If youβre an ESL teacher or a homeschooling parent looking to bring more fun, connection, and language learning into your classroom or home, youβre in the right place!
Teaching English to elementary-aged kids doesnβt have to feel like pulling teeth. In fact, with the right resources, it can feel like playtime!
As an experienced ESL teacher, Iβm always on the lookout for tools that combine interactive learning with real language use, especially for young learners who need lots of repetition and movement.
Here are four of my favorite ESL games β classroom-tested and kid-approved!
1. Educational Spelling Game
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Kids pick a card with a picture and match the letters to spell the word using the letter blocks. Great for building phonics and reading skills.
Why I love it:
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Supports letter recognition and CVC word formation
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Encourages independent learning
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Comes with colorful cards & durable blocks
Best for: Ages 4β7, early readers, ESL beginners
This game turn spelling into a hands-on adventure!
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A popcorn-themed sight word game with a twist! Pull a βPOP!β card and lose your pile β kids canβt get enough of it.
Why I love it:
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Fast-paced and super engaging
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Builds confidence with high-frequency words
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Encourages speaking and turn-taking
Best for: Group lessons, literacy centers, and online ESL
Sight word practice just got fun!
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Get your learners talking! These cards spark meaningful and creative discussions.
Why I love it:
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Builds vocabulary and fluency
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Perfect for speaking warm-ups or pair work
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Helps shy students open up
Best for: Ages 6+, EFL speaking practice, family ESL time
Get your ESL learners talking β for real.
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Teach grammar through visuals! Match sentences like βThe cat is under the tableβ with cute illustrations.
Why I love it:
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Makes prepositions fun and memorable
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Visual, hands-on grammar practice
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Reusable and easy to adapt
Best for: ESL beginners, grammar centers, at-home learning
Grammar that makes sense β visually.
Try rotating these games into your weekly routine β for example, use one on Fridays for review or keep another on hand for early finishers. Youβll keep your students engaged and learning without extra prep!
Want More Ideas Like This? πͺ
Follow me on Instagram for ESL tips: @the.inspiredfairy.english
Or grab ready-to-use printables in my TPT store: The Inspired Fairy
Let me know which game your kids loved most in the comments! π¬π
Enjoy the games! π§ββοΈ
The Inspired Fairy
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