Classroom management games and activities
for ESL kids lessons

Games and activities for managing an ESL kids class

Hands up!

In your first class teach your students that whenever you shout out “Hands up!” they must instantly stop whatever they are doing, put their hands up in the air and remain perfectly still and silent. They can only put their hands down again when teacher say “Hands down”. You can then use this technique any time your students are getting a bit noisy or you need to get everyone’s attention.

Silent ball

If the students are being loud and off task play this game with them. It really works and they love to play it. Have all the students stand up and give one student a ball (make sure it is soft). Have the students toss the ball to each other without saying a word. Any student who drops the ball or talks must sit down. (Submitted by Samantha Marchessault)