The first thing you do when you get a new class is to have the students introduce themselves. For most people, especially beginning ESL students, this may be difficult. This activity will help make this necessary step easier, and perhaps more enjoyable.

On the board write the following English sentences: “My name is …”, “I am from …” and “I like …..”. Fill out these prompts for yourself and write them on the board. Ask the students what the question would be to get the information provided by these three statements. Now, write those three questions (What is your name?, Where are you from? and What do you like to do?) on the board.

At this point you pull out a ball that can be lightly thrown around the room without hurting someone. Tell the class that if the ball is thrown to a particular student he is to answer the indicated questions on the board. The rest of the class will ask each question as a group. Pick a student who seems like a likely candidate to answer the questions correctly. Throw him the ball and indicate to the rest of the class that it is time to ask the first question. Go through the next two questions and then have this one student throw the ball to someone else. Continue the activity until all students have answered the questions.

When you are done you can change the prompt to the third person and have students make statements in English about other class members. After doing this I usually go into an assignment in the ESL textbook we are using for a change of pace.