercises - 

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EngWorksheets

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Free ESL Printable English Worksheets TESOL, EAL, EFL Exercises, Kids, Teacher

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Free ESL Printable Worksheets, English Word Exercises, Printable Grammar Exercises, Vocabulary Exercises, Flashcards, English Printable Worksheets, Vocabulary Learning Cards and Games For Kids

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Free Phonics Printable Worksheets for teaching ESL kids

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Free Phonics Printable Worksheets for teaching ESL kids

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Free Phonics Worksheets for Kids | Phonics Printables for ESL

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Free Phonics Worksheets for Kids - Phonics Printables for ESL

Free phonics worksheets for letter recognition, handwriting, tracing, and learning words. These printable worksheets practice beginning blend sounds, ending blend sounds, consonant sounds, and diphthongs. ESL Phonics World's phonic worksheets feature tricky words for young learners, as well as letter sound correspondences from different word families such as alphabet worksheets, tri-graphs, y-ending words, silent letter words, and vowel digraphs. Bring learning to life with these printable pdf pages for pre-school, kindergarten, and grades one to two.

CVC Writing Worksheets for Children

Free Phonics Printables, Flashcards, Interactive Games, Paper Crafts and Board Games

ESL Phonics World offers 1000's of free pdf worksheets for phonics lessons and ESL activities, and updates are made every week. Resources include:

More Worksheets

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Free Phonics Worksheets for Kids | Phonics Printables for ESL

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free phonics worksheets for kids, phonics printables for esl, initial sound worksheets, cvc word worksheets, first grade, kindergarten, phonics worksheets for kids, phonics worksheets, preschool reading worksheets, kindergarten reading worksheets, 1st grade reading worksheets, 2nd grade reading wroksheets, letters of the alphabet, short vowels, beginning and ending consonants, long vowels, vowel digraphs, s blends, r blends, l blends, r-controlled vowels, silent letters, diphthongs, anagram worksheets, handwriting-tracing worksheets

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ESL Puzzles | Fun Kids Printables | Kids Worksheets | ESL Phonics Pages

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ESL Puzzles | Fun Kids Printables | Kids Worksheets | ESL Phonics Pages

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A Site for ESL Kids and Teachers - Free Printable Worksheets, ESL Puzzles, Interactive Games and more...

Free ESL printable worksheets for teachers and children of English and ESL. Download any of our worksheets with the click of a button. ESL Puzzles provides free quality pdf worksheets for ESL, EFL and TESOL learners and teachers. Printable worksheets include: action worksheets, adjectives worksheets, adverb worksheets and much more in our A-Z list of grammar and vocabulary resources. Try your hand at our word search puzzles, word scrambles, crosswords, board games or other amazing and free printables. Please like or share our content by using the on-screen ESL Puzzles widget.

Grammar Worksheets

Phonics Worksheets

Vocabulary Worksheets

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Printable ESL Puzzles | Puzzle Worksheets | Interactive Games | Flashcards

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printable esl puzzles, puzzles for kids, kids pdf worksheets, printable worksheets, vocabulary games, grammar games, kids grammar games, free esl downloads, esl games for kids, esl activities, games, powerpoint games, exercises for esl young learners, esl cafe, classroom games, esl flashcards, english pages for young learners, esl printables, children, flashcards, esl phonics worksheets

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Present Simple Worksheets | Simple Present Printables | ESL Kids World

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Present Simple Worksheets | Simple Present Printables | ESL Kids World

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Present Simple Worksheets: ESL Kids World

Present simple worksheets for ESL and elementary children. For more simple present rules click here. This collection of worksheets support all learner profiles (auditory, visual, kinaesthetic), whilst creating a fun learning experience for ESL, EFL, and ESOL kids. Free pdf pages to make class preparation easier, eslkidsworld's printable materials arm teachers with a large selection of ESL activities, board games, surveys, gap-fills, text mazes, word searches, text scrambles... Download these free grammar and vocabulary worksheets in school or at home. For any queries regarding ESL worksheets for kids contact us at eslkidsworld.com.

Present Simple Worksheets

Present Simple Worksheets

Free ESL Printables, PPT, Games and Online Grammar and Vocabulary Quizzes

ESL Kids World offers 1000's of free pdf worksheets for ESL lesson plans and ESL activities, and updates are made every week. The worksheets include:

More Worksheets

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Present Simple Worksheets | Simple Present Printables | ESL Kids World

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present simple worksheets, simple present printables, teach present simple, present simple pages, worksheet about present simple, present simple pdf pages, easy present simple esl questions, present simple worksheets free, esl kids worksheets, esl kids world, esl worksheets, printable worksheets for kids, gap fill worksheets, efl word search, printable worksheets, kids worksheets, esl activities

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Past Tense Worksheets | Past Simple Printables | ESL Kids World

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Past Tense Worksheets | Past Simple Printables | ESL Kids World

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Past Tense Worksheets | Past Simple Printables | ESL Kids World

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past tense worksheets, past tense printables, teach past tense, past tense pages, worksheet about past tense, past tense pdf pages, easy past tense esl questions, past tense worksheets free, esl kids worksheets, esl kids world, esl worksheets, printable worksheets for kids, gap fill worksheets, efl word search, printable worksheets, kids worksheets, esl activities

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Free Printable Worksheets for ESL Teachers and Students

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Free Printable Worksheets for ESL Teachers and Students

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Free Printable Worksheets for ESL Teachers and Students

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Free Printable Worksheets: download practice tests, worksheets, and puzzles for English word building, reading comprehension, and grammar.

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ESL Worksheets, Lesson plan materials, Activities to Teach esl 

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ESL Worksheets, Lesson plan materials, Activities to Teach esl 

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ESL Worksheets, Lesson plan materials, Activities to Teach esl

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ESL Lesson Plans Resources for teachers and students, worksheets, grammar, vocabulary exercises and lesson plans

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Instantly access Twinkl's printable and digital K-12 teaching resources, including worksheets, eBooks, games, PowerPoints, Google Slides, and more!

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ESL flashcards are a great way to learn vocabulary.

This page has many sets of flashcards for you to download. Many of them have pictures to illustrate the words.

You can use them whenever you have just a few spare minutes. Keep at least one set of flashcards with you at all times: in your bag or a coat pocket. Then when you are on public transport or waiting for someone you can pull the cards out and learn some ESL vocabulary.

This is the best way to use flashcards to learn vocabulary. A little and often.

Newest ESL Flashcards
New material is always being added to the Excellent ESL 4U site, and the following is the newest flashcard set on the site. Just click on the picture or link to download them. All of the other flashcards are listed at the bottom of his page.

When you first start to learn a new vocabulary topic you can sit down and spend maybe 30 minutes understanding all the words, but after that it is better to do five minutes several times a day rather than one long learning session. Do this for as long as you need to learn the words. Maybe for a week or more.

Then you can move onto the next vocabulary topic and start again.

Once you know a vocabulary topic well you can try to use the vocabulary. The ESL vocabulary section has exercises to help you test your knowledge of the vocabulary from the ESL flashcards.

There are also the following sections of this site that all have exercises related to each vocabulary topic:

In each of these areas there are exercises focused on each of the specific areas, but they will all help you remember the vocabulary by using and having to think about it. So they are all valuable to do after you have learnt to vocabulary from the flashcards.

But no matter whether you do the exercises or not, as long as you keep using the flashcards to revise the vocabulary whenever you can, you will learn and remember it all in the end.

ESL Flashcards

The following list has all the ESL vocabulary flashcard that are on the Excellent ESL 4U site. Just click on the name of each free flashcard set to download them as a .pdf file.

You can then print them and use them. You can change your printer settings so that more than one flashcard is printed per page if you want them smaller. All you have to do then is cut them out.

ESL Kids Picture Flashcards

This section has a list of all the picture flashcards form the ESL for kids section. Just click on the links to download each set of cards.

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ESL flashcards are a great way to learn vocabulary. This page has many sets of flashcards for you to download. Many of them have pictures to illustrate the words. You can use them whenever you have just a few spare minutes.

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43 Free ESL Worksheets for English Teachers

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43 Free ESL Worksheets for English Teachers

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Free ESL Worksheets to Engage Students

Today, we're going to share with you 43 free ESL worksheets.

They're free to use, easy to get started, and help engage your students.

No permission is required to use any of them in your classrooms.

Let's get started.

1. Emotions in Emoticons

Emotions are a common theme in these ESL worksheets because students have a hard time expressing themselves! This simple ESL activity gets students to match emotions with emoticons.

2. Pronunciation Pyramid

Start at the top of the pyramid and work your way down. The teacher says a word and the students circle it. Where do you end up at the bottom of the pyramid?

3. Sounds of English

Of all ESL worksheets, this one gets most surgical for pronunciation showing students exactly where to place their tongue. Place emphasis on each challenging sound.

4. Top 10 Jobs

A Family Feud-style ESL worksheet that helps kids reflect on their future jobs. Let them guess the top 10 jobs students in North America want to be. They might be surprised.

5. Occupations Match

In the same theme of exploring students future, they associate jobs with pictures in this one.

6. Minimal Pairs

As an ESL teacher, your biggest asset is how well you can pronounce the sounds of English. On this note, have them circle the words you say aloud.

7. Rhyme Time

Bring out your stopwatch. In groups, get your students to think of as many rhymes as possible. The group with the most rhymes wins.

8. Picture Rhymes

This is one of the most fun ESL worksheets in here. Not only does it help students practice pronunciation, but they also learn to rhyme. Each picture is a rhyme, what is it?

9. What is Halloween?

It's October, which means it's Halloween. Teach your students what Halloween is all about with this ESL worksheet.

10. Halloween Emotions

Halloween is a scary, yet fun time. These are two contradicting emotions and there's no better way to teach them with emotional jack-o-lanterns.

11. Christmas Crossword

Some say crosswords are non-educational ESL activities. But I disagree. Not only do students learn to improve their vocabulary, they learn to spell holiday words.

12. Christmas Untangle

A surprisingly difficult activity where students get to decipher words from a bunch of letters. Luckily, we provide answers at the bottom of the ESL activity.

13. Jingle Bells Order

Students listen to the classic Christmas song "Jingle Bells" and order sentences when they hear them.

14. What's the Question?

Moving out of the holiday theme, we get into asking questions. For each word in the list, make a question. Get creative and think of more.

15. Einstein's Riddle

THIS is the most difficult of all ESL worksheets. Students have to use logic to solve a riddle that Albert Einstein made at his young age.

16. Your Dream Dog

It's the memory type of game, where students have to ask questions about something they are thinking of. Who wouldn't want one of these cute dogs?

17. Spot the Differences

Two pictures look identical, but they're not. Students have to find 10 differences in both scenes.

18. Similar Sentences

How much do your students pay attention to detail? You read one of the sentences and your students circle the one you said. Sounds easy? Not so much for your class.

19. Maze Directions

The blind following the blind? Let's hope not. A twist on the maze game, where one student closes his or her eyes and the other tells the way using directions. I'd be surprised if anyone got it perfectly, but that's why this activity is so good. It's challenging.

20. Compound Words

A two-word combo in one (compound words) gets students thinking of the origin of English words. Figure out each compound word and then draw one of your own.

21. Preposition Practice

Where is the apple? In this ESL worksheet, students practice prepositions by writing down the location of the apple in each scene.

22. Comic Book Creation

Every kid loves comic books. But what if they didn't have any words in them? Let's fill in these speech bubbles with an interesting story.

23. Charades for Kids

Charades only work when you have outgoing students. But in groups of two, they feel a bit more comfortable and less stressed out. Go through the worksheet with more words to act out.

24. Emotions Spin

Of all ESL worksheets, this is the most in-depth vocabulary for emotions. Because students always need help explaining how they feel, their arsenal of emotions will at least triple with this ESL activity.

25. Word Chain

In pairs, connect the last letter of a word by thinking of a word that starts with that letter. It's the English version of Karuta - a popular Japanese game.

26. Teacher Quiz

If you want to get your students out of their chairs in your first class, then this should be your go-to activity. Find clues around the class and match answers with the clues.

27. How's the Weather?

In this ESL activity, students remember the weather for the past couple of days. You can pair them up to talk as a large group.

28. Why Learn English?

There are tons of benefits to learn English. As the true language of globalization, how can English help them in the future?

29. Your Superhero

If you're in Asia, it's almost like every one of your students has a hidden talent as an incredible artist. This activity is good for superlatives and classes with mostly boys, what would be your ideal superhero?

30. Text Message Translations

From their native tongue to English, translate a typical text message they would send with their friends. Or better yet, make it up if you don't feel comfortable sharing.

31. Pizza Recipe

Have you ever made a pizza? Which ingredients would you add? Practice imperatives and transition words as they explain step-by-step their pizza creation.

32. Valentine's Day Cards

Who knew rhymes could be so much fun? Finish the rhyme of the classic poem "Roses are red, violets are blue...". I love Valentine's day and so will your kids with this ESL activity sheet.

33. Phone Emoticons

Kids use a ridiculous amount of emoticons in phone conversations nowadays. What do they all mean? How do you associate an emoticon with an emotion? Cut out a select few, and use them in a written conversation.

34. Birthday Match

Get your students off their feet to search for clues around the classroom. The detectives pass the information to the secretary and match birthdays with some of the most prolific figures in history.

35. The Obstacle Course

One blindfolded student gets directed where to go in a classroom obstacle course. The blind leading the blind? I don't think so, as they improve directions in real-time.

36. Cultural Differences

The fine line between cultures across the globe is thinning because of globalization. However, some key cultural differences still remain. What are they?

37. Country Outlines

I love geography. Who doesn't? Match the country with its outline, then draw a country. How close are you to the real thing? One of my brightest students always loved drawing country outlines for fun so I dedicate this one to him.

38. Your Satisfaction Level

Explore your innermost satisfaction. What makes you happy and sad? A lot of ESL worksheets focus on feelings. And this one registers at all levels extreme happiness to sadness.

39. Connect the Dots

If you are empty-handed with 5 minutes to spare, this is a time filler for the end of a kids' class, Admittedly, not much value here for English, it's your desperation move that runs parallel to tic-tac-toe in terms of beneficial value.

40. Minimal Pairs Listening Test

Test your students listening skills with these minimal pairs. Can they differentiate some of the sounds unique to English? Mix up the minimal pairs five times each and correct their papers.

41. Alphabet Story

Create your own story with consecutive letters from A to Z. For some of these letters, this will challenge their ability to formulate sentences... But that's OK.

42. Halloween Bingo

Get your students to put the Halloween vocabulary anywhere in the Bingo sheet. As you read any word in the sheet, they cross it off. The first one who gets a line wins.

43. Simon Says

Practice imperatives with "Simon says". Or better yet, get one of your students to lead giving instructions to the class if they are familiar.

What's in your free ESL Worksheet arsenal?

We've shared our ESL resources.

They're 100% free to use when you teach English abroad.

Now, it's time for you to put on your thinking caps.

Which ESL activities work in your classes? Is it a wide range of ESL discussion topics?

Let us know with a comment below.

Here's more from us:

Here are some external websites with great worksheets:

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43 Free ESL Worksheets for English Teachers - ALL ESL

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Today, we're going to share with you 43 free ESL worksheets. They're free to use, easy to get started, and help engage your students. No permission is required to use any of them in your classrooms. Let's get started. Emotions are a common theme in these ESL worksheets because students have a hard time expressing themselves!

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Appliances ESL Printable Worksheets For Kids 1

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Appliances ESL Printable Worksheets For Kids 1

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Here on this page you can download and use ESL Printable Vocabulary Worksheets, Exercises, Handouts, Tests, Activities, Teaching and Learning Resources, Materials, Picture Dictionary, Posters and Puzzles for kids about Appliances

Appliances Picture Dictionary ESL Vocabulary Worksheet

A picture dictionary and classroom poster ESL worksheet for kids to study and learn appliances vocabulary. Look at the pictures and study the words. Useful for teaching and learning appliances.

Appliances ESL Matching Exercise Worksheet For Kids

A fun ESL vocabulary matching exercise worksheet for kids to study and practise appliances. Look at the pictures and draw lines to match appliances.

Appliances Crossword Puzzle ESL Vocabulary Worksheet

A printable ESL crossword puzzle worksheet for kids to study and practise appliances vocabulary. Look at the pictures and write the appliances in the crossword puzzle. Useful for teaching and learning appliances.

Appliances Word Search Puzzle ESL Vocabulary Worksheet

An enjoyable ESL word search puzzle worksheet for kids to study and learn appliances vocabulary. Look at the list and find the appliances in the word search puzzle. Then write them under the correct pictures.

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Appliances ESL Printable Worksheets For Kids 1

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Appliances ESL Printable Picture Dictionary, Vocabulary Matching Exercise, Word Search Puzzle, Crossword Puzzle Worksheets for Kids!

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Free Printable Flashcards For Teaching English | Games4esl

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Free Printable Flashcards For Teaching English | Games4esl

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Printable flashcards are a valuable resource for any English teacher. Flashcards are a wonderful way to present new words and expressions to students and can be used for a variety of fun flashcard games. On this page, you can find hundreds of free printable flashcards on many different topics for teaching English to kids and beginner ESL students.

These can be used for many different flashcard games to teach vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure to kids. You can also download 'Student Cards', which are smaller flashcards that students can hold. These are great for card games such as line bingo, memory games, find your partner, mingle games, etc.

Free Printable Flashcards

Choose a topic below to see the printable flashcards available.

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Free Printable Flashcards For Teaching English | Games4esl

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Free Printable Flashcards. Download and print 100's of flashcards on many topics for ESL / EFL beginner students. Large and small flashcards available.

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ESL Lesson: Pre-intermediate - Free Lessons - ESLfriend.com

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ESL Lesson: Pre-intermediate - Free Lessons - ESLfriend.com

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ESL Lessons Pre-intermediate - Our pre-intermediate lesson sets are designed to provide you with the foundation you need to start speaking and understanding English. Each lesson covers essential grammar and vocabulary topics and includes speaking exercises to help you practice your skills. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some knowledge of the language, our lesson sets will help you build your confidence and improve your communication skills. Each lesson can be used to strengthen the foundation of beginner learners.

Our ESL resources are free for everyone. We have collected the best ESL speaking practice handouts and contents for a variety of topics. The handouts and activities are online-friendly and flexible to meet all of your needs.

Level: Pre-Intermediate

Activity Time: 60 mins

Here are more grammar lessons.

Level: Pre-Intermediate

Activity Time: 60 mins

Find more lessons on Youtube.

Please share and like us:

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ESL Lesson: Pre-intermediate - Free Lessons - ESLfriend.com

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ESL Lessons Pre-intermediate - Free ESL resources for English speaking practice for everyone. Good for online and offline classes.

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Free Printable Worksheets for ESL Vocabulary and Grammar

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Free Printable Worksheets for ESL Vocabulary and Grammar

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Phonics E-books

Phonics Ebook 2 - Buy now!

Phonics Ebook 3 - Buy now!

Phonics Ebook 4 - Buy now!

Phonics Ebook 5 - Buy now!

At ESL Kids world we offer high quality printable PDF worksheets for teaching young learners. These worksheets are arranged in alphabetical order. They make excellent grammar and vocabulary teaching materials.

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ESL, ESL Kids World, Kids, worksheets, printable worksheets, kids worksheets, interactive games, esl games for kids, esl activities, Games, Powerpoint games, interactive, exercises for esl young learners, classroom games, esl flashcards, pdf, daves esl cafe,Young learners, printables, children, flashcards, pdf worksheets, phonics

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Phonics E-books Phonics Ebook 2 - Buy now! Phonics Ebook 3 - Buy now! Phonics Ebook 4 - Buy now! Phonics Ebook 5 - Buy now! At ESL Kids world we offer high quality printable PDF worksheets for teaching young learners. These worksheets are arranged in alphabetical order.

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Pronunciation Game: Minimal Pairs Pyramid Activity and Listening Quiz - ALL ESL

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Pronunciation Game: Minimal Pairs Pyramid Activity and Listening Quiz - ALL ESL

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Minimal Pairs are words that sound similar but one phonological element is different in the two words. For example, glamour and grammar sound extremely similar. But they are different with the /r/ and /l/ sounds.

In the pronunciation game, students have to keep a keen ear on what they hear. For example, we use minimal pairs which are similar sounding words with one different phonological element.

First, they start at the top of the pyramid. Next, the teacher says the word and students have to circle it. Meanwhile, this process continues until everyone reaches the bottom. Finally, there's only one spot where everyone should finish.

As the teacher, you have to keep track of where the final landing spot should be. Check your students understanding. Finally, review the minimal pairs by practicing each sound as a classroom.

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Pronunciation Game: Minimal Pairs Pyramid Activity and Listening Quiz - ALL ESL

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In the pronunciation game, students have to keep a keen ear on what they hear. As the teacher says the minimal pair, students circle the word they hear all the way to the bottom of the pyramid. Where is their final landing spot? (There should only be one)

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Interactive ESL Games Online - ESL Games to Learn English

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Interactive ESL Games Online - ESL Games to Learn English

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Interactive ESL Games Online - ESL Games to Learn English

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If you’re an English teacher, no doubt you’ll love these fun ESL lessons. You can find a brilliant collection of online ESL games to learn English.

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Sentence Games, Grammar Games, Drag and Drop, Vocabulary Games

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Sentence Games, Grammar Games, Drag and Drop, Vocabulary Games

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free education games for english learners

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Sentence Games, Grammar Games, Drag and Drop, Vocabulary Games

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Sentence Games, Vocabulary Games, Drag and Drop, Grammar Games, Sentence, Free Education Games for English Learners, Interactive Gap Fill Exercises, Monkey Games, ESL Grammar Practice Games, Spelling Games Online

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Games, Activities for ESL Classroom Teaching

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Games, Activities for ESL Classroom Teaching

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Games, Activities for ESL Classroom Teaching

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ESL Interactive Classroom Games, ESL Vocabulary & Grammar Games Online, Wheel of Fortune Games, Car Racing Rally Games, Jeopardy Games, High Energy ESL Fun Games for Teaching.

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ESL, Memory Games, Concentration Games, Word Recognition Games

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ESL, Memory Games, Concentration Games, Word Recognition Games

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ESL, Memory Games, Concentration Games, Word Recognition Games

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ESL Memory Games, Concentration Games, Vocabulary Memory Games, Grammar Memory Games, Games for ESL Kids, Word Recognition Games, Word Spelling Game, Theme Vocabulary Memory Games

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100 Free Printable Board Games And Templates | Games4esl

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100 Free Printable Board Games And Templates | Games4esl

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Download these printable board games and use them in class today! Below, you'll find a collection of printable board games on a variety of different topics for kids and beginner English language learners. You'll also find editable board game templates so you can add your own images and words. As always, these are FREE to use in your lessons!

Printable Board Games

These board games are all ready to print and use in your lessons. Choose a topic below to get started!

Editable Board Game Templates

Make your own printable board games with these editable templates. Choose a template below and then simply add your own words and/or pictures!

Template 1: The Lucky Star Game

To play this board game, each pair of students needs ONE DICE and an eraser each. The students should take turns rolling the dice and then moving their erasers. Next, the students should make a dialogue with their partner based on the image in that square.

The aim of the game is to get to the center star to earn a point. After winning a point, that student then goes back to the start and begins again. After five or ten minutes, stop the game, and the student with the most points is the winner.

Template 2: Race Around The World

No need for dice! In this board game template, all students need is one eraser each (or something small to use as their game piece). This board game is best played in pairs. Students will 'race around the world' and the first student to make it all the way around the world is the winner. One student will go clockwise, and one student will go anti-clockwise.

To play this board game, students should play rock, scissors, paper. The winner then gets to move their eraser to the next square. Next, students should make a dialogue based on the image in that square. Then they should play rock, scissors, paper again.

Template 3: The Spinner Game

For this next printable board game, each pair of students needs one paper clip and one pencil. Students should place the paper clip in the center of the board game and place their pencil in the center of the clip. Then, the students will take turns flicking the paper clip to make it spin. After each spin, students should make a dialogue with their partner and then write down their points (the numbers in the center of the game). After 5 minutes or so, the student with the most points is the winner.

Template 4: Flick The Eraser Game

This board game is another fun game that does not require dice. Each student needs an eraser (or something they can easily flick) and a colored pencil/crayon. One student should place his / her eraser at the bottom of the page. Then, he/she should flick the eraser up the board using their finger.

If the eraser lands on one of the images, then the students should make a dialogue based on that image. Next, the student who flicked the eraser should color in that area (or write their name). Then, it's the other student's turn. The game ends when all the shapes have been colored in. The student with the most areas is the winner.

Template 5: The Dice Game

For this board game, each pair of students needs one dice and something small (like an eraser) to act as their game piece. To play this board game, students should place their game pieces where it says 'Start'. Then, one student should roll the dice and move their game piece. Next, the students should make a dialogue based on the image in that square. Then, it is the other student's turn. The first student to make it to the end of the board game is the winner.

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Free Printable Board Games And Templates | Games4esl

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100+ Printable board games and templates for kids and beginner ESL students. Download and use in class today!

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Games & Activities for the ESL/EFL Classroom (I-TESL-J)

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Games & Activities for the ESL/EFL Classroom (I-TESL-J)

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esl games efl activities esl activities efl games

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Games & Activities for the ESL/EFL Classroom (I-TESL-J)

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A collection of games and activities which work well in the ESL/EFL classroom. For TESL/TEFL/TESOL teachers.

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Free Word Searches for Kids - Printable Worksheets Online

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Free Word Searches for Kids - Printable Worksheets Online

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Printable Word Searches

Check out our free word searches for kids and enjoy a range of fun word puzzles.

Improve your vocabulary while finding words related to themes such as travel, seasons, emotions, Christmas and weather as well as important English topics such as adjectives, nouns and verbs. Have fun solving these word searches and enjoy all our printable worksheets online.

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Free Word Searches for Kids - Printable Worksheets Online

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Printable Word Searches Check out our free word searches for kids and enjoy a range of fun word puzzles. Improve your vocabulary while finding words related to themes such as travel, seasons, emotions, Christmas and weather as well as important English topics such as adjectives, nouns and verbs.

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ESL crossword puzzles, printable Word Puzzles for TEFL Lesson Plans

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ESL crossword puzzles, printable Word Puzzles for TEFL Lesson Plans

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Follow these links descriptions to over 3000 free resources for ESL Lesson plans

Board games: Teach and practice English grammar and structure in a communicative way.

Young Learners' Lesson Plans: phonics, puzzles, games, board games, coloring worksheets, Powerpoint, flash cards-more>>> All HERE!!

Pronunciation & Intonation: Teach English pronunciation using printable worksheets, IPA Charts, and more>>

Lesson Plan Resources for ESL Adults classes. Teach higher level students

Survival English & Business English: English for travels worksheets, Powerpoint and other lesson plan resources - Students Survival English self-study.

Word Formation Worksheets- Teaching prefixes & Suffixes (affixes) to high level students can greatly help to speed up vocabulary building-Try these worksheets in your lessons.

Games and Ideas for Teaching English to all levels- Running out of ideas? This is where you should go.

Task-based Lesson planning. How to plan a lesson using a task.

Worksheet Makers: you can use these online tools to create yours and save time.
Free ESL for resources for kids are one of our best offers. Never again worry about lesson plan for young learners because we have free worksheets, Video Slides, Powerpoint presentations , Interactive Quizzes, Games for Classrooms , Flashcards, Kids Grammar, Reading & Spelling Worksheets and More to take off the burden of kids lesson planning. Most links point to our ESL KIDS LAB - www.english-4kids.com, Click here >>> Worksheets for Kids include: Word Puzzles , Phonics and phonetics worksheets, coloring worksheets, video and music worksheets.ESL FOR KIDS We have video slide shows for Young learners in six different grades beginning from easy to difficult. ESL Fun Games and Activities for the classroom. ESL Powerpoint Games, ESL Board Games, Card Games, Interactive Games, Game Templates for your to build your own exercises. Grammar and Vocabulary can be learnt and practiced using these free interactive exercises for online learning. We have self-tutoring video slides, Grammar Quizzes, Vocabulary Quizzes, Pronunciation & Intonation Exercise, Business and Survival English Materials and more self-tutoring English Exercises. The powerpoint presentations and video slides of this website are life-savers for teachers.. To help you with your computer-assisted lesson plans, we have created over 50 state-of-the-art powerpoint presentations and Video Slides with embedded audio recording. These tools are helping thousands of teacher all over. They make teaching of beginners, young learners to pre-intermediate levels quite easy.Just check out the free samples. There are ipod compatible versions as well. You will also find worksheet ebooks, audio books, and self-grading quizzes to download. Chinese is an easy language to learn to speak. Using our free Mandarin lessons online, you can quickly learn Chinese through free mp3 audio lessons, video slides and several interactive games and quizzes. It is increasingly important to learn Chinese so as to take advantage of the many economic opportunities that China provides. You can also quickly expand your vocabulary by looking at these lessons for beginners and elementary Chinese learners.
USEFUL SITES
ESL Kids Lab- Free ESL Resources for Kids ,English Media Lab - Free online exercises for all levels ,ESL Downloads
Math4Children.com: Free Math Worksheets, Math Games, Online Quizzes, Video Lessons and eBooks Downloads for Learning and Teaching kindergarten, preschool,1st to 6th grade.

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ESL crossword puzzles, printable Word Puzzles for TEFL Lesson Plans

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Follow these links descriptions to over 3000 free resources for ESL Lesson plans Board games: Teach and practice English grammar and structure in a communicative way. Young Learners' Lesson Plans: phonics, puzzles, games, board games, coloring worksheets, Powerpoint, flash cards-more>>> All HERE!!

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Free online ESL games to help students learn English in a fun and interactive way.

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10 Awesome Activities to Improve Intermediate ESL Students’ Listening | FluentU English Educator Blog

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10 Awesome Activities to Improve Intermediate ESL Students’ Listening | FluentU English Educator Blog

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Listening seems like a passive activity.

ESL teachers know better than anyone-that's not exactly true.
Language learners need to actively develop their listening skills.
Listening is every bit as vital to learning as reading, writing and speaking.

But it often slips through the cracks in the classroom.

Listening exercises are regularly brushed over, confined to the dreaded audio CD that accompanies the textbook.

You yawn as you press play.

And then you start listening to the slow, staged dialogues involving Mario and Margaret's outing to the store. You know the ones, right?

One thing's for sure: if you're bored, your students definitely are.

Whether you're using a range of audio resources or you're simply getting students to speak to each other, listening is a great opportunity to expose students to a variety of accents, as well as to have fun whilst learning.

So hold onto your seat belts, it's time to make English listening practice awesome! These ESL listening activities for intermediate students are game changers in the classroom.

The 10 ESL activities listed below aim to get your students thinking, moving and working together.

And, of course, a competitive element never hurts, does it? The idea is to vary your listening exercises, never allowing for the students to get overly comfortable or familiar with how an exercise is going to look.

Keep it moving, people!

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere.Click here to get a copy. (Download)

1. Relay the message

This classic game, otherwise known as "running dictation," is a great active ice breaker, as well as a natural way to introduce a topic.
The game plan:
Put students in pairs or groups of three, assigning one (or two) as runner and one as writer. Sit the writers at tables at one end of the room.

Stick pre-printed messages at the other side of the room, one for each group or pair. These messages can be the same or different, easy or difficult, long or short, depending on the level and goals of the class.

When you shout the word "go," the runner runs to the message, reading and remembering what they can. This can be as much as a few sentences or as little as one word. The aim is to be able to relay it accurately to the writer.

The runner goes back to the writer to relay the part of the message that they memorized. The writer (you guessed it!) writes it down.

Repeat until the message is complete. Teams score points for speed but more importantly for accuracy of spelling and punctuation.

2. Back-to-back interview

What better way to improve listening skills than to listen to each other? This is a great activity for practicing listening without relying on lip reading or actions. It also incorporates speaking practice, thus killing two birds with one stone. You can use this activity to introduce famous people you want to talk about during your lesson.
The game plan:
Pairs of students sit back-to-back, one as the interviewer with a list of questions.

The interviewee is given a famous person to role play, with a list of answers. (This can also be done as an exercise to learn more about each other personally. For example, at the beginning of a course when students don't know each other well).

The interviewer asks the questions, writing down the answers as they go along.

The fastest interviewer to work out who they're talking to wins!

3. Follow the directions

This activity provides excellent English listening practice which will prepare students to ask for directions in a foreign country. It allows students to gain audio rather than visual practice with receiving directions, giving them the ability to understand step by step instructions.
The game plan:
Provide students with a street map, either a real one or something tailored to the activity and their level. You can even go crazy and create a big one for the classroom floor!

Split the students into teams, and have one person go at a time.

4. Telephone

In this game, students are responsible for listening carefully to their peers as well as successfully relaying a message. It encourages students to determine similar sounding words from one other, and can be used as a starter activity to introduce any topic.
The game plan:
Create two teams of students and set up both teams in lines. The end of each team line should be at the whiteboard.

Whisper a word or sentence to the student farthest away from the whiteboard, and then have them whisper the message they heard to the next student. Each student whispers to the next until the end of the line.

The last student writes the message on the board. The winner is the team with the most accurate spelling, pronunciation and content, although bonus points for originality and hilarity may be awarded!

5. Minimal pairs card hold-up

Improve your students' knowledge of proper pronunciation with this quick-fire game, which is good for reinforcing phonics lessons.
The game plan:
Students spread the word cards out on a table.

Call a word out. For example: "feet!" The students have to search their decks and hold up that word's card as fast as possible.

6. Video clip quiz

TV shows and movies bring exciting listening practice to the ESL classroom. Of course, with tight classroom schedules, fitting in entire TV episodes or feature films just isn't feasible.

Bite-sized video clips-like the interactive ones curated by FluentU-are the perfect way to showcase vocabulary, grammar and idiomatic expressions in a compelling way for students and teachers alike.

You can incorporate video clips into just about any lesson. Students get appealing entertainment served up with everyday, conversation-speed English, giving them plenty of opportunities to practice and improve their listening skills.

FluentU's ever-growing collection of English language videos comes from real-world sources like children's shows, music videos, Disney movies, YouTube videos and inspiring talks.

Each video is fully captioned, so that students can see every English word they're hearing.

When students encounter an unfamiliar word in a video, they can just click or tap on that word to pause the video and get an instant definition-complete with pronunciation examples, visual clues and multiple text and video examples of that word used in context. They can also add the word to their flashcards for later review.

FluentU also has quizzes for each video and flashcard deck that adapt to the needs of every learner.

Teachers can use FluentU's extensive video library as an endless source of lesson plan ideas. Find videos that support your curriculum, bringing textbook topics to life. Work collaboratively with your colleagues and keep students organized by class-all with one synchronized, cloud-based account that's easily accessible from computers, tablets and smartphones.
The game plan:
Give students a question to answer, dividing them into teams.

Begin watching the clip. To play, students must pay close attention and stand up when they hear the answer to the question. Pause the movie and see if the first person who stood up knows the correct answer.

Ask the second question. Repeat. Alternatively, you can give the students a list of questions to answer and allow the clip to play through entirely. Then you see who has the most correct answers at the end.

7. Song gap-fill

Songs are a great way to engage reluctant listeners, as they can be tailored perfectly to fit the preferences of the students. Why not use the latest pop song? Lyric repetition is welcomed here!
The game plan:
Give each student/pair the song lyrics with some words missing. To make it easier you can put the missing words in a box at the top of the page.

Play the song, pausing if necessary. The aim is for the students to fill in the missing words.

Once at the end, go through the answers to see which student/pair got the most correct.

8. Order-the-lyrics

This activity is a variation on the above, giving students practice in noticing the subtle differences between lyrics in music.
The game plan:
Pairs get a set of the song lyrics cut up into lines.

As they listen to the chosen song, they have to put the lyrics in the right order on the table. Repeat the song if necessary. You can always have a sing-along after the activity is completed!

9. Listen and throw

Of course, there's no reason why you shouldn't go back to your trusty textbook audio CD. Go ahead, and spice up the accompanying listening exericises to make this CD even more valuable as a learning tool. In this exercise, students are listening for a specific answer to a question in an audio dialogue.
The game plan:
Sit the students in a circle and split them into three or four teams.

Give each individual a piece of paper that's their team color. Have them scrunch the paper into a ball.

Place three baskets in the middle of the circle, each with a possible answer written on it.

Ask a question relating to the listening exercise - this should preferably be something that appears near the end of the dialogue. For example, "Whose birthday is it?"

Students listen to the dialogue and throw their paper ball when they know the answer. Count the colors in the correct basket to determine the winner.

10. Slap the picture

This activity uses friendly competition to encourage sharp listening and quick reaction times. A good activity for when students are getting tired or losing concentration.
The game plan:
Students sit opposite each other in pairs, with pre-prepared words in between them. There should be no more than eight words, and students should look at them first to familiarize themselves.

As they listen to a chosen dialogue, they have to slap the correct word when they hear it. Fastest slap wins a point! They can keep a tally as they go along to see who the winner is.

Whatever the activity, whatever the age or level, the most important thing is for your students to stay engaged by being challenged, doing something new and having fun.

Which of these ESL listening activities for intermediate learners will you try first?

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10 Awesome Activities to Improve Intermediate ESL Students' Listening

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Listening seems like a passive activity. ESL teachers know better than anyone-that's not exactly true. Language learners need to actively develop their listening skills. Listening is every bit as vital to learning as reading, writing and speaking. But it often slips through the cracks in the classroom.

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Download free printable bingo cards on a variety of topics and themes taught in the ESL classroom.

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Airplane competition: First, have your students make some paper airplanes. Stand the students in a line and let them test fly their planes. For the competition, assign different classroom objects points (e.g. table 5 points, door 10 points, trash can 20 points). Ask a S a question and if s/he answers correctly then s/he can throw and try to hit one of the target objects to win points. This works well as a team game.

Apple Pass: Have all students sit in a circle. Use a fake apple and toss it to one S. But you must say one English word as you pass. The S then throws to another S and says a different English word. If the student you threw it to drops it, he/she is out. And the game keeps going until you have one winner. It can be played with different categories, such as Food, Animals, Etc. My students love it! (Submitted by Kim.S.).

Art Gallery: This is a great activity for reviewing vocab. Draw enough squares on the board for each S to be able to draw in. Have the students write their names above their squares. Teacher calls out a word and the students draw it (could be simple nouns e.g. "dog, bookcase, train", verb structures e.g. "draw a man running, eating cake, sleeping") or adjectives ("draw a big elephant, an angry lion, an expensive diamond ring"). For each S give a score for his/her picture, and then move on to the next picture. The S with the highest score at the end is the winner.

Attention: Call out commands such as: Attention, salute, march in place...stop, sit down, stand up, walk in a circle, clap your hands...stop, run in place...stop, jumping jacks...stop, swim in place....stop, etc. At first students will copy you but later they should be able to do the commands without you. (Submitted by Tania Bibbo).

Backs to the Board Game: This one is good for higher level kids. Make two teams and stand one S from each team in front of the board, facing away from it. Write a word or draw a picture on the board (e.g. "hamburger") and the students have to explain that word to their team member (e.g. you can buy it in McDonalds, it's got cheese and ketchup in it). The first S out of the two standing in front of the board to guess the word wins a point for his/her team.

Badminton: Good for reviewing target vocabulary (words or communicative expressions). Set a "court" into the classroom by placing a skip-rope tied up to two chairs. Make two small teams (the other students can be the crowd and or challengers). Give each S a flyswatter ("Racket"). Inflate a balloon (this will be the ball). Remember: the younger the students, the bigger the balloon must be (slower). Decide who serves and for every winning shot the team to call out the flashcard or picture card shown by the teacher to get a point. Lots of fun! (NOTE: For very active students be careful since they might hit the others' faces when playing). (submitted by Salvador Domingo)

Banana Race: Children just love this! It is basically a QUIZ game in which you ask children questions (Target Vocabulary) like: "What's this? What fruit is red and round? How many chairs are there in the classroom?" or the teacher simply draws items on the board, makes animal noises so that they guess. You can work with students or split the class into small groups/teams if you have a large class. The teacher draws on the board a race track and each team or S will be a BANANA waiting at the Starting Line. They will approach the Goal line as they answer each question. Each right answer equals a step towards the Goal Line. The BANANA who arrives there first, WINS! (Submitted by Salvador Domingo).

Bang!: Materials: Small piece of paper, shoe box or coffee can. Write words on pieces of paper and fold them in half (sight words, vocab, blends etc.). Also add a few cards that say "BANG!". Students take turns picking cards and if they read the word correctly they get to keep the word. If they draw a BANG! card they yell BANG! and then return all their cards (except the BANG! card) to the can/box. Very simple but the kids love it and there are many variations for the game! (Submitted by Heather Gilbert).

Basketball: Students take a shot at the trash can/box/etc. First ask a question to S1. If s/he answers correctly then s/he can have a shot at the basket. If the S gets the ball in the basket then s/he wins 2 points. If the S hits the basket without going inside then s/he wins 1 point. The person who gets the most points is the winner. This can also be played in teams.

Bet you can't: This game can be played in millions and millions of different ways, and essentially it's just this: go to the toy store and buy toy money. Give each student the same amount of money at the start. Have the students bet each other that they can't do something - like this: make each S stand up and walk around. Have them say, "I bet you can't (e.g. count to 20, run around the room 5 times, sing the ABC song. etc.)". Get the students to bet using the toy money. You'd be surprised how much even adult students enjoy this game.

Bingo: Can be played with numbers, letters, pictures or even words. The winner is the first to either get a line or full house.

Blind Toss: Have students sit down in a circle. Place a mat on the floor with numbers and a flashcard (target vocabulary) on each number. Taking turns, each S gets blindfolded and tosses a beanbag so as to hit a number. S/he must call out that word the same number of times as the number indicates. For example: 4-dog, then "Dog, Dog, Dog, Dog! and the S gets the equal points (4). At the end, the S with the most points wins! Good for memorizing vocabulary since they are repeating words. (Submitted by Salvador Domingo).

Blindfold Course: Make an obstacle course in your classroom (use desks, chairs, etc.), put a blindfold on a student and help guide him/her through the course by giving instructions (e.g. walk forward 2 steps, turn left, take on small step, etc.). This is a good pair game.

Blindfold Guess: Blindfold a student and give him/her an object to feel. The student must guess what the object is. This works well with plastic animals as they are a little challenging to guess (I always throw in a dinosaur to spice things up!).

Blindfold Questions: Put students in a circle, with one student, blindfolded standing in the middle. Turn the S around a few times. Tell the S to point at the person in front of him/her and ask a question (e.g. "How old are you?", "What's your favorite food?, etc.). After the reply the blindfolded S must guess the name of the S s/he is talking to.

Board Scramble: Teacher puts the whole alphabet on the blackboard in a scramble of letters here and there, but low enough that the students can reach. Have two teams and call out a letter. The person that is able to find and circle it first wins a point for their team. To make things harder have capital and small letters. Even more challenging- have four teams all looking for the same letter. The kids just love it. You can do it with numbers and also words. (Submitted by Susie).

Buzz: A counting game. Have the students sit in a circle. The students pass the ball around while counting (1, 2, 3, etc.). When the number reaches 7 the S must say buzz. Any number with a 7 in it must be buzz (7, 17, 27, 37, etc.) and any multiple of 7 must be buzz (14, 21, 28, 35, etc.).

Can You Actions: Use this game for teaching "Can you...?" "Yes, I can" "No, I can't". These actions are fun: wiggle, dance, run quickly, hop, skip, do a star jump, do a handstand, touch your toes, cross your eyes, snap your fingers, whistle, sing. E.g. Ask a S "Can you cross your eyes?". If the S replies "Yes, I can" then say "Ok, go!" and the S does the action. If the S says "No, I can't" say "Too bad. Ok, can you (wiggle)?".

Category Spin: Sit students in a circle. Spin a bottle or an arrow - the S that the arrow points to is first. The S needs to say a word from a pre-decided category. The next S will say last word plus his own and so on until it gets to the one who fails. For example: S1:"zebra", S2: "zebra cat", S3: "zebra cat dog".

Category Tag: Choose a category (e.g. food, weather, transportation, etc.). Students run around the room and the teacher chases them. When the teacher tags a S s/he must name a word from the category (e.g. food: cheese, fish, bread, etc.). Give a time limit to answer (e.g. 5 seconds). If the S cannot answer or says a word that has already been used s/he sits out until the next round.

Category Writing Game: Divide the classroom into two or three groups. Each group chooses their "captain". The teacher writes on the board a word like "FRUIT" or "COLORS" or "ANIMALS", etc. Each group has to tell their captain to write down as many words as they can which belong to that category. They have 1 or 2 mins. Each group takes 1 point for each word. Correct Spelling is very important in this exercise! (submitted by Eftychia Charalambous).

Charades: Have a student come to the front of the class and whisper a word or show a flashcard to that student. The student the acts out that word and the first student to guess can be the next player. This works very well with action verbs. Variation: divide the class up into teams - the first S to guess wins a point for his/her team.

Clothes Fun: Students form teams of 3. Each team has a bag with some clothes in it. The first team member puts on the clothes. He/She must say, "This is my shirt", "These are my trousers", "This is my hat" etc., with each item of clothing. Then when all the clothes are on, they say, " I'm dressed" and start removing the clothes, passing them to the next team member, who repeats the process. If you have some fancy high-heeled shoes and silly hats this is a really fun game! Very young beginner students will normally only say, "shirt", "hat" etc. but it's still a worthwhile game for the vocabulary. My students loved it!

Colors in the Air: This is good for very young ones.Give each S 2 pieces of different colored paper (origami paper is ideal for this). Teacher calls a color (e.g. "Blue") and the students with that color hold it up. (submitted by Jo Ruoss).

Color Circles: A good activity for young kids.Get some pieces of A3 paper and draw a large circle on each one. Pin the circles on different walls in the classroom. Model the activity: Say "Blue", take a blue crayon, walk over to one circle and color a small part of the circle. Do this for each color you plan to teach. Then, say a color ("Blue") to a S and s/he should pick up the blue crayon and go over to the circle you colored in blue. Let him/her color it a little and then call him/her back. Continue with other students.

Color Game: This is a good one for teaching the names of colors to young children. Arrange various colors of construction paper in a circle. Play some music and have the children march around the circle. Stop the music and all the children must sit down next to a color. Pick a color and sing (to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"): "Who's beside the color (insert name of color)? Please stand up, if it's you." At that point, the child next to the color mentioned stands up. Continue until all of the children get a turn. (submitted by Josie Weisner).

Count-off: This game requires at least 10 kids or more. They stand in a circle or in lines. Gesture to one child and he or she says "1." Then move down the lines or around the circle counting up to 20. After 20 restart at 1. For a higher level, choose kids at random. If they're too slow or get the wrong number, they're out. Makes a great elimination game. (submitted by Michael J. Lopez).

Cross the River: Place flashcards on floor in winding manner. Each card represents a stepping stone in the river, as students must say word/phrase/question/etc in order to step on it and cross the river! (submitted by Michelle K).

Days of the Week March: see Months March.

Directions: Build a model of a town, including some streets. Use a radio controlled car (a toy) and give the controller to students. Practice directions, e.g. drive two blocks and turn right, and so on. (submitted by Francisco Amador).

Do as I say, not as I do: A 'Simon says' game with a difference. First practice Simon Says with the students so that they understand the game and body parts. I find it works just as well omitting the 'Simon says'. Now tell them to do as you SAY, not as you do, and repeat playing the game - only this time, when you say 'touch your knees' etc, touch your ears instead, or any other part of your body. This is a good way to see who is listening to you correctly and who is just copying your movements. Students find this game much more fun than the original. (submitted by Lisa Coleman).

Dog & Cat Chase: Have students sit in a circle. Teacher walks around the outside of the circle patting the students on the head saying "dog" each time. Suddenly, teacher says "cat" as s/he touches a S's head and then that S must chase the teacher around the circle. The teacher must try to sit in the S's spot before being tagged by the chasing S. If the teacher is tagged s/he must touch the heads again. If teacher makes it back without being touched then the chasing S walks around the circle touching heads. This can be done with any variation of words.

Draw and Roll: Split class into 2 teams. Teacher says Draw a ______ and students should draw that vocabulary word. If the drawing is correct then the student rolls a dice for points. This game can be played 2 ways: The fastest person to draw the picture rolls the dice. Or the other way is to allow any student to roll the dice as long as the picture is recognizable and correct. I made my dice out of a box from the 100 Yen store. (Submitted by Tania Bibbo).

Exercises: This one is great for over excited students who need to burn off a bit of energy. It's also good for classroom commands and numbers. Stand the students in a line and call out instructions: "Jump 10 times", "Turn around 4 times" etc. Other good ones to use are: run (on the spot), hop, hands up & down, touch your (body part), stand up & sit down and star jump.

Explosion: Give the students a topic and an object to pass around. Each student has to say a word in that topic (e.g. food - apple, cake etc.) before the time runs out. If the time limit ends the student left holding the object loses. (submitted by Ben).

Fish: Before this game you need to have the students in pairs draw and cut out a picture of a fish for each pair. While they are doing that put 2 parallel lines of tape on the floor a few meters apart. Have students play in twos - each student behind a different line. Teacher asks S1 a question. If the S answers it correctly s/he can blow once to propel the fish forward. Next, teacher asks S2. The S who blows the fish over the tapped line is the winner.

Fly swatter game: Divide the students into 2 teams. Give the first in each team a fly swatter. Write the same array of answers on the board for each side. Ask student A a question (a letter, blend, word, math problem, number, definition, etc.). The first one to slap the write answer on the board wins a point. They get three questions and then they pass it to the next one. When the first player gets back to the front. Change the answers and do it again! (Submitted by Tammy Edwards).

Follow the leader: Students line up behind the teacher and follows him/her around the classroom. The teacher does an action and shouts out the word for that action. The students copy the action and repeat the word. Good actions include: wave hello/goodbye, it's cold/hot, stop, go, run, hop, skip, crawl, walk backwards, jump, sit down, stand up.

Get Dressed!: This is a game that I used with my primary school children who have just started learning English.

1. Split the class into 2 or 3 teams.
2. On the board write teams 1, 2 and 3 plus the names of the team members.
3. Each team needs to designate who they are going to dress.
4. Write items of clothing (between 4 and 6 items) under each group.
5. Tell the children that the first team to dress their person is the winner. Tell them to 'get ready', count down and then empty a bin bag of clothes on the floor.

The kids loved this game. Even the 2 children who wanted to sit out and watch were screeching with laughter. To add a bit more fun, if the team has chosen to dress a boy in their group I add 'dress' or 'skirt' to their list. (Submitted by G Holwill)

Give Me Game: You can use with objects or flashcards. This works well with plastic fruit: Gather and elicit the different kinds of plastic fruit you have. Then throw all the fruit around the classroom (it's fun just to throw the whole lot in the air and watch the chaos of the students scrabbling to pick them up). Once the students have collected the fruit (they'll probably do their best to hide it in their pockets, etc.) teacher says "Give me an apple". The S with the apple should approach the teacher and hand him/her the fruit "Here you are". Avoid having the fruit thrown back to you as they can go anywhere and takes a long time to finish this game.

Hangman: The old favorite. Very good for reviewing vocab from past lessons.

I spy: Teacher says "I spy with my little eye something that begins with B". Students try to guess the object (e.g. "book"). Colors are a good alternative for younger students ("... my little eye something that is red").

Juice: Bring a small bottle of juice (e.g. orange juice) to class. At some point during the lesson take out the bottle and have a sip. This almost certainly will cause a mini-riot of kids asking for some. Here's an ideal opportunity to teach "Can I have some juice, please?". Say this sentence to the first S and get him/her to repeat it - only give him/her some if the sentence is said correctly. Bring juice along every week, and before long your students will be requesting a drink in prefect English! (If you don't want your students to be drinking out of the same bottle as you bring along a few plastic cups).

Knock-Knock: This can be used at the beginning of each class. Teach the students to knock on the door before entering the classroom. There are 2 variations for the next step: 1. When the S knocks, teacher says "Who's there?". The S replies "It's (Koji)" and then the teacher says "Come in (Koji)". 2. When the S knocks the teacher must guess who it is "Is that (Koji)?". The S replies yes or no - if no, the teacher continues guessing. Having your students develop their own knocking styles makes this even more fun.

Label It: This works well with newcomers of all ages who need an introduction to basic vocabulary. As long as the learners are able to identify beginning letter sounds, they should be able to do this activity. To familiarize my students with names of objects found in the classroom, I label everything with an index card that has the item's name on it. Then I have them repeat what I read as they point to the item. The next day, I remove the cards and go through them one at a time and we place them on the correct item together. The third day, I let them label whatever they can on their own. I continue this for a few days. When they are able to independently label most of the items, I surprise them by having them labeled incorrectly. Then they have to straighten out the mess. You can adapt this to any noun-based vocabulary list (e.g. types of foods, body parts, parts of a room in a house, animals, etc.) that you can post pictures of. Your website has amazing flashcards and pictures that can be printed out and used for this. (submitted by KMMP).

Last Letter, First Letter: (A popular Japanese game called Shiri Tori). Have the students sit in a circle with you. Teacher starts by saying a word, then the S to the T's right must make a word that starts with the last letter of the word that the teacher said (e.g. bu s --- stea k --- ke y --- yello w --- etc.). Continue around the circle until someone makes a mistake.

Line True or False: Put a line of tape on the floor and designate one side "True" and the other "False". Hold up an object or flashcard and say its word. If students think that you have said the correct word they jump on the True side, if not they jump on the False side. Incorrect students sit out until the next game.

Machine: This is good for practicing emotions and sounds. Pick one S to start. Give that S an emotion or a feeling to act. They must do an action and make a noise. One at a time students can add to it and you essentially create a "machine". This is a really fun game! (Submitted by N. Budoy)

Make Words Game: Write a few random letters on the board. Have the students work in pairs/small groups to make up as many words from the letters as possible (e.g. letters: g, h, a, t, p, e, c. Possible words: cat, peg, tea, hat, get, etc.). The team with the most words is the winner.

Months March: For some reason my kids LOVE this game and request it every week! You'll need a fairly long classroom with space for everyone to march up and down. Teacher stands at one end of the room against the left wall. Line the students up along one side and teacher says "Go!". As you all march together, teacher starts calling out the months in order ("January", " February", etc.). Students repeat each month (Teacher:"January", Students:"January"). March along at a slow pace, but smartly (backs straight, arms swinging). At certain points teacher suddenly shouts "Stop!". Everyone must stop and be EXACTLY in line with the teacher . If someone is out of line order them back in line and then continue marching where you left off. Turn around each time you reach the end of the room and continue the march. Once finished start again, but this time walk briskly. You can do it the final time running! This is even more fun when there are tables, etc, in the room that the students need to climb over/under. After a few lessons you shouldn't have to chorus the words - just get the students to chant together as they march.

Name Game: Good for a first class.Sit the students in a circle. Point to yourself and say your name "I'm Jason". Then students say their names around the circle.

Name Memorizing Game: Have children sit in a circle. Start by saying "my name is.." and then answer a question about yourself. For example "My name is Jo and I like the color Purple." The next person says "This is Jo and he likes the color purple and my name is Rose and I am 8 years old." The next person says "That is Jo he likes Purple, this is Rose and she is 8 and I am Jeremy and I like the color blue." It's a chain and the kids have to repeat what the last people have said about themselves. It's really hard to be the last person in the circle! (Submitted by Danielle)

Number Codes: Cut out some squares and write numbers from 0-9 on them. Put the numbers in a box and then instruct the students to place the numbers in a line as you call them out. This also works well for phone numbers.

Number Group Game: Play some music and have your students walk around the classroom. Stop the music suddenly and call out a number (up to the number of students in your class). The students must quickly get together in a group of that number. Any students who didn't make it sit out until the next round.

Odd-One-Out: Write 3 or four words on the board. Students must circle the odd-one-out (e.g. cat - horse - cake - bird).

Pass: Sit the students with you in a circle. Teacher holds up an object or flashcard and says its name (e.g. "Pen"). Teacher passes it on to the next S who also says its name and passes it on to the next S. Variations: change directions, speed rounds, have many objects going round at the same time.

Pictionary: Good for reviewing vocab. Pick a S and show him/her a picture or whisper a word into his/her ear. The S draws the picture on the board and the first S to guess the picture gets to draw the next picture. This can also be played in teams with a point system.

Picture Fun: Have students cut out a picture of a person in a magazine. Students should describe the person, how old they are, what their job is, what their hobbies are, etc. and then present that person to the class. This is good for practicing adjectives. (Submitted by Kelly).

Preposition Treasure Hunt: For prepositions of location and yes/no question practice. You need something sticky, like 'Blue Tak' (used for sticking posters to the wall) that you can roll into a ball and stick on anything. Model first: give the Blue Tak to a S and indicate that they should put it in a difficult-to-find place. Leave the room and give them a few moments to hide the Blue Tak (e.g. on the underside of a desk, on the wall behind a curtain, etc.). Then come back in and ask yes/no questions to locate it (Is it on the desk?, Is it near the desk? Is it in the front half of the classroom? Is it under the chair? etc.). When you finally find it have a S take the questioner's role. In a large class try having students play in pairs.

Puppet Conversation: Hand puppets really liven up a classroom, especially for young learners who are shy when talking to the teacher. You'll probably find that some students prefer talking to the puppet than to you! Fun puppet characters (such as Sesame Street's Cookie Monster) that talk to students can produce unexpected results. I always use Cookie Monster at the beginning of my young classes. Here's what I do: 1. Cookie Monster is sleeping in a bag. Each S has to shout "Wake up Cookie Monster!" into the bag. Cookie Monster only wakes up when the whole class shout together into the bag. 2. Cookie Monster says hello to each S and asks them questions (their names, how they are, how old they are, etc.). Students reply and asks Cookie Monster the same questions. 3. Students and Cookie Monster sing the 'Hello Song' together. 4. Cookie Monster says goodbye to each S individually and then goes back to sleep in the bag. The actual lesson can now start.

Question Ball: Have the students sit in a circle. Throw/Roll a ball to one student and ask a question. The next step has 2 variations. Variation 1: Student 1 throws the ball back to the teacher and the teacher throws to another student asking a different question. Variation 2: Student1 throws the ball to a different student and asks that student the same question.

Question Chain: Have the students sit in a circle. Teacher asks the S next to him/her a question (e.g. "What's your name?" "Do you like chocolate cake?" etc.) and the S has to answer the question and then ask the S next to him/her the same question. Continue around the circle and then start a new question. It helps to use a ball to pass around as the questions are being asked and answered.

Rope Jump: you need a rope for this one! Have students stand behind each other in a line. Hold a rope (have a S hold the other end) at a height that the students should be able to jump over. On the other side of the rope spread out some objects or flashcards and a box. Call out the name of one of the objects/flashcards to the first S. S/he has to jump over the rope, pick up the correct object and put it in the box. For other rounds you can hold the rope down low, so students have to crawl/roll under.

Rhythmic Reading: This activity is fast-paced and lively, and improves their word recognition, speed, and confidence in reading. Choose a reading passage (one page if using a basic text, maybe one paragraph if using a more advanced one). Start a rhythm (clapping or tapping on your desk). Choose one student to start. Each student must read one sentence (or word, if you want), exactly on the beat and pronounced correctly. Immediately after the first student finishes, the next one starts with the next sentence, and so on. If someone misses a beat or stumbles over words, they lose a 'life' or they are 'out'. If you use the 'out' method, it isn't so bad, because the 'out' students help to keep the beat and follow along. In my experience, all students, whether 'out' or not, have focused intently on the reading - waiting like hawks to hear someone's mistake. Of course you can vary the tempo, making it much easier or much harder. This can also be played as a team game (which team can make it to the end of the passage, on beat, with no stumbles or mispronunciations?). Good luck! (Submitted by Melanie Mitchell).

Secret S: Students form two different groups in the class, each group prepares three questions to ask. Other group members try to give answers to these questions without using a word which contains the letter 'S' - quite difficult but fun! The group which does not say this letter wins the game. (Submitted by Gamze Yýldýz).

Shirt Game: Divide the children into two teams and give a man's shirt to each team. Be sure each shirt has the same amount of buttons down the front. At the signal, the first person on each team puts on the shirt and buttons all of the buttons down the front. The one who is buttoned-up first gets to answer the question you ask. Of course a question equals points. If the answer is incorrect, the person from the other team gets a chance to answer.

Shopping: This can be used with a wide range of objects (plastic fruit works very well). Gather all the students and show them all the objects you have. Ask a S "What do you want?" (or maybe "What would you like?" to higher levels). The S should reply (e.g. "An apple, please"). Teacher then says "Here you are" and the S finishes with "Thank you". At the end collect the objects by playing the 'Give Me' game.

Shopping Game: This is an oral communication activity appropriate for EFL learners in elementary/primary school (optimal for grades 3-6). This game is designed for practicing "shopping" dialogue and vocabulary. Materials: "produce" and play money. Object of game: To accumulate as many products as possible.

Students are divided into clerks and shoppers. Clerks set up "stands" to allow easy access for all shoppers (e.g. around the outsides of the room with their backs to the wall). Shoppers are given a set amount of money* (e.g. dollars, euros, pounds, etc.) and begin at a stand where there is an open space. Students shop, trying to accumulate as many items as possible (each item is 1 unit of currency). Periodically, the instructor will say "stop" (a bell or other device may be needed to attract attention in some cultural and classroom contexts) and call out a name of one of the products. Students with that product must then put ALL their products in a basket at the front of the room. The remaining students continue shopping. Students who had to dump their products must begin again from scratch (with fewer units of currency). The student with the most products at the end wins. Students then switch roles.

*It is recommended giving students as much money as possible since students who run out can no longer participate.

Alternative play for more advanced students: Clerks set the price of items. Shoppers have the option of negotiating the price. There are two winners in this version: The shopper who accumulates the most products and the clerk who makes the most money.

Silent Ball: If the students are being loud and off task play this game with them. It really works and they love to play it. Have all the students stand up and give one student a ball (make sure it is soft). Have the students toss the ball to each other without saying a word. Any student who drops the ball or talks must sit down. (Submitted by Samantha Marchessault)

Simon Says: A good review for body parts ("Simon says touch your knees"). You could change Simon to your name to avoid confusion. When teacher says a sentence without the word "Simon" (e.g. "Touch your knees") then students shouldn't follow that instruction. If a S makes a mistake s/he has to sit out until the next round.

Slam: Sit the students in a circle and place some objects or flashcards in the middle of the circle. Tell students to put their hands on their heads. Teacher shouts out the word of one of the objects and the students race to touch it. The S who touches it first get to keep the object. The S who has the most objects at the end of the game is the winner.

Smells Game: Preparation: Take eight small, empty jars; opaque jars work best (e.g., plastic vitamin containers). Put good-smelling things (e.g., shampoo, syrup) in four of the jars and bad-smelling things (e.g., vinegar, strong dried herbs) in the other four. Only a small amount is needed. Place all the jars in a big paper bag. Execution: Write "It smells good" and "It smells bad" on the board. You can also draw a happy face and a disgusted face to clarify things. Teach the phrases. Each S then comes up to teacher, one at a time. S is then blindfolded and you hold an open jar under his/her nose. S must say whether it smells good or bad. Great fun! (Submitted by Max Becker-Pos).

Snowballs: The teacher or the students draw on the board items related to the Target Lesson (fruits, animals, veggies, etc.) Make two teams. One S from each team gets a wet tissue ("Snow ball") and stands up. The rest of the class picks a card which can not be seen by the two students standing, who will throw their "snow ball" as they hear the other students call an item out (e.g.: "Apple!"). The team whose participant hits closer to the item called out, gets a point. (Submitted by Salvador)

Spelling Bee: Have all your students stand at the front of the class. Give S1 a word to spell. The S orally spells the word and the teacher writes it on the board as it is being spelled. If the spelling is wrong the S is knocked out of the game. The last S standing is the winner. This also works well as a team game.

Spin the Bottle: Sit students in a circle with a bottle in the middle. Teacher spins the bottle. When it stops spinning the S it is pointing to has to answer a question. If the answer is correct then that S can spin the bottle. This is a good class warm up activity.

Squeeze: Divide the students into two teams with their desks facing each other. The students closest to the teacher must keep their eyes open, the other students close their eyes. The students on each team must all hold hands except for the two on the ends. The two farthest away from the teacher will be reaching for a small object, like a koosh ball or bean bag. The teacher flips a coin for the students whose eyes are open. When it lands on heads the students must squeeze the hand of the next person, and then the next person and so on. When it reaches the student on the end s/he must quickly reach for the object. The team who picks up the object first wins a point. Then the line rotates, the students with their eyes open move to the next seat. The students who reached for the object come to the front. (Submitted by Lynette Jackson)

Stand Up Questions: Have the students put chairs in a circle, with one less than the number of students. The student left standing has to ask the others a question i.e. Are you wearing glasses? If the answer is yes, then the students with glasses have to stand up and quickly switch chairs, giving the one standing a chance to sit. If the answer is no, the students remain sitting. Lots of fun, and the kids seem to love it and always ask for it. Be careful that they don't get too excited and knock over any chairs. (submitted by Kirk Davies).

Stop the Bus: All students need a pencil and paper to play this game. The teacher writes a letter on the board, and shouts, "Start the bus." The students then write down as many words beginning with this letter as they can think of. When one S shouts out, "Stop the bus!" everyone has to stop writing. The students all get one point for each word. The S who has the most words wins an extra 2 point. This may or may not be the one who shouted, "Stop the bus." (Submitted by Katie McArthur)

Story Pass: Put up a picture or a first sentence as a writing prompt. Divide students into small groups and have them create a story from that prompt. Each student takes a turn writing one sentence to add to the story and passes it on to the next student. Keep it going around in the group until they have finished it (it may be helpful to have a length limit or time limit so the stories don't get too out of control!). Vote on the best story, based on creativity and flow. (Submitted by Christina Deverall)

There is/there are: To practice there is/there are. Give your students a list of questions, and have them go around the school, park in order to answer the questions. Questions could be:
How many doors are there in the school?
How many teachers are there in the school in this moment?
How many plants are there in the hall?
How many tables are there in the classroom?, etc. (Submitted by Claudian Torres)

Time Bomb: you need a timer (such as an egg timer) for this exciting game. Set the timer, ask a question and then throw it to a S. S/he must answer and then throw the timer to another S, who in turn answers and then throws it to another S. The S holding the timer when it goes off loses a life. This can also be done with categories (e.g. food, animals, etc.).

Tingo Tango: Teacher sits with students in a circle after teaching any topic. Give a bean bag to one student in the circle to start passing around when another student (sitting in the middle) begins to chant "tingo, tingo, tingo, tango". When s/he says "tango" the student who ends up with the bean bag must either answer a question or ask one about the topic learned. (Submitted by Maria Pineda)

Tornado: Supplies: flashcards (pictures or questions on one side, numbers on the other), 'Tornado Cards' (flashcards with numbers on one side and a tornado picture on the other). Stick the numbered cards on the board with either pictures or questions on the back (depending on the age group) facing the board. Also include 6 Tornado cards and mix them in with the picture cards. Students then choose a number card. If they answer the question correctly then their team can draw a line to draw a house. If they choose a tornado card then they blow down their opposing teams part drawing of a house. The first team to draw a house wins. (submitted by Sally Lloyd).

Touch: Have students run around the classroom touching things that teacher orders them to do (e.g. "Touch the table" "Touch a chair" "Touch your bag"). Colors work well for this, as students can touch anything of that color (e.g. "Touch something green").

Train Ride Game: Have students form a train (standing in line holding onto each other). Choo choo around the classroom and call out instructions (e.g. faster, slower, turn left/right, stop, go).

"Uhm" Game: One student at a time is chosen and given a specific subject (pickle, grass, football, etc). The objective is for the student to talk about/describe the subject for as long as possible without pausing or using fillers such as "uhm". This is a great game for building speech skills and kids love it! (Submitted by Maggie)

Unscramble: Write a word on the board that has all its letters mixed up (e.g. "lrocsmaos" = "classroom"). Students have to unscramble the word. This works well in a team game. Variation: use letter blocks / letter shapes instead of writing on the board.

Vanishing Objects Game: place a number of objects in front of the students. Give them a few moments to memorize the objects and then tell them to close their eyes. Take away one of the objects and then tell the students to open their eyes again. The first S to guess the missing object can win that object (for 1 point) and take away an object in the next round.

Vocab Tic Tac Toe: Draw a basic tic tac toe board on the white board with new vocabulary in each block. Each word is missing one, two or three letters depending on students level. One S from each team is called up and must fill in the missing letter(s) and say the word aloud. The team with three in a row wins. (submitted by Shawn).

Word Chain: have the students to sit with teacher in a circle. Teacher says a word (or sentence) and then the next S repeats that word and adds a new word. S2 then says the 2 words and adds another. Continue going around the circle until the list gets too long to remember!

What Time Is It Mr. Wolf (variation): This variation is easier to play in a classroom setting. Have students stand in a circle around Mr. Wolf (either teacher or student), who is blind-folded and facing one direction. The students ask 'What time is it Mr. Wolf?'. If Mr. Wolf says 'It's 4 o'clock,' then the students march in a circle 4 steps. If Mr. Wolf says, 'It's dinner time,' then he or she grabs the S who is in front of them. And that S becomes Mr. Wolf. As another variation, and to teach students times of meals, 6 o'clock could be breakfast, 12 o'clock could be lunch and 7 o'clock could be dinner. So when Mr. Wolf said, 'It's 12 o'clock,' Mr. Wolf would eat a S. (Submitted by Wilhelm)

Whisper Game: Sit the students in a circle with you. Whisper a word or sentence in the next S's ear (e.g. "I'm hungry"). S/he then whispers that in the next S's ear and so on until the last S. S/he then says the word/sentence out loud to see if it's the same as the original message.

Whiteboard Draw Relay: Make 2 teams and line them up as far away from the board as possible. Call out a word to the first members of each team, and they have to run to the board, draw the picture and run back to his/her next teammate. The process is repeated for each student and the team that finishes first is the winner. Variation: Teacher whispers the words. The S can only run back to his/her team when his teammates guess what the picture is.

Window Game: You can only do this if your classroom has a window that you can stand outside of and look into the classroom (don't try this on the 10th floor!). Model first: stand the students in front of the window and go out of the room. Wave to them through the window and silently mouth some words (so it seems like they can't hear you through the glass). Look at a flashcard and then mouth the word a few times. Go back in and the S who first tells you the word you were saying can have a turn.

Word Recognition Game: Write some words the students have learned in previous lessons on some cards (postcards are ideal). Have all the students stand at one end of the room and the teacher in the middle. Hold up one card and students come forward and whisper the word in the T's ear. If correct they can go over to the other side of the room. Students can have as many guesses as possible.

Yogurt Pots and Vocabulary: This is definitely only for primary school children just learning to speak English.

You need a number of empty, clean and preferably identical small yogurt containers for this game. Not more than 32 pots.

On the outside of each pot write as many different English words as you can using a black permanent marker felt-pen. Write the words legibly but haphazardly - some the right way up and others sideways or upside-down. Try and write between 10 and 20 words on each pot. Then inside the pot on the bottom of it write a unique serial number starting with 1. Be very sure you also make it clear which way up the number should be read - for example it is easy to confuse 6 and 9 unless you put a line under them.

Be sure to make a master reference list of which words you write on which pot numbers, otherwise you will not be able to manage this game very well at all.

When you play the game, each child will need a single, clean sheet of A4 paper. Get the children to fold and tightly crease their paper in half across its width, then fold it in half again and then again a third time. When the paper is opened out flat it will be divided into eight sections from top to bottom. Then have them fold it in half and crease it lengthways. This divides the paper into 16 sections.

Have them turn the paper around so that it is on the desk in front of them in 'landscape' mode. At the top of each of the 16 sections depicted by the paper folds, have them write the numbers 1 to 16. Make sure they are written quite small. Then have them turn over the sheet and write more numbers on the reverse side from 17 up to 32 (or to the highest numbered pot you have put into the game. If you wish, during the folding of their papers, you might have them rule some lines along its length.

Your pots MUST be in strict, unbroken numerical order so that your students are not confused.

Then you distribute the pots at the rate of one per child - or if you have a larger class, make it one pot between two children and let each pair of children have only one sheet of paper. This way they work as a team. If you want to introduce more pots than there are children (or teams) then keep the balance quantity on your own desk in their full view.

Their job is to write down all the words off EACH pot into the correspondingly numbered sections of their paper. The words from Pot No.3 are to be written only in Space No.3 on their paper and so on. Insist that they write legibly and neatly.

Once the children grasp this game - they will be off and away! Make their goal the first child (or team) to complete ALL of the pots in the game. Perhaps a small prize each for the first three?

Please note though that you MUST insist that they can have only ONE pot on their desk at any time AND that when they finish a pot and want another, they must return the finished pot to you and get another one from you - no direct swapping within the class or there will be fights.

Primary school children love this game. Because they all read and write at different speeds, and if you make a few of the pots very simple and a few of them very difficult - some of the pots will then become "collector's items" Your desk will quickly become the center of the universe in your classroom.

Most children will not cheat in this game but make a point of at least appearing to check the words the top three children or teams have written, against the master lists that you should have made. Be sure they see you doing this.

I was very pleasantly surprised at how successful this game became with my primary school pupils. It completely turned them around and even the laziest and most troublesome among them were transformed.

If this becomes successful in your classroom then you could use this game to 'categorize' their vocabulary training by having different 'sets' of pots with different word lengths or subjects or words beginning with certain letters or containing certain letters. Names of towns, countries, rivers, animals etc etc.

It's simple, cheap and extremely fast-paced. Most importantly young children love it! Be prepared for a VERY noisy and active classroom and for children trying to climb all over you to get at pots they need to complete their papers. (Submitted by Dave)

Zoo Game: This is a fun activity for young learners on the topic of animal noises. After teaching the animals and their noises sit each S in a different part of the classroom and assign them as different animals (to make it clearer you can give each S a flashcard of the animal they are representing). Walk around the room and talk to each S, who can only reply as an animal. E.g. Teacher: "Hello Yumi", S1:"Moo! (cow). Teacher: "What's your name?" S2: "Roar!" (lion). Teacher: "How are you, Kenta?" S3: "Bow-wow!" (dog).

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Over 100 great games and activities to use in the ESL kids classroom.

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39 Fun ESL Games and Activities for an Exciting English Classroom | FluentU English Educator Blog

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39 Fun ESL Games and Activities for an Exciting English Classroom | FluentU English Educator Blog

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Getting playful with the English language is a great way to push your students' creativity and show them how useful their knowledge really is.

And the best way to do that is with fun ESL games for the classroom!

There's nothing like a room full of friendly competition and laughter to make learning more fun.

Read on below for 39 ESL group activities that will get your students engaged and practicing their English. We'll also discuss grouping strategies for effective gameplay.

Contents

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere.Click here to get a copy. (Download)

ESL Vocabulary and Spelling Games

1. Vocabulary Showcase Game Show

Best for: Big groups; communication

In the Vocabulary Showcase Game Show, students will learn new words through firsthand communication. Students must explain the chosen word to their teammate without saying the word.

All you need is a whiteboard, a timer and a list of vocab words that students already have a fairly good grasp on.

How to play:

Review the vocabulary words if needed or desired.

Divide the class into two teams. Team A will choose their first contestant to start the game.

Student A from Team A will stand with their back to the whiteboard.

The teacher writes a vocabulary word on the board and starts the clock. Two minutes per word is best practice in order to get multiple students involved.

Once the clock starts, Team A will do their best to describe the vocabulary word. They cannot use the word or spell it out.

If Student A guesses the correct word, Team A gets a point.

Switch. Now Team B will send up their first member to guess a new vocabulary word. Same rules apply.

At the end, the team with the most points wins.

2. How's Yours?

Best for: Small groups; beginners

This ESL game will have students guess the object everyone is talking about by asking the eponymous question: "How's yours?"

You don't need anything to play this game, though it may be helpful to have some slightly more challenging words to offer your students if they're struggling as the game leader.

How to play:

Select a student to go first (or ask for a volunteer).

This player is sent into the hall or somewhere out of earshot.

The teacher will be game leader first. Pick a body part, type of clothing, common person or common object and inform your students of the secret word. Possibilities might include: shoes, mouth, car, mother, teacher or ring.

The first player comes back into the room.

The player's goal now is to figure out what the secret word is by asking each student, "How's yours?" Each student should respond in just two or three words. Remind them-no pointing!

Once the first player has an answer from each student, they must guess what the object is. Use points or rewards as desired.

Continue by having the first player become the game leader; a new student will go into the hall and be the guesser.

Tip: Pick the shy students early so they can play more confidently after they've been the guesser.

Example:

The secret word is "teeth."

When the player asks their question ("How's yours?"), students might respond:

3. Fly Swat

Best for: End of the lesson; practicing synonyms/antonyms/homonyms

This fun ESL game is a race to the board! Students will compete to be the first to find the answer and swat it with their fly swatter.

You'll need two fly swatters, PowerPoint and a projector. You can substitute the PowerPoint/projector combo for a simple whiteboard, but just know you'll probably have to do some rewriting throughout the game. It also helps to prepare your questions ahead of time.

How to play:

Feel free to ask the same question more than once (repetition is part of the learning process!).

4. Shiritori Showdown

Best for: Warm ups; quick thinking

The word shiritori is Japanese for "chicken's behind." Each student will use the last letter of the previous word to make a new one. If the timer goes off-you're out!

It can be played in any sized group, and the only thing you need is a timer.

How to play:

Example:

(Teacher sets the timer to 30 seconds.)

Teacher: I'll start. Mois t.

Student 3: Like. Like. Like. Umm...

(Timer beeps. Student 3 is out.)

5. Hangman

Best for: All lesson types

Hangman is an oldie but a goodie. Students must guess the letters of the alphabet to figure out a word or phrase before the hangman's drawing is complete.

All you need is paper and pencils-or just a whiteboard if you want to play as a class. Let students take turns picking the word and drawing the blanks. Encourage using new vocabulary words so they can practice spelling.

(I found the original drawing inappropriate for younger students, so I usually drew my stick figure on the plank of a ship over a sea of monsters. As a bonus, students loved being chosen to draw one of the sea monsters on the board before the game began!)

How to play:

The leader draws the setup and the blanks for the chosen word or phrase.

Students take turns guessing letters of the alphabet to fill in the blanks. Correct guesses are written into place in the blanks. For each incorrect guess, the leader adds one body part of the "hangman" to the drawing.

If the guessers get the correct word first, they win. If the picture of the person is completed first, the leader wins.

Switch out the leader and play again!

For extra fun, watch a video clip first, then play Hangman using only words from the clip. And for extra practice, at the end of each round, ask students to talk about the definition of the uncovered word or try to use it in a sentence.

6. Jeopardy

Best for: Big groups; comprehensive review; critical thinking; speaking skills; teamwork

Jeopardy is another classic English classroom game that helps students build their confidence. You'll set it up just like the TV show: a big board with answers and points, where students will need to provide the missing question.

For Jeopardy, you'll need PowerPoint or an internet connection with an online jeopardy board, plus a projector.

How to play:

Prepare a jeopardy board with questions on the chosen subject matter. You can do this on PowerPoint with a premade template, or use Jeopardy Labs for easy set up.

Assign point values that align with the difficulty of each question to ensure a fair distribution of points. Don't forget to include a "Daily Double" for extra fun!

In class, split the students into even groups of four, five or six. Adjust the number according to the number of students in the classroom. For the ideal playing situation, there should be 4-6 groups.

After the class has been split into groups, the first group chooses a subject and point value.

Read the corresponding question aloud. Anyone in class can raise their hand to answer the question.

The first hand up gets to answer. If they're right, their group receives the points and gets to pick the next question. If they're wrong, subtract the points from that team; another group gets a chance to answer.

The group with the most points at the end of the game wins!

Note: You may want to select a spokesperson for each group to keep chaos to a minimum. Rotate the spokesperson every few turns so everyone gets the opportunity to speak.

7. Backdraw

Best for: Big groups; all lesson types; spelling and vocabulary skills

Backdraw is one of the most popular games in classrooms and works for any level. In this game, the students aren't allowed to talk.

How to play:

8. Sparkle

Best for: Big groups; teambuilding; from beginner to advanced students

This game focuses heavily on spelling and team skills, and it's a great way to cement the difficult words on your vocabulary list.

How to play:

This game can also be made more or less challenging by choosing higher or lower level words. Also, for more advanced students, they can be asked to spell the word backward.

9. Squat

Best for: Beginners; big groups; pronunciation practice

This game is an excellent way to use physical activity in the classroom while also engaging the brain in language learning.

How to play:

This game can be made more challenging by having the teacher speak faster, or having the students say and spell the word.

ESL Listening Games

10. Flash Art

Best for: Creative students; reading comprehension practice

You'll give your students scenarios in English and let them create quick interpretations through drawing. This ESL game offers a break from tough topics and traditional book learning.

For this game, you need plenty of paper and drawing materials like colored pencils, markers or crayons.

How to play:

Note: You may only have time to do one or two Flash Art scenarios per session.

Examples:

11. Find Someone Who...

Best for: Big groups

Students must be quick to listen and comprehend the spoken statement, or they'll end up in the middle where they'll have to come up with the next statement themselves.

The teacher can have a prepared list of "Finds," or students can make up their own in this fun ESL game.

How to play:

Examples:

The possibilities are endless! Students can find someone who:

12. Telephone

Best for: Big groups; speaking skills; pronunciation practice

Telephone is another classic. Students will whisper a given phrase down the line. The last person will announce the likely convoluted sentence to the class for everyone's amusement.

This ESL game is easy to play-no materials needed!

How to play:

To make this game competitive, split the class into two teams and see who gets closest to the original phrase.

13. Song Puzzle

Best for: Small groups; sentence order review; listening practice; speaking skills

Song Puzzle is a fun ESL classroom game that will get your students jamming along to music. You'll play a song while they arrange the lyrics in the proper order.

To set up this game, select an appropriate song (if you have young students, check out this resource for some suggestions). Print a copy of the lyrics for each small group in your class. Cut each one into strips to create a complete set of lyrics for each group.

How to play:

Make sure all your materials are prepared before class begins (the song is printed and cut into strips, and you have enough sets for each group).

Separate students into small groups of two or three. Give each group a complete set of lyric strips.

Play the song. Groups will try to organize the lyrics into the correct order.

Continue replaying the song until a team is done. Check the order of their lyrics.

The first group to organize the lyrics correctly wins.

Continue playing until all groups have figured out the correct order of the lyrics.

Use the lyrics to sing the song aloud as a class!

Depending on the song you choose, you can use the lyrics to teach a specific set of vocabulary or a grammar concept. For example, check out this list of songs with passive voice in the lyrics!

ESL Games for Communication and Teamwork

14. Question Volley

Best for: Big groups; speaking skills

In Question Volley, students will ask and answer questions on the spot to boost their confidence in responding to questions naturally and quickly.

All you need for this fun ESL game is a small ball! For added fun, you can always change up what you're tossing around: a potato, a soccer ball, a frisbee, etc.

How to play:

Make sure to encourage quick questions and answers to give this a real-life feel.

Examples:

If your lesson topic is sports, some questions might be:

For more example questions, try this resource-and check out our dedicated post on ESL movie activities.

15. My Name is X, and I Like X

Best for: Combining with a vocabulary lesson; big groups; speaking skills; memory recall

Students will introduce themselves and something they enjoy. Depending on the level of your class, they may learn introductions, transitive verbs and first- and third-person sentence structures.

You don't need anything for this game, but note that the more randomly you call on students, the more likely they'll pay attention to others' responses instead of counting how many more turns until they have to participate.

How to play:

For beginners:

Sit in a circle with your class.

Introduce yourself using this format: "My name is X, and I like X."
For example: "My name is Mr. Smith, and I like to read."

Have the next student introduce themself using the same format.

Continue until every student has had a turn.

For more advanced students, include memory recall. Ask students to introduce themselves and the previous student. That is: "His/her name is X, and he/she likes X. My name is X, and I like X."

The most advanced way to play this game is to include questions, like so:

16. Reporter

Best for: Listening comprehension; conversation practice; speaking/writing skills

In Reporter, students will ask their partner questions in the form of an interview. You may ask them to present or submit their partner's response in writing.

If you choose to focus on writing practice, you'll need paper and pencils. Otherwise, simply have some sample interview questions prepared to get the class started with this game.

How to play:

You can also turn this into a more elaborate game by assigning the interviews as homework.

In that case, have students present their partners to the class without giving the identity of the partner. The class has to guess who the person is based on the presentation.

17. Secrets

Best for: Quiet/lethargic classes

Students will use questioning skills to work out whose secret they know. Get them moving around the room and chatting with this fun ESL classroom game.

You'll need some slips of paper and something to hold them in-a hat or a small bowl will do nicely.

How to play:

Ask each student to write down a secret on a piece of paper. Check that the secrets are written down correctly, but don't betray students' secrets to their classmates!

Have each student fold their paper and put it in a hat.

Each student will then draw a secret from the hat.

Once each student has a secret, they will walk around the classroom asking other students questions to find out whose secret they have. They can't directly say what's on the paper!

Example:

The secret says, "I have five cats."

The person holding the secret might ask a classmate:

Do you like animals?

How many animals live in your house?

18. Find a Partner

Best for: Big groups; speaking skills; combining with a vocabulary lesson

In this ESL game, you'll give students a category. They'll write their favorite thing in that category on a piece of paper. Then they'll search for someone who wrote the same thing-without actually using any of the words they wrote down!

All you need for this one is some small pieces of paper.

How to play:

To make sure this game is working as intended, the teacher must moderate effectively. Walk the room to ensure students are practicing proper English. Correct them as needed based on topics you've covered in class.

19. What Sweet Treat Am I?

Best for: Beginner and intermediate students; speaking practice

Students will take turns asking questions to figure out what sweet treat they are in this fun ESL classroom game.

For this one, you'll need tape and as many kinds of candy as you have students in class (so, 10 students means 10 different types of candy). Make sure it's candy they're familiar with.

How to play:

Tape a candy wrapper to each student's back.

Put the students in a circle.

Tell students how many questions they can ask before they'll need to make a guess, and decide what will happen if they get it right/wrong (points, guess again, player is out, etc.).

Select someone to go first.

The first player stands up and turns around so everyone can see their candy wrapper.

The player can ask the group yes or no questions to get clues about their candy.

After the set number of questions, the player must guess.

Continue until all sweet treats have been guessed and revealed.

Example:
The standing player might ask some of the following questions:

ESL Speaking Games

20. Who Am I? What Am I?

Best for: Advanced students; practicing asking questions

This is a slightly more advanced version of the "What Sweet Treat Am I?" activity. It can be modified to include writing if you ask the students to create the cards, rather than doing it yourself.
How to play:
For more advanced students, cards can list literary characters, book titles or even idioms. Another option is to keep all of the cards related to one theme, like health words, clothing, colors or even slang.

21. Question Master

Best for: Experienced speakers; creative thinking

Question Master helps your students figure out what to ask in a given situation. Set up the scenario and let them ask away!

All you need for this game is a timer. Any amount of people is good, but note that this ESL game works best with more experienced speakers who are comfortable creating sentences on the fly.

How to play:

Choose a scenario for the class, like at a café, at the airport, or even on a date.

Set the timer. Begin.

Each student must ask a question relevant to the scenario. Encourage creativity with this one!

Continue until the timer goes off. The student is out or the game is over.

Example:

(Teacher sets the timer to a minute and thirty seconds.)

Teacher: Okay, the scenario is at a shop. Go!

Student 1: How much is this?

Student 2: Do you accept credit cards?

22. Time Trials

Best for: Individual students

Instead of racing against others, students are trying to get their own personal best time for English speaking. They're aiming for speed and precision.

While you could do this with an ESL class, it's particularly helpful for individual learners. You'll just need a topic and a timer that starts from zero.

How to play:

Example:

Teacher: Okay, tell me your name, age, where you're from, and what you do. Ready? Go! (Starts timer.)

Student: My name is... (continues talking)

(Teacher stops the timer when the student finishes.)

23. Balloon Truth or Dare

Best for: Outgoing students

This is a slight twist on the classic truth or dare. Inside balloons are truths (personal questions) and dares (silly actions), which students must complete in front of the class.

You'll need balloons (at least enough for each student in the class) and slips of paper, as well as truths and dares. Feel free to adapt statements using vocabulary and grammar suitable for the level you're teaching.

How to play:

A small tip: You may want to start with your more outgoing students. But don't let your shy students be last either-try to call them out around the middle to help manage their anxiety.

Examples:

For some possible dares, you might write:

Do a popular dance.

Sing a class song by yourself.

Pretend like you're riding a horse.

Snore or snort.

And for some possible truths, you might write:

24. Word Warm Ups

Best for: Warm ups; grammar review; creative thinking

In Word Warm Ups, students will attempt to use the given English concept in a sentence before time runs out.

You'll need a timer. If the timer is your phone and you don't want it passed around the room, you'll also need a small ball or another easily passable item.

How to play:

Example:

(Teacher sets the timer to a minute and thirty seconds.)

Teacher: Okay, so sentences using the phrase, "even though." Go!

Student 1: Hmm... I like Canada even though it's very cold.

Student 2: Okay. Even though she's only 30, she's too old for me.

Student 3: Hmm, I... umm. Even though, umm...

(Timer goes off. Student 3 is out.)

25. Mayor (a.k.a. Don't Vote for Me)

Best for: Advanced students; speech-giving practice

Mayor requires both higher English ability and an appreciation of irony. If your class has both, this game may get shy students to take risks and even be a bit silly. Students will run to NOT become mayor.

No materials are needed. Note that you may want to lower the intensity for your shy students by having everyone stand at their desk to speak rather than the front of the classroom.

How to play:
Example:
"I would hate to be mayor. Do not vote for me. I do not like to be around smelly, old citizens. Children are noisy. Who cares about education?"

26. Reading Race

Best for: Reading class; small groups; reading speed; pronunciation practice

This English classroom game will have students race against the clock to finish the reading passage. The key is that they must do so with no mistakes.

You'll need a timer and reading material to play, so this game is especially great if your class has a reading text they're working through.

How to play:

Provide students with the reading passage you want them to practice. Make sure everyone's on the correct page.

Set the time and begin the timer.

Each student will attempt to read the next sentence (or the whole passage) perfectly.

If they mispronounce a word or rush through a sentence, correct them. They must start again from the beginning.

Once they've read the given part with no mistakes, it's the next student's turn.

The student who's reading when the timer goes off is out!

Example:

(Teacher sets the timer to two minutes.)

Teacher: Okay, reading race, page 7. Ready? Go!

Student 1: (Reads passage perfectly)

Student 2: (Reads passage but has an error with pronunciation)

Teacher: (Tells student correct pronunciation) Sorry, reread!

Student 2: (Reads passage perfectly)

Student 3: (Reading but struggling a bit)

(Timer goes off. Student 3 seems to be having some trouble with these games! They're out.)

27. I Took a Trip to the USA

Best for: Big groups; listening skills; memory recall

This speaking game puts an emphasis on listening, focus and memory-building skills while also encouraging students to recall vocabulary.

How to play:

Teach the students the speech they must learn for every turn in the game: "I took a trip to the USA, and with me I took..."

The first student says the sentence, and names an object starting with an "A." For example, "...and with me I took an apple."

The next student must repeat the first word, then add a word that starts with a "B." For example, "...and with me I took an apple and a banana."

Every following student must repeat every word previously said, and add a word starting with the next letter of the alphabet. For example, "...and with me I took an apple, a banana, and a cat."

The game continues until a word cannot be named or a word is forgotten.

This is a very flexible game that can be adapted to any classroom. First, be specific on wanting students to use articles and the word "and" before the last word. Also, you can give the classroom a category to follow, such as asking them to name animals or foods.

ESL Games for Creative Thinking

28. Storytelling Memory Game

Best for: Speaking skills; memory recall; vocabulary building; sentence structure review

Together, the class will tell a story out loud by finishing each others' sentences in this ESL game.

Smaller groups make this game easier, while larger groups will really test students' memories. No materials needed!

How to play:

Begin by sitting in a circle.

The first person (this can be you, but it doesn't have to be) starts the story with a fragment, such as: "It was a dark and stormy night..."

The next person in the circle must repeat what the first person said and add a phrase of their own.

Continue going around the circle until someone messes up. You can start over, prompt them or something else.

In the end, you could have students write down the story. Or write it on a poster board and hang it up in your classroom for students to remember and get a good laugh!

Example:

Teacher: It was a dark and stormy night...

Student 1: It was a dark and stormy night and no one was around.

Student 2: It was a dark and stormy night and no one was around. Suddenly, there was the sound of...

29. Two Truths and a Lie

Best for: The first class; advanced students; speaking/writing skills; conversation practice

In this game, each student will present three statements about themselves-two are true, and one is false. Their classmates must ask questions in order to determine which statement is the lie.

Two Truths and a Lie only requires a whiteboard (or anything you can write on).

How to play:

Ensure the class understands the meaning of both "truth" and "lie."

You'll go first as an example. On the board, write two truths and one lie about yourself.

Tell the class that one of the statements on the board is not true.

Students may ask you non-specific questions about what you wrote. You may want to give a question limit to raise the stakes of the game.

Once the questioning is over, students will write down which statement they believe to be the lie.

You can ask them to share their guesses and why they came to that conclusion.

Reveal the lie!

Select a student to take your place. The game repeats until everyone has had a turn.

Example:

One statement says: "I enjoy running every morning."

Students may ask things like:

What kind of running shoes do you have?

What time do you begin your run?

30. Funny Papers

Best for: Writing practice; collaboration; pair or small group play

Funny Papers is a fun ESL game where students are asked to fill in the blank speech bubbles of a comic strip.

Using the Sunday funny papers or some blank comic strips online, white out the text of each character's speech bubbles or dialogue boxes. Make enough copies for your class.

How to play:

31. Dictionary

Best for: Any level; speaking skills; writing skills

If you know the game Balderdash, you'll recognize Dictionary. One team member will lead the way. Players will guess the definition of a difficult word, and a judge will decide their favorite answer. In the end, someone wins a treat!

You'll need dictionaries or vocabulary lists (with definitions) for this game. You'll also need sticky notes for each group and some prize candy.

How to play:

Split the class into groups of five or six students.

Give each group a packet of sticky notes and a dictionary/vocab list.

For each group, select a leader and a judge. (Tip: Try picking the shyest students to steer the groups first.)

The leader finds a word in the dictionary/on the list that they do not believe anyone else knows. The leader writes the correct definition of the word on the sticky note.

The leader spells the word out loud, and everyone except the judge writes it down on their own sticky note.

Everyone except the leader and judge will now make up their own definition of the word and write it on their sticky note as well. The students can come up with a silly definition, try to guess the correct definition or try to fool the judge with something that sounds convincing.

The leader collects the definitions and gives them to the judge.

The judge reads each definition out loud. (If your judge has a flair for the dramatic, all the better!)

After reading all the definitions, the judge decides which one they like best. The player who wrote it gets a piece of candy.

The roles switch. The judge becomes the leader and a new judge is selected.

Keep playing until every student has had a chance to be both the judge and the leader.

Example:

The leader picks the word "sundry." She spells it out for the players.

The leader writes the correct definition on her note ("miscellaneous").

One player thinks about the literal meaning and writes: "wet clothes left outside."

Another player guesses: "popcorn."

Another player decides to be silly and writes: "lying to your teacher."

The leader mixes up the definitions and hands them to the judge. The judge reads each definition out loud, and everyone has a good laugh.

The judge decides she likes the "wet clothes left outside" definition. The player who wrote this gets the candy and then the leader explains that the correct definition is "miscellaneous."

32. Oral Storytelling

Best for: Listening comprehension; speaking practice

Students have to be able to follow along with the story, listening closely to what the people before them just said, and they have to think critically to build a correct sentence of their own.

For beginning ESL students, consider speaking sentences out loud yourself and asking them to add one word at a time. They could even draw or hold up pictures to add to the story.
How to play:

Have students sit in a circle. Begin telling a story by speaking one sentence aloud.

The student on your left should add to the story by speaking a second sentence aloud.

The student to his or her left should speak the next sentence aloud, and so on.

Keep the story going around the circle one sentence at a time until it comes to a logical conclusion.

Remind students that each sentence should build on the one before it.

It's easy for students to add in something offbeat or random to try to be silly, but the goal of this lesson is to create a logical story. One way to keep the story on track might be to record it.

33. Written Storytelling

Best for: Working as a team; writing practice

This is a bit like a word association game, but requires that the students expand on that to create a story.

For more advanced students, consider assigning topics that require students to discuss customs or cultural norms, like privacy, personal space, hygiene or dining.
How to play:
Both the written storytelling and the small group discussion that follows are valuable practice time. Together, they'll help students practice written and spoken English in one swoop.

ESL Grammar Games

34. Would You Rather

Best for: Making learning conditionals fun and and lively

This classic sleepover and bus trip game, ideal for getting participants to know more about each other, can be a perfect giggle-inducing grammar game to reinforce recent lessons. The game is simple enough, driven by straightforward questions and answers.

The main use for this game in the ESL classroom is to practice using conditionals and discussing hypothetical situations ( would you):

Would you rather get stung by a bee or bit by a spider?

Would you rather dance in front of ten thousand people or in front of the President of the United States?
How to Play:
Example: "Sara, how many of your classmates would rather dance in front of the President of the United States?" Then this student must tell you how many people chose this option in her group or in the class.

35. Conjugation Pyramid

Best for: Learning verb conjugations

Similar to blackboard race, the conjugation pyramid is a race-to-win classic that is beloved by language students everywhere. Set this one up for the very end of class when there are a few minutes remaining-this will really get the pressure cooking.
How to play:
36. Tic-Tac-Toe

Best for: Learning parts of speech
How to play:
37. Shootin' Hoops

Best for: Getting students physical as they reinforce grammar lessons

Go down to the school's gymnasium, playground or set up a makeshift basketball hoop in the classroom. You can manage this without damaging school property by simply setting up a hula hoop or other plastic ring as the "hoop" and by playing with a small inflatable or foam ball.
How to play:

Break the students into two groups or have them play individually against the rest of their classmates.

There are two ways to go about playing this one. Before being allowed to take a shot, each student must either:

Answer a question with the appropriate featured grammar pattern.

Create a basic statement using the featured grammar pattern.

If the student gets their answer or statement wrong or doesn't phrase it properly, they won't get to take a shot.

If the student passes this part of the game, they get to take a shot. If they score, they get 2 points. If they don't score but got the question right, they get 1 point.

38. Hot Potato

Best for: Encouraging quick thinking about grammar points
How to play:
Example: Tell students learning the present tense that they must each say one verb conjugated in the present tense, using first person singular or "I form." Each student will then have to say something like, "I run," "I dance" or "I cry." The ball gets passed around and around, with students being eliminated whenever they draw blanks or conjugate their verbs wrong.

For easier games, give each student 6-8 seconds. For harder, faster paced games, give students 2-3 seconds. You can also start slower and gradually increase the pace of the game as it progresses.

39. Word Chain

Best for: Thinking quickly and creatively
How to play:
4 Ways to Group Your Students

You've got your pockets full of group ideas that work in class. But believe it or not, how you group your students might be more important than the actual activities you do.

But what's the secret to grouping students the right way?

Here are four ways you can put your students together and why you might choose to group them each particular way.

Group by Varying Skill Levels

Did you know that even native speakers change the way they talk based on who they're talking to and that person's language use? It's part of the feedback mechanism of the brain and why you might acquire a bit of a Southern accent when talking to your friend from Alabama or why you might start dropping final g's if you hang out in New York for any length of time.

Because when you group lower level students with higher level students, they'll automatically and subconsciously improve their English usage just by hearing and talking to more advanced students. Crazy, isn't it?

While a more advanced student will likely speak more like their lower level student partner, too, they aren't losing out on the deal. We learn more when we teach. And when you group advanced students with lower level students, they'll learn by teaching the other members of their group even if they don't realize what's happening. If you have a mixed level class, don't despair. Your students can learn as much from each other as they do from you when they're in these types of groups.

Group by Same Skill Level

While students can learn a lot by working with classmates at different language skill levels, that isn't always the way you want to partner up your students. Sometimes mixed level groups can be dominated by advanced speakers and beginning students can get lost in the mix.

Not so when your groups are selected for their similar language proficiency.

In a group of all beginners, someone will have to speak up, and that means your lower level students will be talking more in class. In your group of all advanced students, everyone may want to drive the conversation. That means the members of that group will have to work on their discourse skills like taking turns speaking and using active listening. If you have students who dominate the conversation in class, this might be the right type of group for you.

Group by Same First Language

Have you ever heard that grouping students with others who speak the same first language is taboo? Forget about it. Your students will actually be able to help each other in very unique ways when they're grouped with others that speak the same first language.

More advanced students understand the specific language struggles faced by beginning students and can help them through struggles that they themselves have already overcome. Your advanced students can also explain using their native language which is a great advantage when you've tried everything to communicate to your students and they still aren't getting what you're trying to say.

Grouping by the same first language is also an advantage when you're discussing some sensitive topics, those that might hit a cultural hot button. While not every speaker of a language comes from the same culture, many do, and if you're afraid of cultural flare-ups because of a certain topic, try grouping your students this way to minimize the drama that might otherwise come up.

Group by Different First Languages

Have I convinced you that grouping by the same native language is a good thing? Well, stop it. At least sometimes. Because mixed L1 groups are useful to students in other ways. When all the members of a group speak different first languages, they'll all be forced to speak English in order to work together.

This is particularly useful if you have students that just won't speak in English because they always have the chance to speak their first language. A mixed L1 group also gives your students the chance to experience different accents in English and as a result improve their listening skills. Culture can also come into play in these groups. By talking with people from different areas of the world, your students can develop a better appreciation for each other and their home cultures. It's a great way to learn about people around the globe along with their traditions.

Why ESL Games Are an Essential Part of the Classroom

ESL games are as versatile as they are fun! They're also a super important part of your lesson plans. Here's why:

They're invaluable for building on your presentation (the first part of your PPP lesson plan).

They'll help your students cultivate essential skills, both directly and organically.

They'll often get your students up and moving, which helps get the brain working.

They'll help your students internalize grammar and vocabulary through usage.

They'll aid the development of students' English listening, reading, speaking, writing and thinking skills.

They'll improve your students' communication, collaboration skills and confidence.

They're usually active-great for both classes that need somewhere to direct their energy and classes that need to kick it up a notch.

They can be used at any time during class: as a beginning warm-up, as an end-of-class time-filler or in the middle as the bulk of your lesson.

Games can be implemented alongside any other teaching tools as well.

They're useful during difficult or frustrating lessons to supplement traditional book learning time. They can also be used in conjunction with videos to keep your classes engaged from start to finish.

For level-appropriate videos with helpful tools, the FluentU language learning program uses authentic clips made by native speakers to teach your students English.

The clips are organized by content and level, so you can ensure they're the right amount of challenging for your class. The videos also have interactive subtitles, so students can hover over a word to see its definition or click on it for more information, including example sentences and contextual notes.

As the teacher, you can assign FluentU videos for homework, track student progress and create vocabulary lists for students to review with the digital flashcard feature. Then in class, you can practice the vocabulary together using one of the games listed above.

Working some fun ESL classroom games into your lesson plans every week creates an atmosphere of enthusiastic learning. Your students will have a blast while working on their English skills!

From artistic creativity to comedic scenarios, your students can experience English in a whole new way through these games. Even grammar can be exciting with games!

So, get started with these fun ESL games and bring learning to life!

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere.Click here to get a copy. (Download)

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39 Fun ESL Games and Activities for an Exciting English Classroom | FluentU English Educator Blog

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Use some fun ESL group activities to liven up your lessons! Choose from our list of 39 games, from classics like Hangman and Telephone, or new ones like Fly Swat and Secrets. Either way, your students will love these ESL activities for the classroom and learn important English skills at the same time.

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EFL / ESL intermediate Activities - eslactive

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In the Adverbs Of Frequency Bingo ESL activity students have to ask their classmates how often they do activities, in search of specific answers.

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Thousands of online crossword puzzles, matching pairs, jumbled words, hangman games and many, many more. You can play all these games online, on any device-from phone to desktop. Enjoy these games and make progress in English!

Grammar Games
Test your knowledge of English grammar with these fun online games:

Pronunciation Games
How good is your English pronunciation? Try these fun mobile-friendly online games to find out:

Spelling Games
Play word scrambles to test your spelling:

Vocabulary Games
Online matching games, jumbled games, hangman games to test your knowledge of words:

You can play all these games on your smartphone, tablet or desktop, so bookmark these pages and keep coming back to practise your English!

Recommended ESL Games Links

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Online interactive English games for ESL learners and teachers, including Hangman, Matching, Sorting, Crosswords, Spelling and other Vocab and Grammar games. Covers Pronunciation too!

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The Nine Enneagram personality types describe individual behavior tendencies, motivations, and desires more deeply and more specifically than other personality frameworks. While each type has distinct differences, there are even more variations within each of them with secondary types (known as "wings"), stress levels, and different levels of maturity. For this reason, the Enneagram is a helpful tool for personal development, counseling, and building your most important relationships.

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Free Enneagram Personality Test | Crystal Knows

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Take the Enneagram Test for free on Crystal and discover your personality type. Learn how your deep motivations, desires, and fears drive your actions.

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Free personality test - take it to find out why our readers say that this personality test is so accurate, "it's a little bit creepy." No registration required!

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Free multiplication games at Timestables.com

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Play here fun multiplication games online like Figo and Friends and My Smart Horse. Learn the times tables by playing free math multiplication facts games for 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade students.

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All Free Math Games - Multiplication.com

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Looking for free single-player and multiplayer games for learning and practicing multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division? Check out Multiplication.com's library of 100+ games, where there's something for every learner. Browse all available games here!

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South America: Countries - Map Quiz Game - Seterra

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Most of the population of South America lives near the continent's western or eastern coasts while the interior and the far south are sparsely populated. Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by both area and population. Identifying Uruguay, Suriname, and Guyana may be a little tougher to find on an online map.

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South America: Flags - Flag Quiz Game - Seterra

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It’s a jungle out there! Memorizing the South American flags can make you feel like you’re lost in the Amazon rain forest! But don’t worry, this flag quiz game will help you learn the flags of South America with ease. From Argentina to Venezuela, you’ll know every South American flag there is, all with the help of this engaging geography study aid!

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The U.S.: State Flags - Flag Quiz Game - Seterra

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Did you know that Hawaii's state flag is the only state flag to feature the Union Jack (which is the flag of the UK)? Facts like that can really help you learn the US State flags. Find a few flag facts on your own, then use this engaging quiz game to lock in a visual connection to each flag.

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The U.S.: State Abbreviations - Map Quiz Game - Seterra

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The United States Postal Service (USPS) has established a set of uppercase abbreviations to help process mail using automated equipment. The postal abbreviations are the same as the ISO 3166-2 subdivision codes for each of the fifty states.

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The U.S.: 50 States - Map Quiz Game - Seterra

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With 50 states in total, there are a lot of geography facts to learn about the United States. This map quiz game is here to help. See how fast you can pin the location of the lower 48, plus Alaska and Hawaii, in our states game! If you want to practice offline, download our printable US State maps in pdf format.

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Looking for fun, educational games for kids to play? The PBS KIDS Games app has over 100 free learning games with your favorite PBS KIDS characters. Kids can play and explore learning anytime, anywhere!

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Looking for fun, educational games for kids to play? The PBS KIDS Games app has over 100 free learning games with your favorite PBS KIDS characters. Kids can play and explore learning anytime, anywhere!

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World: Flags (Difficult Version) - Flag Quiz Game - Seterra

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Recognizing 106 of the most well-known World flags can be challenging. Have you seen the flags of Chad and Rumania? Except for very slight shade differences between the blue, yellow, and red stripes, the two flags are identical! Senegal and Mali are another tricky pair-their flags look the same, except Senegal's has a green star in the center.

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How many words can you make with 7 letters?

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World: Large Countries - Map Quiz Game - Seterra

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Even though there are 195 countries, some stand out on the map more than others. Russia, for example, is just over 17 million square kilometers, while the Canada, the United States, and China are all over 9 million square kilometers.

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Drag and drop countries around the map to compare their relative size. Is Greenland really as big as all of Africa? You may be surprised at what you find! A great tool for educators.

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Play Solitaire online for free. No download required. Play full screen and try over 100 games like Klondike, Spider Solitaire, and FreeCell.

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Chess.com - Play Chess Online - Free Games

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Play chess online for free on Chess.com with over 100 million members from around the world. Have fun playing with friends or challenging the computer!

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Join the numbers and get to the 2048 tile! Careful: this game is extremely addictive!

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All the fun of the larger New York Times Crossword, but you can solve it in seconds.

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Guess the hidden word in 6 tries. A new puzzle is available each day.

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Akinator can read your mind and tell you what character you are thinking of, as if by magic. Think of a real or fictional character, answer few questions, and Akinator will try to guess who it is. Will you dare challenge the genie?

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Increase your typing speed while racing against others

You must have Javascript enabled in your browser in order to play TypeRacer. It seems that you currently have it turned off.

Please consult this article for instructions on how to enable Javascript in your browser.

Also make sure that you are not using any browser plugins (like NoScript for Firefox) that could be blocking Javascript. If you need more assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Increase your typing speed while racing against others

The award-winning online typing competition, TypeRacer, is the best free typing game in the world. It is the first-ever multiplayer typing game, which lets you race against real people typing quotes from books, movies, and songs.

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Don't wait to get started: the road to becoming a touch typing master is long, but at least TypeRacer makes it fun and easy. To be clear, TypeRacer is not an easy typing game, but it will actually make you a better typist than those easy typing games for kids. It makes you type the same sort of text you would see at typing jobs.

Don't know how to type yet? Then learn to type! Just grab a free typing tutor or read a free typing tutorial. There are many free typing lessons on the web. You can also just download Mavis Beacon if you prefer.

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TypeRacer - the global typing competition

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Test your typing skills today! Play against real live people from all over the world. TypeRacer is the best free massively multiplayer online competitive typing game. Race against live opponents while learning to increase your typing speed and having fun! Type quotes from popular music, songs, anime, comic books and more.

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GeoGuessr is a geography game which takes you on a journey around the world and challenges your ability to recognize your surroundings.

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This is a game built with machine learning. You draw, and a neural network tries to guess what you're drawing. Of course, it doesn't always work. But the more you play with it, the more it will learn. So far we have trained it on a few hundred concepts, and we hope to add more over time. We made this as an example of how you can use machine learning in fun ways. Watch the video below to learn about how it works, and

Built by Jonas Jongejan, Henry Rowley, Takashi Kawashima, Jongmin Kim, Nick Fox-Gieg, with friends at Google Creative Lab and Data Arts Team.

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Can a neural network learn to recognize doodles? See how well it does with your drawings and help teach it, just by playing.

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The world's most popular autocomplete game. How does Google autocomplete this search? "Our new obsession." - TIME

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The Wayback Machine is an initiative of the Internet Archive, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. Other projects include Open Library & archive-it.org.

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Most Popular Disney Games Of All Times | Disney--Games.com

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Explore all your favorite old Disney Channel Games you used to play online in your childhood! Join the familiar Disney sets and characters! Have fun!

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The Wikipedia game simply involves racing from one Wikipedia page to another using as few steps/links as possible. Inspired by Wordle, one new challenge is set every day and you can share your results to see if you can beat your friends and family.

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The Wikipedia game simply involves racing from one Wikipedia page to another using as few steps/links as possible. Inspired by Wordle, one new challenge is set every day and you can share your results to see if you can beat your friends and family.

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About Rotate and Roll Game

Rotate and Roll is a fun, physics-based game filled with twists, turns, and exciting challenges. With a total of 40 exciting levels, each one filled with colorful and interesting designs, it's your job to maneuver the balls toward the exit bubble.

In this adventure, you're the guide for little balls, helping them roll their way to safety. To accomplish your mission, you'll need to rotate the screen just right to guide them to the exit point. Remember, getting there is not always as easy as it looks!

How to Play

Controlling the game is quite simple. You'll only need these keys:

- Left/Right arrow keys: Rotate the game screen left or right.

- Enter: Restart the level or move to the next one after completing it.

In your journey through the levels, you'll sometimes see a star. Collect it! These stars are necessary to activate the exit point in some levels. Each star you collect brings you one step closer to your goal.

At the same time, beware of the Ghost Balls and the Evil Balls! Touching any of these is bad news; you'll have to restart the level. Plus, make sure you don't fall off the ramps - that'll also lead to a level restart.

While playing, remember to use your arrow keys wisely to control the rotation of the screen. This is the key to guiding the balls in the right direction. Pay close attention to where the balls are going and adjust your rotation accordingly.

Rotate and Roll is all about balance, patience, and fun! Each level is a new puzzle waiting to be solved. Have fun guiding those cheerful little balls to the exit bubble, and enjoy your exciting journey through this colorful, physics-based world.

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Join the fun in the Rotate and Roll game, guiding cheerful balls to their goal! With 40 levels of physics-based puzzles, it's a good rolling time.

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Play the best free games on MSN Games: Solitaire, word games, puzzle, trivia, arcade, poker, casino, and more!

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In this famous landmarks quiz, students have to connect the dot for each historical world monument and the country outline.

After this activity, can you recognize the monument and country outline?

As a classroom, review all the famous landmarks along with their associated countries.

World Monuments Quiz: Landmarks Around the Globe Answers

Christ the Redeemer (Statue) - Brazil
Statue of Liberty (Statue) - United States
Eiffel Tower - France
Taj Mahal (Mausoleum) - India
Easter Island (Statues) - Chile
Sydney Opera House - Australia
Great Pyramid of Giza - Egypt

Related Social Studies and Geography Worksheets

If you need more social studies worksheets, see our free printable activity sheets below.

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Famous Landmarks Quiz: Monuments Around the World - ALL ESL

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In this famous landmarks quiz, students have to connect the dot for each historical world monument and the country outline. After this activity, can you recognize the monument and country outline? As a classroom, review all the famous landmarks along with their associated countries.

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What is Common Core?/ ¿Qué es los estándares comunes del estado central? 

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What is Common Core?/ ¿Qué es los estándares comunes del estado central? 

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"The Common Core State Standards describe learning goals for each grade level in math and English language arts, with a focus on preparing students for college and the real world."

"Los estándares comunes del estado central describen las metas de aprendizaje para cada nivel de grado en matemáticas y artes del idioma Inglés, con un enfoque en la preparación de los estudiantes para la universidad y el mundo real"

-Education.com

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Common Core State Standards/ Estándares comunes del estado

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Common Core State Standards/ Estándares comunes del estado

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Start by choosing a grade and subject

Find worksheets, workbooks, and games to help teach the Common Core

What is the Common Core?

The Common Core State Standards describe learning goals for each grade level in math and English language arts, with a focus on preparing students for college and the real world. The standards were developed by a group of state education chiefs and governors with help from teachers and curriculum experts. Forty-three states have adopted the standards and are currently implementing them in their public schools.

What could we do to improve Education.com?

Please note: Use the Contact Us link at the bottom of our website for account-specific questions or issues.

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Find worksheets, workbooks, and games to help teach the Common Core The Common Core State Standards describe learning goals for each grade level in math and English language arts, with a focus on preparing students for college and the real world.

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PreK and Kindergarten / Preescolar y Kindergarten

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PreK and Kindergarten / Preescolar y Kindergarten

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Start in the plank position. Reach one arm up towards the sky. Open your torso and hips to the side. Balance on the side of your feet, placing your top foot on the floor behind your bottom foot. Keep your hips lifted and wrists in a straight line. Switch sides.

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Start with your arms at your side. Jump and spread your feet while bringing both arms above your head. Jump and bring your feet back together and arms back to your side. Count jumps out loud to see how many you can do!

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Many of us can agree: the triumph that comes with solving a tough riddle is a feeling like no other. And chances are, your child will love riddles too!

There are plenty of reasons to introduce riddles to your child. Riddles are a great way to stimulate children's minds. Plus, they're a fun activity to keep kids occupied and learning at home.

We collected the 43 best riddles for kids (and adults, too!) to keep your child entertained and get their brains working.

Try them out below!

What is a riddle?

A riddle is a fun type of brain teaser that exists as a question or statement to be solved.

Usually, riddles are worded in a puzzling or misleading way. Many have a double or hidden meaning that requires creative, outside-the-box thinking. Their answers are often unexpected, so the reader must think very carefully when solving them.

43 Fun riddles for kids

Put your thinking caps on and see how many you can solve with your child. Make sure to scroll slowly so you don't spoil the answers!
P.S. Want to print these to use later? Download our PDF version of the riddles list!
Easy riddles for kids

These riddles will engage your child without causing too much frustration. Perfect for warming up their brain so they can keep solving more!
1. How many months of the year have 28 days?
Answer: All of them! Every month has *at least* 28 days.

2. What has hands and a face, but can't hold anything or smile?

Answer: A clock.
3. It belongs to you, but your friends use it more. What is it?
Answer: Your name.
4. Kate's mother has three children: Snap, Crackle and ___?
Answer: Kate! It's Kate's mother, after all. (This is a good example of how riddles use your existing expectations to trick you. Even though the answer is right in front of you, you're tempted to continue the pattern instead.)

Image source: PopIcon

5. If you don't keep me, I'll break. What am I?
Answer: A promise.
6. There's only one word in the dictionary that's spelled wrong. What is it?
Answer: The word "wrong." It's the only word that's spelled W-R-O-N-G.
7. You're running a race and at the very end, you pass the person in 2nd place. What place did you finish the race in?
Answer: You finished in 2nd place.
8. I have a tail and a head, but no body. What am I?
Answer: A coin.
9. What 2 things can you never eat for breakfast?
Answer: Lunch and dinner.

10. Which word becomes shorter when you add 2 letters to it?
Answer: The word "short."
11. What's the capital of France?
Answer: The letter "F." It's the only capital letter in France.

Math riddles for kids

Math riddles are a good way to get your child practicing math while having fun. They'll need to use their math knowledge and problem-solving skills to find the answer to these riddles.
Tip: Pair your math riddles with math puzzles and math jokes to keep your child entertained with math for ages! 1. When Grant was 8, his brother was half his age. Now, Grant is 14. How old is his brother?
Answer: His brother is 10. Half of 8 is 4, so Grant's brother is 4 years younger. This means when Grant is 14, his brother is still 4 years younger, so he's 10.
2. Two fathers and 2 sons spent the day fishing, but only caught 3 fish. This was enough for each of them to have one fish. How is this possible?
Answer: There were only 3 people fishing. There was one father, his son, and his son's son. This means there were 2 fathers and 2 sons, since one of them is a father and a son.

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Make math fun for your child! 3. Liam was 11 the day before yesterday, and next year he'll turn 14. How is this possible?
Answer: Today is January 1st, and Liam's birthday is December 31st. Liam was 11 the day before yesterday (December 30th), then turned 12 the next day. This year on December 31st he'll turn 13, so next year he'll turn 14.
4. Mrs. Brown has 5 daughters. Each of these daughters has a brother. How many children does Mrs. Brown have?
Answer: They have 6 children. Each daughter has the same brother. There are 5 daughters and 1 son.
5. It's raining at midnight, but the forecast for tomorrow and the next day is clear. Will there be sunny weather in 48 hours?
Answer: No, it won't be sunny because it will be dark out. In 48 hours, it will be midnight again.
6. There are 3 apples in the basket and you take away 2. How many apples do you have now?
Answer: You have 2 apples. You took away 2 apples and left 1 in the basket.

7. What can you put between 7 and 8, to make the result greater than 7, but less than 8?
Answer: A decimal point. Your result would be 7.8, which is between 7 and 8.
8. A new clothing store has a unique method of pricing items. A vest costs $20, a tie costs $15, a blouse costs $30, and underwear costs $45. How much would pants cost?
Answer: $25. The pricing method charges $5 for each letter needed to spell the item.
9. 81 x 9 = 801. What do you need to do to make this equation true?
Answer: Turn it upside down. 108 = 6 x 18.
10. Double it and multiply it by 4. Then divide it by 8 and you'll have it once more. What number is it?
Answer: Any number. If a number is doubled and multiplied by 4, it's actually been multiplied by 8, so dividing by 8 will get you the original number again.
11. What 3 numbers give the same result when multiplied and added together?
Answer: 1, 2, and 3 ( 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 and 1 x 2 x 3 = 6).
12. Zoey has a very big family. She has 20 aunts, 20 uncles and 50 cousins. Each of her cousins has an aunt who is not Zoey's aunt. How is this possible?
Answer: Their aunt is Zoey's mom!

Hard riddles for kids

Did your child ace the last two categories? Try to stump them with these brain-teasing riddles that are a bit more of a challenge.
1. I go all around the world, but never leave the corner. What am I?
Answer: A stamp.
2. You'll find me in Mercury, Earth, Mars and Jupiter, but not in Venus or Neptune. What am I?
Answer: The letter "R."

3. What can go up a chimney down, but can't go down a chimney up?
Answer: An umbrella. If your umbrella is "down," it can fit through a chimney, but if it's "up," it won't fit!
4. I make a loud sound when I'm changing. When I do change, I get bigger but weigh less. What am I?
Answer: Popcorn.
5. A bus driver was heading down a busy street in the city. He went past three stop signs without stopping, went the wrong way down a one-way street, and answered a message on his phone. But the bus driver didn't break any traffic laws. How?
Answer: He was walking, not driving. ( This riddle adds irrelevant information to deceive the reader. You expect that since he's a bus driver, he's currently driving the bus - but it never actually says that!)
6. It has keys, but no locks. It has space, but no room. You can enter, but can't go inside. What is it?
Answer: A keyboard.
7. I can fill a room, but I take up no space. What am I?
Answer: Light.
8. It's the only place in the world where today comes before yesterday. Where is it?
Answer: The dictionary.

9. If I have it, I don't share it. If I share it, I don't have it. What is it?
Answer: A secret.
10. What goes away as soon as you talk about it?
Answer: Silence.
11. A railroad crossing without any cars. Can you spell that without any R's?
Answer: T-H-A-T (This one is tricky! It makes readers think they're supposed to describe the scenario without using the letter "R." But the first sentence was actually used to distract the reader from the real question.)

Funny riddles for kids

Want to get your child giggling?

Show them these riddles that also double as jokes!

The answers might not be what you expect, because each one comes with a funny punchline for the solution.
1. What can jump higher than a building?
Answer: Anything that can jump - buildings don't jump, silly!
2. An elephant in Africa is called Lala. An elephant in Asia is called Lulu. What do you call an elephant in Antarctica?
Answer: Lost.
3. Imagine you are in a room with no windows or doors. How will you get out?
Answer: Stop imagining.
4. A group of bunnies were having a birthday party. What kind of music were they listening to?
Answer: Hip hop music.
5. Where would you take a sick boat?
Answer: To the dock.
6. What kind of room has no doors or windows?
Answer: A mushroom.
7. I'm orange, I wear a green hat and I sound like a parrot. What am I?
Answer: A Carrot.

8. What fruit can you never cheer up?
Answer: A blueberry.
9. What did the zero say to the eight?
Answer: "Nice belt!"

Benefits of riddles for kids

Kids of all ages love solving riddles. But do you know how many great benefits they have for your child's learning and development?

Riddles for kids can:

Riddles can also boost your kid's mood, make them laugh, and give them a sense of accomplishment.

And best of all, it gives you a chance to bond. Work on solving each riddle together as a fun family activity!

How to help your child create their own riddles

Once your child has completed our list of riddles, take their skills to the next level with homemade riddles! Encourage your child to create their own riddles using the following steps:

1. Start with the answer

Come up with the solution to your riddle first, then work backwards to create your question. Your solution can be almost anything, but choosing a physical object is an easy way to start.
Ex. The answer to my riddle is "carrot."
2. Brainstorm

Write down any words or phrases that could be associated with your answer.

Consider:

Synonyms

Similar things

Things it does

Features it has

How to describe it

Ex. Carrots are orange with green leaves on top.
3. Think like your answer

If your answer were a person, what would they think? What would they do? How would they describe themselves? How would they see the world around them?
Ex. If I were a carrot, I might think I was wearing a green hat.
4. Think outside the sentence

Use figurative language - like a metaphor, simile, personification or hyperbole - to make comparisons or describe your answer in new ways. This is often what makes the riddle tricky for the reader to solve.
Ex. A carrot sounds like "a parrot."
5. Write your riddle!

Now that you have the backbone of your riddle, the only thing left to do is write! Use clear, descriptive language to write out your riddle, then share it with friends and family to see if they can solve it.
Ex. I'm orange, wear a green hat and sound like a parrot. What am I?
How many riddles did your child get right? Which one was their favorite?

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43 Awesome Riddles for Kids [With Answers]

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Many of us can agree: the triumph that comes with solving a tough riddle is a feeling like no other. And chances are, your child will love riddles too! There are plenty of reasons to introduce riddles to your child. Riddles are a great way to stimulate children's minds.

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Laney Kennedy

All Posts

Sometimes keeping your students engaged during a (long) school day feels like a losing battle. How do you gain their full attention while teaching the skills they need to succeed? How do you turn tough and intimidating concepts into fun, entertaining lessons that actually spark life in the classroom? We've gathered Brain teasers for kids differ from other complex or abstract problems because they're usually done As a bonus, use these riddles to challenge preconceived notions and a) b) Find the For example, the word MAc) Find These questions require logic and careful thought to solve. The most notable example of a lateral thinking problem is the classic Like These riddles are just as amusing as the ones above, but they're This A Here are just a few ways you can use brain teasers for kids as a No matter what subject or skill you want to focus on, a brain teaser is a great addition to traditional teaching methods. Plus, it's something students will actually be >> Brain teasers for kids are a great form of game-based learning that not only entertain children, but also inspire some creative thought in the classroom. People of all ages can indulge in these playful - yet challenging - activities. 45 examples of brain teasers for kids with answers, organized by category: We'll also take you through: Use the list below to find the perfect brain teaser for your class!

What are brain teasers?
Before you explore our examples, you might be wondering what brain teasers actually are. Brain teasers are a type of puzzle - and as the list below reveals, they come in many different forms. Often presented as a riddle, question or activity, brain teasers require a little extra brain power to solve. Cambridge Dictionary defines a brain teaser as "a problem for which it is hard to find the answer, especially one which people enjoy trying to solve as a game."
45 Brain teasers for kids
We've compiled a list of language, math and visual brain teasers to get your students thinking. Get inspired by the examples below - including answers! for fun. Although you can use them to analyze problem solving and critical thinking skills, they're often used as an amusing activity to encourage logical and lateral thinking, or thinking "outside the box."
Language brain teasers for kids

1. Riddles
When you hear the term "brain teaser," a riddle is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Riddles are perplexing - sometimes misleading - questions or statements that require creative thought to solve. Riddles are usually fun, and plenty of them can add some humor to your classroom. Enjoy our list of riddles for kids below!

Riddles

a) Billy's mother had five children. The first was named Lala, the second was named Lele, the third was named Lili, the fourth was named Lolo. What was the fifth child named?

b) Choose the correct sentence: "the yolk of the egg is white" or "the yolk of the egg are white."

c) It's as light as a feather, but the strongest person can't hold it for more than five minutes. What is it?

d) The more there is, the less you see. What is it?

e) What gets more wet while it dries?

f) You can find it in Mercury, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, but not in Venus or Neptune. What is it?

g) It likes food, but water kills it. What is it?

h) What's full of holes but can still hold water?

i) Which is heavier, a pound of feathers or a pound of rocks?

j) How far can a dog run into the woods?

k) You're driving a city bus. At the first stop, three women get on. At the second stop, one woman gets off and a man gets on. At the third stop, two children get on. The bus is blue and it's raining outside in December. What color is the bus driver's hair?

l) There are three houses. One is red, one is blue and one is white. If the red house is to the left of the house in the middle, and the blue house is to the right of the house in the middle, where's the white house?

m) It's at the center of gravity and you can find it in Venus, but not Mars. What is it?

n) What goes on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon and three in the evening? (This is from the classic myth, Oedipus and the Riddle of the Sphinx)

o) What travels faster: heat or cold?

p) A man was walking in the rain in the middle of nowhere without a coat or an umbrella. He got soaked, but not a single hair on his head was wet. How can this be?

q) A cowboy rode into town on Friday. He stayed in town for three days and rode back out on Friday. How is this possible?

Answers

j) Halfway. Once it reaches halfway, it's running out of the woods.

a) Two boxers are in a match scheduled for 12 rounds. (Pure boxing only - no kicking, UFC takedowns, or anything else). One of the boxers gets knocked out after only six rounds, yet no man throws a punch. How is this possible? b) A father and son have a car accident and both are very injured. They are taken to separate hospitals for treatment. When the boy is taken in for an operation, the surgeon says, "I can't do this surgery.... this boy is my son!" How is this possible? a) The two boxers are women. b) The surgeon is the boy's mother. get students thinking about natural bias.
2. Language associations
These brain teasers for kids explore the complexities of the English language. Use them to boost student knowledge of sounds, words, spelling, categorization and more.

1. Cake, swiss, cottage

2. Glasses, screen, day

3. Cream, cube, cap

4. Knife, fly, cup

Answers: Hint: It's something you'll find outside.

1. RBAE & HREAS

2. WNROED & UTRHNDE

3. TUGHAT & HBTUGO

4. ODULC & ODOG

a) Word association: find a word that associates with the following sets of words.

1. Cheese

2. Sun

3. Ice

4. Butter

b)mystery word. Replace the third letter of each word with a new letter to create a different word. When read vertically, the new letters will reveal the mystery word. SAFE KE could become MA RE, MA LE, MA TE and so on. It's your job to figure out which one works to create the mystery word. rhyming pairs. Unscramble the words below so that each pair of words rhymes. POLE BOOT Answers: NEWT STEP BARE Mystery word: FLOWER c)

1. BEAR (or BARE) & SHARE

2. WONDER & THUNDER

3. TAUGHT & BOUGHT

4. COULD & GOOD

You can also use printable brain teasers for kids like this one: Image source: Spelling Words Well Answer: The "happy word" is SMILE.
3. Lateral thinking problems
Lateral thinking problems require creative thinking with an indirect approach. Here are two examples of lateral thinking problems kids can try to solve. Image source: Popular Mechanics A farmer is traveling with a fox, a goose, and a bag of beans. During his journey, he comes across a river with a boat to cross it. The farmer can only fit one thing in the boat with him at a time. If left alone together, the fox will eat the goose or the goose will eat the beans. How does the farmer get everything across the river safely? Monty Hall problem. There are three light switches outside of a room-- labeled number one, number two, and number three. The door to the room is closed and you can't see in. All three switches are off. You need to figure out which switch belongs to which bulb. You can use the switches however you want to, but can only enter the room once. How do you do it? a) The river crossing problem

1. The farmer brings the goose across the river first (if he leaves the goose alone, it will either eat the beans or be eaten by the fox).

2. The farmer brings either the fox or the beans across and leaves the other one alone.

3. Now the farmer has two items on the other side of the river, including the goose. If he leaves the goose again, the same problem will occur. So, the farmer must bring the goose back to the other side.

4. The farmer brings the other item back (either the fox or the beans) and leaves the goose alone again. The fox and the beans are now on the other side of the river.

5. The farmer returns and brings the goose across the river again.

Math brain teasers for kids

1. Math riddles
b) The light bulb problem

Math riddles

a) Divide 30 by ½ and add 10. What's the answer?

b) A clerk at the butcher shop is six feet tall and wears size 10 shoes. What does he weigh?

c) A farmer has 19 sheep on his land. One day, a big storm hits and all but seven run away. How many sheep does the farmer have left?

d) Your sock drawer only contains 18 white socks and 18 blue socks. How many times do you need to reach inside the drawer and take out a sock to guarantee a matching pair?

e) You planted sunflower seeds in your back garden. Every day, the number of flowers doubles. If it takes 52 days for the flowers to fill the garden, how many days would it take for them to fill half the garden?

f) Using only addition, how can you use eight eights to get the number 1,000?

g) When Ashley was 15, her mother was 37. Now, her mother is twice her age. How old is Ashley?

Answers

c) Seven. The riddle says all but seven run away, meaning there are seven left who didn't.

2. Pattern problems
These questions require students to identify a pattern before they can answer a particular question. Kids must use creative and logical thinking to find the answers.
a) If:

2 + 2 = 44
Answers:
3 + 3 = 96
a) Here's the step-by-step solution:
4 + 4 = 168

5 + 5 = 2510
b) Turn o n the first switch and leave it on. Turn on the second switch for a few minutes, and then turn it off again. When you enter the room, one light bulb will be on. You'll know it goes with switch one because you turned it on. Another bulb will be hot. You'll know that goes with switch two because it was on for a little while. The bulb that's off and cold goes with switch three because you didn't touch it.
Then:
math puzzles, these brain teasers for kids can increase engagement with math content and inspire your students to work on math concepts and problems outside of regular lessons.
6 + 6 = ?
b) What makes this number unique: 8,549,176,320? math-focused. Use them to give students some extra math practice and encourage resourceful thinking. c) Solve the pattern puzzle below. Find the missing number to replace the question mark. Image source: Genius Puzzles d) Solve the following: Image source: AOL Answers: a) The missing number is 3612. The answer is the number multiplied by itself and then the number added to itself. Six multiplied by six is 36, and six plus six is 12. b) It contains each one-digit number, zero through nine, listed in alphabetical order. c) The missing number is 17. Each number in the circle is the sum of the numbers in the opposite quadrant. In this case, the numbers are eight and nine - added together makes 17. d) The answer is 14 (or 16, if you're on the other side of the debate).
3. Prodigy
Since Prodigy is curriculum-aligned, you can use it to supplement your regular math lessons.
Visual brain teasers for kids

1. Spot the difference
This ever-popular activity might remind you of your own childhood - and kids still love it! Spot the difference puzzles require lots of deduction and attention to detail. Here's an example of a printable spot the difference activity. Image source: Tim's Printables Answer: Image source: Tim's Printables
2. Rebus puzzles
A rebus is a visual word puzzle that uses lateral thinking to find its intended meaning. The word or phrase is depicted with a visual illustration, including letters and words. Students must think creatively to figure out the meaning from the clues they're given. a) Image source: math activity is a bit different from others on the list. It's not a traditional brain teaser, but it can also be used as a fun, skill-building alternative to traditional math class. Prodigy is a free game-based learning platform that takes kids on an online fantasy adventure while they answer math questions. It's engaging and effective at teaching necessary skills. Wikipedia b) Image source: Stack Exchange Answers: a) Top secret b) Think outside the box Visit the link below if you want more fun rebus puzzles for your students: |
3. Optical illusions
Get tricky with your students! Optical illusions use visual tricks that alter the perception of what you're really seeing. Students will love trying to figure out what's really going on in these examples. a) How many legs does the elephant have? Image source: Optics For Kids b) Are the two squares different colors? Image source: Brain Den Answers: a) Four b) They're exactly the same color. If you place your finger over the spot where the squares meet, you can see they're the same. Try this impossible paper puzzle if you want a more hands-on optical illusion. You can make one to show your class, then have students make their own as a fun brain teaser to show friends and family.
4. Stroop effect test
The Stroop effect was discovered in the 1930s by John Ridley Stroop. During the test, you're given a list of color names, with each word being a different color than what they describe. The test involves saying the color of a word, rather than reading the word itself. Your mind must process the two conflicting pieces of information, which slows down reaction speed and requires careful thought to get through. Image source: The Crafty Classroom
Benefits of brain teasers for kids
You know your students enjoy them, but did you know there are plenty of additional reasons to make brain teasers a regular activity in the classroom? Brain teasers for kids can also:

Strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills

Encourage lateral thinking and build new perspectives

Improve cognitive abilities like memory and processing speed

Inspire teamwork and communication

Engage students and motivate them to learn

Provide necessary breaks from traditional class work

How to use brain teasers in the classroom
In addition to their many learning advantages, brain teasers are a great way to break up the day and engage your students.

Engagement-boosting activity before or after lessons

Bonus questions in assignments and tests

Optional "free time" activity

Encourage team building - split students into groups to solve them together

Supplement lessons - choose brain teasers about the subject you're teaching

Final thoughts on brain teasers for kids
Remember that brain teasers are designed to be fun for kids. it's not about finding the right answer, but the mental exercise they get from trying to find the solution. Use any of the brain teasers in this list whenever you need a boost of energy in your classroom. Bonus points if you can stump any adults!
Sign up now!
study on the attention spans of six-year-olds found children who were given brain teasers were more attentive than those who received a regular school curriculum - showing brain teasers were effective at boosting children's attention spans. teaching strategy and maximize the benefits in your classroom: excited to do. Create or log in to your teacher account on Prodigy - a free, game-based learning platform for math that's easy to use for educators and students alike. Aligned with curricula across the English-speaking world, it's loved by more than a million teachers and 50 million students.

Sometimes keeping your students engaged during a (long) school day feels like a losing battle. How do you gain their full attention while teaching the skills they need to succeed? How do you turn tough and intimidating concepts into fun, entertaining lessons that actually spark life in the classroom? We've gathered Brain teasers for kids differ from other complex or abstract problems because they're usually done As a bonus, use these riddles to challenge preconceived notions and a) b) Find the For example, the word MAc) Find These questions require logic and careful thought to solve. The most notable example of a lateral thinking problem is the classic Like These riddles are just as amusing as the ones above, but they're This A Here are just a few ways you can use brain teasers for kids as a No matter what subject or skill you want to focus on, a brain teaser is a great addition to traditional teaching methods. Plus, it's something students will actually be >>Brain teasers for kids are a great form of game-based learning that not only entertain children, but also inspire some creative thought in the classroom. People of all ages can indulge in these playful - yet challenging - activities. 45 examples of brain teasers for kids with answers, organized by category: We'll also take you through: Use the list below to find the perfect brain teaser for your class!
What are brain teasers?
Before you explore our examples, you might be wondering what brain teasers actually are. Brain teasers are a type of puzzle - and as the list below reveals, they come in many different forms. Often presented as a riddle, question or activity, brain teasers require a little extra brain power to solve. Cambridge Dictionary defines a brain teaser as "a problem for which it is hard to find the answer, especially one which people enjoy trying to solve as a game."
45 Brain teasers for kids
We've compiled a list of language, math and visual brain teasers to get your students thinking. Get inspired by the examples below - including answers! for fun. Although you can use them to analyze problem solving and critical thinking skills, they're often used as an amusing activity to encourage logical and lateral thinking, or thinking "outside the box."
Language brain teasers for kids

1. Riddles
When you hear the term "brain teaser," a riddle is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Riddles are perplexing - sometimes misleading - questions or statements that require creative thought to solve. Riddles are usually fun, and plenty of them can add some humor to your classroom. Enjoy our list of riddles for kids below!

Riddles

a) Billy's mother had five children. The first was named Lala, the second was named Lele, the third was named Lili, the fourth was named Lolo. What was the fifth child named?

b) Choose the correct sentence: "the yolk of the egg is white" or "the yolk of the egg are white."

c) It's as light as a feather, but the strongest person can't hold it for more than five minutes. What is it?

d) The more there is, the less you see. What is it?

e) What gets more wet while it dries?

f) You can find it in Mercury, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, but not in Venus or Neptune. What is it?

g) It likes food, but water kills it. What is it?

h) What's full of holes but can still hold water?

i) Which is heavier, a pound of feathers or a pound of rocks?

j) How far can a dog run into the woods?

k) You're driving a city bus. At the first stop, three women get on. At the second stop, one woman gets off and a man gets on. At the third stop, two children get on. The bus is blue and it's raining outside in December. What color is the bus driver's hair?

l) There are three houses. One is red, one is blue and one is white. If the red house is to the left of the house in the middle, and the blue house is to the right of the house in the middle, where's the white house?

m) It's at the center of gravity and you can find it in Venus, but not Mars. What is it?

n) What goes on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon and three in the evening? (This is from the classic myth, Oedipus and the Riddle of the Sphinx)

o) What travels faster: heat or cold?

p) A man was walking in the rain in the middle of nowhere without a coat or an umbrella. He got soaked, but not a single hair on his head was wet. How can this be?

q) A cowboy rode into town on Friday. He stayed in town for three days and rode back out on Friday. How is this possible?

Answers

j) Halfway. Once it reaches halfway, it's running out of the woods.

a) Two boxers are in a match scheduled for 12 rounds. (Pure boxing only - no kicking, UFC takedowns, or anything else). One of the boxers gets knocked out after only six rounds, yet no man throws a punch. How is this possible? b) A father and son have a car accident and both are very injured. They are taken to separate hospitals for treatment. When the boy is taken in for an operation, the surgeon says, "I can't do this surgery.... this boy is my son!" How is this possible? a) The two boxers are women. b) The surgeon is the boy's mother. get students thinking about natural bias.
2. Language associations
These brain teasers for kids explore the complexities of the English language. Use them to boost student knowledge of sounds, words, spelling, categorization and more.

1. Cake, swiss, cottage

2. Glasses, screen, day

3. Cream, cube, cap

4. Knife, fly, cup

Answers: Hint: It's something you'll find outside.

1. RBAE & HREAS

2. WNROED & UTRHNDE

3. TUGHAT & HBTUGO

4. ODULC & ODOG

a) Word association: find a word that associates with the following sets of words.

1. Cheese

2. Sun

3. Ice

4. Butter

b)mystery word. Replace the third letter of each word with a new letter to create a different word. When read vertically, the new letters will reveal the mystery word. SAFE KE could become MARE, MALE, MATE and so on. It's your job to figure out which one works to create the mystery word. rhyming pairs. Unscramble the words below so that each pair of words rhymes. POLE BOOT Answers: NEWT STEP BARE Mystery word: FLOWER c)

1. BEAR (or BARE) & SHARE

2. WONDER & THUNDER

3. TAUGHT & BOUGHT

4. COULD & GOOD

You can also use printable brain teasers for kids like this one: Image source: Spelling Words Well Answer: The "happy word" is SMILE.
3. Lateral thinking problems
Lateral thinking problems require creative thinking with an indirect approach. Here are two examples of lateral thinking problems kids can try to solve. Image source: Popular Mechanics A farmer is traveling with a fox, a goose, and a bag of beans. During his journey, he comes across a river with a boat to cross it. The farmer can only fit one thing in the boat with him at a time. If left alone together, the fox will eat the goose or the goose will eat the beans. How does the farmer get everything across the river safely? Monty Hall problem. There are three light switches outside of a room-- labeled number one, number two, and number three. The door to the room is closed and you can't see in. All three switches are off. You need to figure out which switch belongs to which bulb. You can use the switches however you want to, but can only enter the room once. How do you do it? a) The river crossing problem

1. The farmer brings the goose across the river first (if he leaves the goose alone, it will either eat the beans or be eaten by the fox).

2. The farmer brings either the fox or the beans across and leaves the other one alone.

3. Now the farmer has two items on the other side of the river, including the goose. If he leaves the goose again, the same problem will occur. So, the farmer must bring the goose back to the other side.

4. The farmer brings the other item back (either the fox or the beans) and leaves the goose alone again. The fox and the beans are now on the other side of the river.

5. The farmer returns and brings the goose across the river again.

Math brain teasers for kids

1. Math riddles
b) The light bulb problem

Math riddles

a) Divide 30 by ½ and add 10. What's the answer?

b) A clerk at the butcher shop is six feet tall and wears size 10 shoes. What does he weigh?

c) A farmer has 19 sheep on his land. One day, a big storm hits and all but seven run away. How many sheep does the farmer have left?

d) Your sock drawer only contains 18 white socks and 18 blue socks. How many times do you need to reach inside the drawer and take out a sock to guarantee a matching pair?

e) You planted sunflower seeds in your back garden. Every day, the number of flowers doubles. If it takes 52 days for the flowers to fill the garden, how many days would it take for them to fill half the garden?

f) Using only addition, how can you use eight eights to get the number 1,000?

g) When Ashley was 15, her mother was 37. Now, her mother is twice her age. How old is Ashley?

Answers

c) Seven. The riddle says all but seven run away, meaning there are seven left who didn't.

2. Pattern problems
These questions require students to identify a pattern before they can answer a particular question. Kids must use creative and logical thinking to find the answers.
a) If:

2 + 2 = 44
Answers:
3 + 3 = 96
a) Here's the step-by-step solution:
4 + 4 = 168

5 + 5 = 2510
b) Turn o n the first switch and leave it on. Turn on the second switch for a few minutes, and then turn it off again. When you enter the room, one light bulb will be on. You'll know it goes with switch one because you turned it on. Another bulb will be hot. You'll know that goes with switch two because it was on for a little while. The bulb that's off and cold goes with switch three because you didn't touch it.
Then:
math puzzles, these brain teasers for kids can increase engagement with math content and inspire your students to work on math concepts and problems outside of regular lessons.
6 + 6 = ?
b) What makes this number unique: 8,549,176,320? math-focused. Use them to give students some extra math practice and encourage resourceful thinking. c) Solve the pattern puzzle below. Find the missing number to replace the question mark. Image source: Genius Puzzles d) Solve the following: Image source: AOL Answers: a) The missing number is 3612. The answer is the number multiplied by itself and then the number added to itself. Six multiplied by six is 36, and six plus six is 12. b) It contains each one-digit number, zero through nine, listed in alphabetical order. c) The missing number is 17. Each number in the circle is the sum of the numbers in the opposite quadrant. In this case, the numbers are eight and nine - added together makes 17. d) The answer is 14 (or 16, if you're on the other side of the debate).
3. Prodigy
Since Prodigy is curriculum-aligned, you can use it to supplement your regular math lessons.
Visual brain teasers for kids

1. Spot the difference
This ever-popular activity might remind you of your own childhood - and kids still love it! Spot the difference puzzles require lots of deduction and attention to detail. Here's an example of a printable spot the difference activity. Image source: Tim's Printables Answer: Image source: Tim's Printables
2. Rebus puzzles
A rebus is a visual word puzzle that uses lateral thinking to find its intended meaning. The word or phrase is depicted with a visual illustration, including letters and words. Students must think creatively to figure out the meaning from the clues they're given. a) Image source: math activity is a bit different from others on the list. It's not a traditional brain teaser, but it can also be used as a fun, skill-building alternative to traditional math class. Prodigy is a free game-based learning platform that takes kids on an online fantasy adventure while they answer math questions. It's engaging and effective at teaching necessary skills. Wikipedia b) Image source: Stack Exchange Answers: a) Top secret b) Think outside the box Visit the link below if you want more fun rebus puzzles for your students: |
3. Optical illusions
Get tricky with your students! Optical illusions use visual tricks that alter the perception of what you're really seeing. Students will love trying to figure out what's really going on in these examples. a) How many legs does the elephant have? Image source: Optics For Kids b) Are the two squares different colors? Image source: Brain Den Answers: a) Four b) They're exactly the same color. If you place your finger over the spot where the squares meet, you can see they're the same. Try this impossible paper puzzle if you want a more hands-on optical illusion. You can make one to show your class, then have students make their own as a fun brain teaser to show friends and family.
4. Stroop effect test
The Stroop effect was discovered in the 1930s by John Ridley Stroop. During the test, you're given a list of color names, with each word being a different color than what they describe. The test involves saying the color of a word, rather than reading the word itself. Your mind must process the two conflicting pieces of information, which slows down reaction speed and requires careful thought to get through. Image source: The Crafty Classroom
Benefits of brain teasers for kids
You know your students enjoy them, but did you know there are plenty of additional reasons to make brain teasers a regular activity in the classroom? Brain teasers for kids can also:

Strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills

Encourage lateral thinking and build new perspectives

Improve cognitive abilities like memory and processing speed

Inspire teamwork and communication

Engage students and motivate them to learn

Provide necessary breaks from traditional class work

How to use brain teasers in the classroom
In addition to their many learning advantages, brain teasers are a great way to break up the day and engage your students.

Engagement-boosting activity before or after lessons

Bonus questions in assignments and tests

Optional "free time" activity

Encourage team building - split students into groups to solve them together

Supplement lessons - choose brain teasers about the subject you're teaching

Final thoughts on brain teasers for kids
Remember that brain teasers are designed to be fun for kids. it's not about finding the right answer, but the mental exercise they get from trying to find the solution. Use any of the brain teasers in this list whenever you need a boost of energy in your classroom. Bonus points if you can stump any adults!
Sign up now!
study on the attention spans of six-year-olds found children who were given brain teasers were more attentive than those who received a regular school curriculum - showing brain teasers were effective at boosting children's attention spans. teaching strategy and maximize the benefits in your classroom: excited to do. Create or log in to your teacher account on Prodigy - a free, game-based learning platform for math that's easy to use for educators and students alike. Aligned with curricula across the English-speaking world, it's loved by more than a million teachers and 50 million students.

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45 Fun Brain Teasers for Kids [With Answers]

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Laney Kennedy All Posts Sometimes keeping your students engaged during a (long) school day feels like a losing battle. How do you gain their full attention while teaching the skills they need to succeed? How do you turn tough and intimidating concepts into fun, entertaining lessons that actually spark life in the classroom?

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Scholastic Story Starters/ Principio de Lectura

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Scholastic Story Starters/ Principio de Lectura

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Story Starters: Creative Writing Prompts for Kids | Scholastic.com

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Scholastic's Story Starters kids' writing activity generates creative writing prompts, from general fiction to adventure, fantasy, and science fiction.

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Relaxation Songs for Kids/ Música Relajante Para Niños

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Relaxation Songs for Kids/ Música Relajante Para Niños

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Relaxation Songs for Kids – Children Songs, Kids Music for Kids Party and Play, Instrumental Songs for Fun, Relax & Sleep

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Relaxation Songs for Kids – Children Songs, Kids Music for Kids Party and Play, Instrumental Songs for Fun, Relax & Sleep

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How to Use Brain Breaks/ Cómo Usar Descansos

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How to Use Brain Breaks/ Cómo Usar Descansos

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Brain Breaks should be:

Short - 3-5 minutes long

Pre-planned - your students should know when the break will be and can look forward to them

El descanso debe ser:

Corto - 3-5 minutos

Planeado - los estudiantes deben saber qué esperar

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"It's time to do homework." 😱

This simple phrase is often dreaded by kids and parents. And it's understandable.

With so many changes this year, including much more learning from home, parents want to stay involved in their children's education more than ever. But spending too much time on homework only seems to lead to distraction, frustration or exhaustion (or all of the above).

It might feel like a constant battle, and homework stress can lead to burnout and anxiety for kids if you're not careful.

That's why brain breaks for kids are so important for reducing stress and keeping kids motivated to learn!

But first, what is a brain break?

What are brain breaks for kids?

Brain breaks are mental breaks kids can take in between learning tasks.

They're often used at school during class time, or at home during homework time. These activities can be active or relaxing, depending what's needed for each child.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

The purpose of brain breaks is to switch neural activity to different networks.

When kids are working, most of their energy goes to specific parts of the brain that are used for attention and critical thinking. Brain breaks reset these areas to reduce stress and improve learning when kids return to task.

Brain breaks often focus on physical movement, mindfulness or sensory activities. These activities stimulate other areas of the brain that are equally important, but aren't used as much when kids are working and learning.

Most importantly, brain breaks are:

1. Short - Around 3-5 minutes is optimal.

2. Pre-planned - Kids know they're coming and can look forward to them.

Want to help your child learn in a fun and engaging way?

Prodigy - the game-based math platform used by millions of students - can help get your child excited to practice math.

As your child embarks on their learning journey, use your parent account (which you can create for free) to support their learning progress and promote a growth mindset - all while they enjoy new virtual adventures and explore exciting worlds. They'll have so much fun playing the game, they won't even realize how much they're actually learning.

Plus, you can engage your child even more with a Premium Membership that unlocks extra features to make the game even more fun (and includes amazing benefits for parents, too).

Start inspiring and motivating your child today!
Create or log in to your account
37 Brain break activities for kids to try

Use these brain break ideas to build up a list of activities you can pull from. Whether your child is in elementary, middle or high school, you can find an activity that works for them to break up the school day or homework sessions.

Physical brain breaks for kids

These brain breaks get kids up and moving. Help your child burn off some energy so they can stay focused when working by taking movement breaks between lessons.

1. Dancing

Encourage your child to get up and groove and do a brain break dance party. Take a quick dance break together, or even have a dance-off (singing along is also highly recommended).

A fun variation on the dance idea is trying out freeze dance, where kids have to freeze when the music stops.

2. Action songs

Action songs are unique dance breaks that provide exact instructions for what to do. Kids have tons of fun following along with the moves and learning each of the songs.

3. Cardio

Do some fun physical activities that get the heart pumping. Try alternating between exercises like jumping jacks, skipping and jogging in place.

Or throw on a kid-friendly video and learn a new workout together!

4. Balloon volleyball

All you need for this brain break is a balloon! Choose one in your child's favorite color, then take turns passing it back and forth without letting it touch the ground.

For a challenge, add an extra balloon and see if you can pass them both at the same time.

5. Exercise ball

If you have an exercise ball handy, give your child a few minutes to sit and bounce. This is a super easy and fun way to quickly get some excess energy out.

6. Brain tricks

Try some action-based brain tricks with your child. For example, have them try to pat their head while rubbing their stomach, blink one eye while snapping with the opposite hand, or anything else you can think of!

This brain break is a fun way to challenge your child and help them develop important coordination skills.

7. Act like...

A fun way to engage kids is to give them different scenarios to act out. See how many they can do in 3 minutes. Then get them to give you scenarios so you can show off your acting skills, too!
Try asking them to act like:

They're driving a car

They're blowing bubbles

A bee is flying around them

They just met their favorite singer

8. Simon says

This classic action game is a fun brain break that also requires good listening skills. Create your own game or play a video version for your child.

9. Animal actions

Use dice or a spinner to choose random animals, then ask your child to act like that animal. You can also take turns being a different animal, then vote on your favorite at the end!

Relaxing brain breaks for kids

These brain breaks help kids calm down and reset their energy. They're especially helpful if your child is starting to feel stressed about what they're working on.

1. Yoga poses

Get the body moving, while also helping kids relax and practice mindfulness. Yoga can be a huge stress reliever for all ages, so join in when you can!

2. Calming music

Listen to a relaxing song to help your child unwind. Have them sit somewhere comfortable, relax and enjoy the music in between learning tasks.

3. Calming videos

Find short clips on YouTube Kids to play for your child. Choose a few new ones based on their interests, or find videos you already know they enjoy watching.

4. Coloring

Let your child color a picture (or a piece of a picture). This is a relaxing way to get creative juices flowing. Plus, they can display the final product when they're done!

Use a coloring page or give your child a blank piece of paper to draw their own picture.

5. Deep breathing

Help your child decompress with some deep breathing exercises. This will instantly help them relax and relieve stress so they can feel ready to take on their next task.

Encourage your child to try this: breathe in through the nose while placing your hand on your stomach to feel it expand. Hold it here, then slowly breathe out through the mouth while feeling your stomach contract. Repeat.

Or, try a technique like 4-7-8 breathing or five finger breathing.

Sensory brain breaks for kids

Fresh air is always encouraged! Stepping outside for a few minutes can make a bigger difference than you'd think.

It gives kids a change of scenery and helps revitalize the senses, providing a welcome break from their homework.

2. Scavenger hunt

Give your child different things to find and explore throughout the house. During each brain break, they can try to find one new item on their list.

3. Playdough

You can do tons of different things with playdough. That's why it's always a favorite among kids!

Let your child build something new or just squish some playdough around - whatever they prefer.

Try this recipe for homemade playdough.

4. Sensory bin

Sensory bins are a popular option, especially for kids with sensory needs. You can change the items in the bin as often as you'd like to keep your child from getting bored or understimulated.

Skill-building brain breaks for kids

With these brain breaks, kids can still learn and develop new skills. Their brains still get a break when you switch the focus to a new activity.
Tip: Try to go back and forth between different subjects. For instance, if your child is working on math homework, choose a language brain break.
1. Puzzles

Get out a jigsaw puzzle and have your child work on a little bit each break, or challenge them to try different math puzzles to flex their mathematical minds.

2. Secret handshake

This brain break definitely requires your participation! Create a secret handshake with your child, then try to remember it (and maybe even add onto it) next time.

3. Segment sounds

This is an easy and fun way to build language skills.

Give your child a word or phrase, and have them segment it into sounds or syllables. They can do whatever action they want to while they segment, like clapping or stomping.
For example, the sounds in "cat" would be k-a-t. The syllables in dinosaur would be di-no-saur.
4. Story starters

Make a quick story during each brain break with story starters. Your child can either write their stories down or just say them out loud.

5. Write a book

Instead of individual stories, create a longer story together and keep building upon it as you go.

Each break, come up with a different page of the story. Once it's written, you can go back and illustrate each page!

6. Activity pages

Give your child a fun activity sheet to work on during their brain breaks. This will keep kids on a roll with worksheets, while still switching up tasks and reducing overload.

Get fun printable activities here!

7. Brain teasers

Brain teasers give kids a bit of a challenge, but are also tons of fun to solve! Choose a brain teaser for whatever subject you want them to focus on during their brain break.
Try these 45 fun brain teasers for kids (with answers).
8. Riddles

Kids love a good riddle. Give them easy ones to see how many they can solve in one brain break, or try to stump them with a tougher riddle.
Try these 43 awesome riddles for kids (with answers).
9. Learn a language

Why not learn a useful skill? Language learning is great for kids' development, and they might even find a new language they love!
Try one of these 10 best language learning apps for kids.
10. Learn to juggle

Try another interesting skill that your child can show off to their friends later! Juggling can also boost coordination and concentration abilities.

11. Talent show

Each brain break, have your child perform a different skill, like singing, dancing or even juggling (once they learn how). You can also take turns and have your whole family take part!

12. Icebreakers

Ask your child a different question every brain break. You can make the questions up, or choose them from a list of icebreakers. Your child will have fun thinking of their answers, and you'll learn more about their interests!

13. Alphabet game

Choose a category (ex. movies, food, jobs etc.), then take turns naming something from that category while going down the alphabet.

For example, if your category is food, one person might say "apples," the next person "bananas" and so on. Categorization is an important skill to practice, but the alphabet game is entertaining, too!

14. Math dice

Take two dice (the bigger the better) and have your child roll them to solve math problems, with whatever operation you choose.

For example, if your child rolls a 4 and a 6, they have to add them together to get the correct answer of 10.

Brain break games for kids

A quick game gives kids a bit of fun in between work tasks, allowing their minds to reset. And you can have fun playing games with them too!

1. Board games

In between homework tasks, give your child a turn or two at a board game. Once the work is done, you can finish the game together!

Try Blokus: a fun board game that's just like Tetris.
Or try more board games for kids.
2. Heads Up!

This game involves guessing what image or word is on your forehead from the other player giving you clues.

It's also conveniently timed for you, so after a round, your child will be ready to begin the next homework task.
Try the Heads Up! Kids app.
3. Indoor bowling

Find a level space in your home to set up a makeshift bowling lane. Then collect items to use as "pins" (try empty water bottles or toys) and use a small ball to knock them down!

4. Charades

Another classic game that everyone can enjoy! Write a few objects or phrases down, then take turns choosing one from a hat to act out. See how many each of you can guess. You can use a specific category or just make it completely random!

5. Minute to Win It

You might be familiar with the popular game show, but did you know you can play it at home?

Each minute to win it challenge is just that - a minute. That means it's perfect for brain breaks. Each break, you can give your child a different challenge to complete using any household items you have lying around.
Try these Minute to Win It games for kids and family.
Benefits of brain breaks for kids

Ever been stuck for ages on a work task, only to complete it with ease after taking a quick break?

The same is true for your child. Without breaks, children's minds can become too focused on the task at hand, which can actually prevent them from processing what they're learning.

But regular brain breaks help your child's mind reset, so they have more mental energy to learn!

Brain breaks can also:

Brain breaks are especially important for children with behavioral or sensory needs, but all children can benefit from taking some time to unwind.

5 Tips to use brain breaks effectively

1. Find the timing that works best for your child

Build a brain break schedule to help you remember to use them! This will also help your child stay motivated during work time, knowing they have a break coming up.
What should your schedule look like?
Research shows that after 10 to 30 minutes, time on task starts to decline. This means scheduling a 3-5 minute brain break every 20 minutes or so will be best for most kids. But depending on your child's age and specific needs, this timing may need to be adjusted.

You can also plan breaks around tasks instead of timing. For example, you might decide to give your child a brain break once they answer 5 math questions.

Figure out what your child responds best to, and create a brain break schedule that works for both of you.

But be flexible when the time comes. If your child's attention seems to be fading, start a brain break early. If they're on a roll, hold off on taking a break.

2. Find the right brain break for your child

Think about what your child responds best to, then use this to figure out what kind of brain break they need.

Are breaks more effective when they relax or when they get up and move? Is it best to keep them learning or give their minds a rest? This could vary from day-to-day, so try to gauge energy levels to determine what will work best.

Make sure you have options from each category so you can use the most effective brain break each day!

3. Make a list of activities

Create a list to ensure you always have options. This way, you'll have no problem thinking of a fun brain break to give your child when the time comes.

Write or print them on a piece of paper, or use a more creative option:

Put them on large dice or beach balls

Write them on paper or popsicle sticks to pull from a box or jar

Print a brain breaks bingo card to complete (you can use an existing one or make your own)

Once you have your list, you can choose the brain breaks yourself, let your child choose or make it a surprise!

4. Use a timer

Keep time with a stopwatch or phone timer to ensure your break lasts the right amount of time.

Too short, and kids might not get enough of a break. Too long, and they might become distracted and reluctant to return to the task at hand.

Make sure the timer is somewhere your child can see, so they can be fully prepared to get back to work when it's time.

5. Talk about it afterward

When work is finished, talk to kids about their experiences.

This gives them a chance to provide feedback that will help you understand how you can optimize your brain breaks.

Ask your child the following questions:

What was your favorite brain break?

How did you find today's work/homework?

How do you think the brain break helped you?

Brain breaks work for younger and older kids

At first glance, brain breaks might just seem like a fun distraction for kids to have a quick indoor recess. And while that's true, there are so many more benefits for kids and educators.

Brain breaks provide relief from constant hands-on learning. They can relieve stress, alleviate pressure and even help boost self-esteem if done right.

Next time your child or students are working, watch how much they get energized from these short breaks. You might even start adding them to your day.

We hope you found a new favorite in this list of brain break ideas and activities.

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37 Brain Breaks for Kids: Quick, Easy and Educational

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"It's time to do homework." 😱 This simple phrase is often dreaded by kids and parents. And it's understandable. With so many changes this year, including much more learning from home, parents want to stay involved in their children's education more than ever.