Everyday Objects ESL Games & Activities
Everyday Objects Bingo
ESL Everyday Objects Game - Vocabulary: Bingo, Gap-fill - Group Work
In this free everyday objects game, students play bingo by completing sentences with everyday object words. In groups, the bingo caller reads a sentence at random from the caller's sheet using the word 'blank' for the missing object word...
Name Two Objects...
ESL Everyday Objects Game - Vocabulary: Brainstorming, Providing Vocabulary - Group Work
In this engaging everyday objects game, students race to name common objects that match 'Name two...' prompts. In groups, students take turns picking up a card and reading the 'Name two...
Personal Items Pelmanism
ESL Everyday Objects Games - Vocabulary and Speaking: Matching, Pelmanism, Forming Sentences, Freer Practice - Pair Work
Here are two fun everday objects vocabulary games to help students learn and practice the names of common personal items. First, students play a pelmanism...
Everyday Object Races
ESL Everyday Objects Games - Vocabulary and Speaking: Matching, Gap-fill, Forming Sentences, Freer Practice - Group Work
Here are two everyday objects games to help students practice vocabulary for common objects. First, students play a matching game to practice the vocabulary. In groups, students take turns to pick up a...
Everyday Objects Vocabulary
ESL Everyday Objects Worksheet - Vocabulary Exercises: Matching, Gap-fill, Multiple Choice, Sentence Completion
Here is a useful everyday objects worksheet to help students practice vocabulary for common objects. First, students match everyday object vocabulary from a box with pictures. Students then...
Talking About Everyday Objects
ESL Everyday Objects Activity - Vocabulary and Speaking: Matching, Gap-fill, Asking and Answering Questions, Controlled and Freer Practice - Group and Pair Work
In this rewarding everyday objects activity, students complete, ask and answer conversation questions containing the names of commonly used objects. First...
Bits and Bobs
ESL Everyday Objects Board Game - Speaking and Vocabulary: Impromptu Speech, Freer Practice - Group Work
In this productive everyday objects board game, students practice vocabulary related to everyday objects by speaking in response to prompts for 30 seconds, using full sentences and providing simple details...
Everyday Objects Unpacked
ESL Everyday Objects Activity - Vocabulary and Speaking: Asking and Answering Questions, Discussion, Freer and Communicative Practice - Group Work
In this everyday objects discussion activity, students ask and answer questions about familiar items, describe materials and uses, make simple comparisons, and...
Using Everyday Objects Vocabulary
Everyday objects vocabulary includes the words and phrases used to identify and describe things people use at home, school and work. Combining object names with information about purpose, location and ownership helps students explain which item they mean and what they need.
This page has eight resources across A1-A2, A2 and B1, including vocabulary games, a worksheet, speaking activities and a board game, with one free download.
The table shows how familiar object words fit into useful everyday phrases.
| Purpose | Useful language | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ask for an item | Can I borrow your...? | 'Can I borrow your charger?' |
| Locate an object | on, in, under, next to | 'My keys are on the table.' |
| Explain its use | use something to do something | 'I use this backpack to carry my books.' |
| Describe its material | be made of | 'This bottle is made of plastic.' |
| Identify the owner | belong to | 'That umbrella belongs to Maria.' |
| Compare items | lighter, heavier, bigger, smaller | 'This laptop is heavier than my tablet.' |
How to Use Everyday Objects Vocabulary
Identify the right item: Add a colour, size or location when several objects share the same name. 'The small blue notebook beside the computer' gives the listener more help than 'the notebook'.
Explain a word you cannot remember: Describe what the object does or where people use it. Saying 'the thing you use to charge your phone' can help a listener identify a charger while you retrieve its name.
Give a reason for your choice: Connect a description to a practical need. 'I prefer this bag because it has space for my laptop' uses object vocabulary to explain a preference rather than simply list possessions.
3-Step Framework for Teaching Everyday Objects Vocabulary
This sequence suits elementary to pre-intermediate classes, moving from recognising object names to recalling them from descriptions.
1. Connect Pictures and Words: Have students turn over picture and word cards to find matching personal items. Once they recognise the words, move to the sentence game, where a partner has 20 seconds to make a meaningful sentence with an object word. This introduces context after visual recognition.
2. Choose Words to Complete Meaning: Students read sentence cards and race to find the object word that completes each sentence, then read the full sentence aloud. Follow with a round in which students create their own sentences from word cards, moving from supplied context to independent examples.
3. Recall Objects from Clues: Read prompts asking students to name two objects that fit a description, such as things people like to read. Students race to offer two suitable items, and classmates check the answers. This removes the visible word choices and asks students to retrieve vocabulary by meaning.
Mistakes to Avoid with Everyday Objects Vocabulary
Confusing borrow and lend: Use 'borrow' when receiving something temporarily and 'lend' when giving it temporarily. Incorrect: 'Can I lend your charger?' Correct: 'Can I borrow your charger?' You can also ask, 'Can you lend me your charger?'
Using singular forms with scissors: 'Scissors' takes a plural verb. To count one item, use 'a pair of scissors', with the verb agreeing with 'pair'. Incorrect: 'This scissors is blunt.' Correct: 'These scissors are blunt.' Alternatively, say 'This pair of scissors is blunt.'
Common Questions About Teaching Everyday Objects Vocabulary
What is a fun game for practicing everyday objects vocabulary?
The free game Everyday Objects Bingo adds competition to vocabulary listening practice. Students listen to sentences with a missing object word and cross off matching words on their cards. The race to complete four in a row, followed by all 16 objects, gives students a clear goal as they listen.
What is a good worksheet for teaching everyday objects vocabulary?
The worksheet Everyday Objects Vocabulary provides support before asking students to use words independently. Students match objects to pictures, fill gaps and choose the correct words, then complete sentences with their own ideas. Comparing answers with a partner gives them a chance to share how they use the vocabulary.
What speaking activity can I use to practice everyday objects vocabulary?
The activity Talking About Everyday Objects makes vocabulary practice an exchange of personal information. Students complete conversation questions with object words, then ask and answer them with a partner, including the target word in specified responses. Sharing their findings with the class gives students a reason to listen to their partner.
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