English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are full of students from different cultures, backgrounds and English learning levels. One student might have an extensive vocabulary, while another has a very limited vocabulary, and it can be difficult to accommodate all students at once. However, some ideas for an ESL classroom are simple enough to transcend all levels, ages and backgrounds.

Vocabulary Cards
One idea for an ESL classroom is the use of vocabulary cards: index cards with a vocabulary word written on one side and the definition of the word written on the opposite side. Pass a different vocabulary card to each of your ESL students and then have the students write a couple of sentences using the vocabulary word they received, and then instruct them to pass the card to another student, until each student has written at least three different words.

Shopping Game
The shopping game, sometimes referred to as "Shopper's Nightmare," is a game designed primarily for elementary school children in ESL or EFL classes, but it can also work for older age groups. In this activity, students are divided into two groups. One group has items for sale, such as fruits or other produce, and the other has play money. The students are to "buy" as many products as they can with the money they have. As an added complication, while the students are shopping, the teacher occasionally yells out a certain product, and students holding that product have to give up all their items and start again.

Matching Opposites
Another idea for ESL classes is matching card game called Opposites, in which students are given a card with a word on it and they have to locate that word's opposite within 10 minutes. This game is simple and effective in teaching students about opposite terms such as good and bad, right and wrong, light and dark and the like. Even if your students are not children, it is sometimes difficult for an ESL learner to realize what the exact opposite of a certain word is.