In the classroom, games are an enjoyable way to take a break from the rigor of academic study. In an English as a second language (ESL) classroom, games can break up the monotony of grammar rules and syntax lectures. However, games need not be pointless; in fact, several games strategically incorporate lesson material, making for a fun and educational experience.

Constructing Sentences
A great activity to pull together several separate strands of the English language involves having students construct sentences out loud. Before class, get three separate bags. In each bag, place several pieces of paper; in the first bag, write different tenses, such as "past," "present" and "future." In the second bag, write different pronouns, and in the third bag, write the words "positive" and "negative" on several different slips of paper.

During class, have students come to the front. Let them draw one slip from each bag. Next, give them a verb and have them construct a sentence using all the separate components. For instance, if a student drew "future," "I" and "negative" from the bags and his verb is "to eat," he could say, "I will not eat cereal tomorrow." For every correct construction, award 1 point.

Write Fast!
A game that tests a student's ability to think of several words quickly is Write Fast. Divide the class into several teams and have each team select a designated writer. On the board, write a phrase with a blank at the end, such as "I like to eat ______." In 1 minute, students must write down as many English words as they can think of that could logically go in the blank. Have students read their answers, and award the team with the most appropriate answers 1 point. Continue with other sentences, and to reinforce other areas of grammar, consider leaving the verb or preposition in a sentence blank.

Brag Game
An ideal game for older students, the Brag Game gets students thinking and actively considering sentence syntax in the English language. Write several exciting statements on slips of paper, such as "I just got a bonus at work," "I have been selected to be a NASA astronaut" or "I am having lunch with the president." As a class or in small groups, have one student read one slip of paper. The rest of the class or group must try to think of a more impressive statement, such as, "I just got promoted at work." Then, the student must come up with an even more impressive response, such as "I just won $10,000."

The goal is to make increasingly outlandish statements; however, as the students think of better responses, they are rehearsing superlatives, synonyms and vocabulary. When a student or group cannot think of a response, that student simply says, "Wow," and play moves to the next student.