ESL, English as a Second Language, refers to the instruction available for those whose primary language is not English. ESL classes are taught in both elementary and secondary schools as well as to adults through continuing or community education classes. Instructors are not required to be fluent in the student's native language. Classroom instruction is often in the form of engaging activities that encourage student interaction.

Alphabet Soup
A very effective group activity is Alphabet Soup. Divide the students into small groups and instruct them to gather articles from the classroom that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Set a time limit and then have the students name each article they collected. To enhance this activity for intermediate or higher level learners, also ask them to correctly spell the item and use it in a full sentence.

Telephone Game
The Telephone Game divides students into two teams, each team forming a line on opposite sides of the classroom. The instructor whispers an English word to the two students at the beginning of each line. Each student, in turn, repeats the word to the next person in line. The last person in line must write the word on a flash card or blackboard. The team who completes the task first gets a point and the team with the most points, or correct spelling of each word, wins.

Continue the Word
Continue the Word is a practical activity to enhance pronunciation, spelling and grammar. The first student states his favorite English word, spells it and uses it in a sentence. The next student must repeat the same instructions, using a word whose first letter is the last letter of the previous student's word. For example, if the first student used the word "like," the next student would choose a word that starts with the letter "e."

Personal Ads
This is a very useful activity for teaching adjectives and adverbs. Show the students samples of personal ads from a publication. Pick out the adjectives and adverbs from each and discuss the meaning. Then have the students create their own personal ads about themselves. This lesson not only enhances grammar, but also helps students get to know each other better.

Word Search
Make copies of a passage from a book or magazine article on an appropriate reading level for your students. Choose words from this passage and list them on a board for all to see. Instruct the students to find these words within the passage and to circle or highlight them. When they have completed the task, discuss the meaning of each of the words and have the students use them in another sentence.