Group classes are the perfect place to add a bit of fun and creativity to language learning. That is why we have implemented a mini-group format at ENGin. Games not only boost student engagement but also provide valuable practice for grammar and vocabulary in a relaxed environment. Whether your students need to build confidence or sharpen their skills, these five tried-and-tested games will make your lessons more effective — and enjoyable!
1. Storytelling
Storytelling taps into students' imagination and encourages them to use grammar structures and vocabulary in context. This game works well because it lets students practice narrative skills while reinforcing key language points.
How to Play
Step 1: Give students a prompt or starting sentence. For example: “One day, a strange package arrived at John’s door...”
Step 2: Each student adds one or two sentences to the story in turn.
Step 3: Set a rule for the target language, such as requiring students to use past tenses or a certain set of vocabulary (e.g., emotions or travel-related words).
Examples for Teaching Grammar & Vocabulary
Grammar: Use storytelling to practice past simple vs. past continuous.
“While John was opening the package, his phone rang.”
“He grabbed the phone, but it slipped out of his hand.”
Vocabulary: Give students a list of themed vocabulary (e.g., adjectives describing feelings like excited, nervous, frustrated). They must include at least two in their turn.
“He felt nervous when he saw the address on the package.”
This game promotes fluency while subtly reinforcing grammar and vocabulary through meaningful use. By the way, take a look at this lesson plan that will help you explain the different between past simple and past continuous.
2. Speaking Cards
Flashcards are a classic language-learning tool — and for a good reason! They provide repeated exposure to vocabulary in a fun, interactive way. But to unlock their full potential, they need to be used actively and meaningfully, not just flipped through passively.
How to Use Speaking Cards Effectively
Vocabulary Reinforcement: Create cards with words or phrases (for example, you could use Quizlet). Divide students into pairs or small groups and have them take turns, explaining the word or using it in a sentence.
“This word means someone who doesn’t like to share. Can you guess it?” (Answer: selfish)
Discussion Prompts: Create cards with questions or conversation starters.
Example: “Would you rather travel to the past or the future? Why?”
Target Language: Conditionals and future tenses.
By using flashcards this way, students actively retrieve and apply vocabulary in real conversations, making the learning stick.
3. Timed Talking
Timed talking helps students practice fluency while focusing on a specific topic, grammar structure, or vocabulary set. The time pressure pushes students to speak continuously without worrying too much about mistakes.
How to Play
Step 1: Choose a topic (e.g., travel experiences, work routines, or favorite books).
Step 2: Give students one or two minutes to talk non-stop about the topic.
Step 3: Allow time for preparation — students can brainstorm ideas and note down keywords.
Suggested Topics and Language Goals
Daily routines: Present simple for habits and routines.
“Every morning, I wake up at 7, have coffee, and read the news.”
Work experiences: Past simple and present perfect for professional achievements.
“I have worked at this company for two years.”
Future plans: Going to and will for future intentions.
“Next year, I’m going to move abroad.”
The preparation time helps students feel confident, and the time limit ensures they focus on communicating their ideas fluently. If you’re working on future tenses, try using this lesson plan.
4. Name Ten
This vocabulary game requires students to think quickly and creatively, encouraging them to recall as many words as possible within a specific category. The twist? Only unique answers earn points.
How to Play
Step 1: Choose a category (e.g., fruits, emotions, or types of jobs).
Step 2: In one minute, students list as many words as possible in that category.
Step 3: Each word that no other student or group has listed earns a point.
Example
For the category fruits:
Team 1: apple, banana, mango
Team 2: banana, kiwi, dragon fruit
Only unique answers (e.g., mango, dragon fruit) earn points, so students are motivated to think of less common vocabulary.
Expanding Vocabulary
After the game, the ENGin volunteer can introduce additional words that fit the category. For example:
“Great job, everyone! You mentioned ‘kiwi,’ but do you know what a ‘persimmon’ is?”
Discuss meanings, forms, and collocations (“ripe persimmon” or “juicy mango”).
This game encourages both active recall and exposure to new vocabulary, making it perfect for expanding students’ language knowledge.
5. Guess the Word
Guessing games are great for speaking practice and vocabulary reinforcement. This game adds a competitive element that motivates students to think fast and use their language creatively.
How to Play
Step 1: Use a digital tool like Wheel of Names to select vocabulary words. Alternatively, you can send words to students via Zoom chat or direct messages in other platforms privately.
Step 2: The student giving clues shares their screen (if using a tool) or just starts speaking. They provide clues to describe the word without using the word itself, any parts of it, or rhyming words.
Step 3: Set a one-minute timer. If the partner or group guesses the word correctly within the time limit, they score a point.
Example
Word: teacher
Clues:
“This person works at school.”
“They help students learn.”
This game encourages students to use synonyms, descriptions, and definitions to communicate. It’s a great way to practice circumlocution skills—using other words to explain something when you don’t know the exact term.
If your students love competition, consider awarding points to teams or individuals for every correct guess. This helps boost engagement and turns learning into a fun challenge.
Conclusion
Adding games to your group classes makes learning more dynamic and enjoyable. Games like storytelling, speaking cards, and Name Ten allow students to practice grammar and vocabulary in meaningful, interactive ways. Whether you want to boost fluency with timed talking or reinforce vocabulary with guessing games, these activities will keep your students engaged and help them build confidence.
This article was prepared for ENGin by esl.laboratory. You can explore the lesson plans offered by esl.laboratory here.
We also recommend you to read the previous article in this section “5 Tips to Make Your Conversation Classes Better (In a Mini-Group Setting).”
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