Website design By BotEap.comMost ESL students thrive on social interaction. Whatever you are teaching, it is always wise to come up with activities that get people moving around the room. It is important to get students to work together to complete assignments that test their knowledge of the material being taught. The following ESL activity can be used to practice the definitions of target ESL vocabulary and grammar.

Website design By BotEap.comTo get started, write about ten definitions or phrases that cover the key vocabulary you are learning in your class. Use a larger font so ESL students can see them more easily. Leave a space between each word and add a couple of extra words that have nothing to do with the sentence. For example, if one of my phrases were “To get to the church you must turn right”. I would write that sentence with a large font and extra space between the words. It would also include words like “direct” or “drive.” These words are related to the topic, but they don’t fit into the sentence. Once you have your ten writings, print them out and cut out each individual sentence. Put a paper clip around the words in each sentence. Now put all the sentences in an envelope. In a standard-size class, you might want ten envelopes like this.

Website design By BotEap.comWhen class begins, divide everyone into groups of four or five. Distribute an envelope to each group. Have students take out one set of words at a time and spread them out on the table for all to see. The goal of the activity is for all students to work together to put the words in order and come up with a sentence that has meaning. Be sure to inform students that there are two additional words included in each pile. When a group gives the correct answer, they should raise their hand and you will proceed to check for accuracy. If the sentences are formed correctly, a student shuffles the words, stacks them, places a paper clip around the words, and selects another set from the envelope. As an ESL teacher, you will decide if the students got the sentence right.

Website design By BotEap.comJudging from your class and classroom setting, you may want to turn this into a competition. The first group to get the correct ten sentences is victorious. In my experience, this will really get your ESL students excited and thinking. Even students who are not always super motivated, in terms of learning English in general, seem to perk up when they realize this is a career. You can create a prize for the winning team if you decide to make it a competition. There is the option of doing one sentence at a time as a class. If you choose this route, no group can continue to the next set of words until you have indicated that they are all finished. At this point, the class can go over the correct answer and the meaning of the sentence one by one.

Website design By BotEap.comThis ESL activity works great for all age groups. As long as all students are actively working toward completing homework, allow everyone to have fun. The noise level will go up a bit, but it will be worth it and everyone will have fun.

Website design By BotEap.comAndrew Lawton

http://drewseslfluencylessons.com