My Favorite Board Games for the ESL Classroom and a FREEBIE!

Every year I find that I buy more and more games for my ESL students. There are many games out there to build vocabulary, practice asking and answering questions and allow for engaging conversation among students. My favorite reason, though, for using board games in my classroom is that it builds great rapport between students of all different cultures. I always make a point to play with them, too. It is an easy way to get to know your students better especially when they are having fun.

I listed my favorite five board games on my blog, plus a freebie for you to use anytime you need a little friendly competition in your classroom.

This freebie is similar to the game Scattergories. I love Scattergories, but it is much too difficult for my Level 1 and 2 students. I created these lists of English vocabulary topics, such as fruits, vegetables, winter clothing and modes of transportation. Working in pairs, groups or individually, students must brainstorm as many words as they can that are related to the topic. There is also a blank list for you to choose your own topics.