The best way to learn English is in natural everyday settings. However, many times the classroom setting can get in the way of that. Students put their "English cap" on when they enter the classroom, but take it off when they leave with their friends. To help students learn to use their knowledge in practical situations, let them play games that help them experience English in a natural way regardless of their level of English.

Beginner ESL games
Simple children's games can really be educational in an ESL classroom. A favorite with beginners is Simon Says. Action words can illustrate the importance of listening skills. If you are working with a shy class, use the person who misses as the next "Simon." In an outgoing class, use the winner to try to trap his classmates in a mistake. Another easy game is a balloon toss or, as some teachers prefer, a stuffed animal toss or ball toss. To play, students should call out a vocabulary word when they catch the object, but not a word that has already been used. If they wait longer than three seconds to say a word, they are out. Pictionary, suitable for all ages, is another favorite for practicing concrete and sometimes abstract nouns or actions.

Intermediate ESL games
Students who have some experience speaking English but are not yet comfortable in longer conversations can benefit from games that focus on remembering sequences. Have the first student tell what he likes that starts with the letter "A." Have the second student tell what the first student liked that started with "A," then what he likes with the letter "B." Continue with all letters until you run out of students. Use complete sentences at all times, and, at first, let the class cooperate to help everyone remember what has been said. Eventually as they get used to the game, eliminate the students who forget the list of words. Another game that uses thinking skills along with English skills is 20 Questions. Have one student think of an object and let the rest of the class pose 20 yes or no questions to figure out the answer.

Advanced ESL games
Advanced ESL students are ready to use their imaginations to prepare for various scenarios. Playing tour guide is a great way for students to expound on what they know best. Pick a student to think of a place where he has been or read about. Let him describe the place to the class without naming the place to see whether from his description alone they can figure out the location or the type of location, such as the beach. Another amusing game is to let one student start a story and speak for about two minutes. Stop him at a critical point in the story and pick another student to continue telling the story for two minutes. Continue letting everyone having a turn adding to the story.