Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is a difficult task, especially when teaching beginnerswho know very little of the English language. However, the strategic implementation of gamesthroughout the course of a lesson and at key points in a curriculum can help cement ideas in the mindsof students while providing an enjoyableexercisein language acquisition. Before choosing any activity, assess the skill level and the age of the students. You can alter all the games according to studentneeds.

The Alphabet Game
An ideal game for younger ESL students, the Alphabet Game helps students merge the alphabet withvocabulary knowledge. To test the ability of students to think of words that start with different letters of the alphabet, write out the alphabet on the board. Pass a beanbag to one individual in the class, andhe or she must say a word starting with the letter "A." That student then throws the beanbag to another student who must say a word starting with the letter "B." Play continues in this way throughout thewhole alphabet. This is a highly interactive game since students constantly think ahead, attempting tocome up with a word for the next letter since they might get chosen.

Vocabulary Chairs
In an ESL twist on musical chairs, this game requires students to spot the word that is out of place in aseries of words. Set up chairs in the room for musical chairs, with all the chairs in a circle facing out.Have the students begin walking around the chairs, but instead of playing music, begin saying wordsthat all relate to each other. For instance, if a lesson is aboutschoolsupplies, say "pen, paper, staple,notebook, pencil, eraser, tiger." When you say "tiger," the students must recognize that the word doesnot fit in the series and scramble to find a seat. The last player to find a seat is out. This game is idealfor younger students, though middle school, high school and college age students may find it enjoyableas well.

What's My Name?
On the bottom half of several letter-size sheets of paper, write the names of famous movie stars,politicians or world leaders. Fold the sheet in half to conceal the name, and give one name to eachperson. Instruct each student to keep the name concealed; he or she may not look at the name. Dividethe class into groups of two. Have one student hand his piece of paper to his partner; that partner reads the paper. Then, the first student asks the other student yes or no questions about the name onhis or her paper. Students can askquestions like "Am I a man?" or "Am I in any major movies?" Onceone player guesses his or her name, the other student gets to ask questions. Play until everyone hasguessed the name.