Classic ESL Childhood Games
Cops and Robbers

This game of cops and robbers has been specially adapted for the ESL classroom and is useful for practicing have got. Have the two teams (Cop and Robbers) sit in a line facing each other as shown...
I Spy

Here is a simple childhood word game many people used to play when they were younger. Have the students sit in a circle. One student looks around and chooses something in the classroom or surrounding area, e.g. book. The student then gives a clue to the chosen thing by saying, "I spy with my...
Mr Crocodile

This ESL childhood game is a lot of fun for students and can be used to revise clothes, appearance or colours. Choose one student to be 'Mr Crocodile'. That student stands in the middle of the classroom. The rest of the students line up at one end...
Mr Wolf

This entertaining childhood game is ideal for practicing time and basic numbers. One student is the wolf. The wolf stands with their back turned to the other students at one end of the classroom. The other students line up at the other end of the classroom next to the wall. The students say...
Red Light, Green Light

Here is a fun childhood game for practicing numbers, the alphabet and categories of words. Choose one student to be the announcer. The announcer's job is to say 'Red light' and 'Green light'. Red light means stop writing and green light...
Simon Says

This classic childhood game is ideal for practicing imperatives. Have the students stand in front of their chairs. You take on the role of Simon. Give commands for the students to follow by saying 'Simon says...' followed by an imperative...