Adults learn best and are most receptive when they are comfortable with the people around them. Whether in a classroom or at a conference, seminar, or party, there are things that you can do to reduce tension and encourage participation in a group. Help people adapt to any situation by playing an ice breaker game that is fun without being overly cheesy. Effective icebreakers can function as introductions, warm-ups, or even test prep. This hilarious game works well in any group, whether the participants are regular team members or strangers. Have everyone come up with two things about themselves that are true and one that is false but believable.

And whoever told you that your adult learners feel games were childish and patronizing is misinformed. It is true that adult learners are more motivated to learn English whatever the reason. Using games is a great way to either teach a point or supplement your lesson plan. There are a plethora of benefits when it comes to using games in the English language classroom with adults. They include better mutual group dynamics, reinforced learning, encouraging whole class participation, motivating learners, encouraging active speaking and not to mention games are a whole heap of fun, regardless of your age. The most important thing to bear in mind with adult learners is that everything needs a purpose, including games — activities without purpose will be viewed as a waste of time.

Welcome to an ever expanding collection of ESL games and activities which have been built up over more than a decade of teaching English to adults. Our aim is to give English teachers everything they need to put these activities into action by providing detailed step by step instructions, clear examples, and all the necessary printables. The games and activities on this site will help bring your class together, raise their energy levels and, most importantly, provide a framework which will motivate your students to produce the desired language.

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