Great ESL classroom fillers
Classroom fillers are essential for ESL teachers, we use them in numerous occasions! They’re great for keeping the class busy until it’s time for dismissal. You can also use them as classroom warmers or as icebreakers to boost class energy and get students engaged.
1. The Why/Because game
Each student gets two small scraps of paper. The task is to write any question starting with “why” on one piece and then the answer starting with “because” on the second piece. Mix all the questions and answers together and combine a why paper with a because paper. The odd combinations are great for a laugh with your students. Let them match up the correct questions and answers afterwards.
2. Memory test
Students love this game. Start by placing 10 – 20 props or objects on the classroom table. Give your students a minute or two to study the table and then cover the objects quickly. Can they recall all the objects? What about the details and the main purpose of the object?
3. Deserted on an island
Ahh, a discussion many of us have had before.
What two items/things would your ESL students bring if they were deserted on an island? Write the question on the board and you can even draw a picture of an island and a stranded person for them to understand clearly. Start the activity by writing the two items you would’ve chosen and explain why you have done so. Take questions and give them a minute or two to think about it before asking individual students their answers.
4. Twenty questions
You start by thinking of a person or object (items in the classroom work best at first). Your students get 20 questions to determine the object you’re thinking of by asking simple yes or no questions. Students playing this game for the first time will need guidance! Go first, show them how to ask strategic questions that’ll help determine the object in the fastest way possible.
5. I Love - sentence constructions
This is a great filler focusing on personal interests. Start off with one student and ask him/her to begin a sentence starting with “I love”.
For example: “I love ice cream”, then the teacher responds with “She loves ice cream, but I love traveling”, point to the student up next and they should respond in the same dynamic, for example: “Teacher loves traveling, but I love dogs”. Keep pointing to the student up next and try to keep up with this fast paced game.
6. Would you rather
Keep a list of would you rather questions near hand, they make great ESL fillers and you’ll get the chance to learn something new about your students. Examples of great questions are:
· Would you rather be able to fly or be able to breathe underwater?
· Would you rather have to sing everything you say or yell everything you say?
· Would you rather have two heads or four arms?
· Would you rather have a pet tiger or a pet shark?
Divide the class in two groups depending on their answers. Ask students from each group to explain why they chose the one over the other.
We hope these fillers will keep things fun, energetic and exciting in the classroom