Get students moving and learning with this fun Back to School Charades Game! Featuring 40 classroom-related action verb cards, this printable activity is perfect for ESL, EFL, and ELL learners as well as primary grade students. Kids mime verbs like “cutting,” “erasing,” and “gluing” while classmates guess the action — a perfect way to combine movement and vocabulary practice.
Why Teachers Love This Game
- Active learning: Students act out verbs instead of sitting still
- Great for ESL/ELL: Reinforces action verbs in a fun, visual way
- Classroom management: Burns off excess energy while staying on task
- Collaborative play: Encourages teamwork and communication
What’s Included
- 40 full-color verb charades cards
- 40 black-and-white verb cards (printer-friendly)
- Teacher directions for setup and play
How to Use
- Print the set (laminate for durability).
- Cut out the verb cards and shuffle into a stack.
- One student mimes the verb card without speaking.
- The rest of the class guesses the correct verb.
Tip: Use in small groups, learning centers, or as a brain break between lessons.
Skills Practiced
- Action verb recognition and vocabulary building
- Listening and speaking in English
- Teamwork and cooperative play
- Confidence in using classroom language