Top 50 ESL Warm-up Activities – Starter Games for Every Level

A strong warm-up is more than just a fun icebreaker. It sets the tone for the entire lesson. For foreign teachers in Vietnam, warm-up activities are especially valuable as they help students overcome shyness, switch into “English mode,” and get ready to participate actively. Starting with just a few minutes of engaging practice can transform the classroom atmosphere and boost learning outcomes.

This guide offers 50 practical ESL warm-up activities for all ages and levels, complete with variations and teaching notes tailored for Vietnam. Use them to make your lessons more dynamic, interactive, and effective from the very first minute.

Key to Symbols

• Ages: Kids (6–11), Teens (12–17) , Adults (18+)
• Levels: A1 (Beginner) · A2 (Elementary) · B1 (Pre-Intermediate) · B2+ (Intermediate+)
• Time: 3–8 minutes (recommended for warm-up)

Quick Classroom Tips for Vietnam

• Large classes (30–45 Ss): Split into small groups of 3–5; use group reps to save time.
• Limit L1 (Vietnamese): Set an “English only” rule for the first 5 minutes; allow one lifeline if students get stuck.
• Cultural connection: Use familiar references (pho, banh mi, Tet, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City).
• Limited classroom space: Favor seated/static activities or small movements; avoid running games indoors.
• Positive discipline: Use countdowns (3-2-1), clap-backs, or group points instead of singling out individuals.

Warm-up Activities

1) Quick Questions

• Focus: Speaking fluency, personal info
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens/Adults · A1–B2+
• Time: 4–6’ | Materials: Question list
• How-to: Teacher displays 10 quick questions. Each student answers in 10s; the teacher switches rapidly.
• Variations: Speed-dating style (pairs rotate every 30s).
• Notes VN: Encourage full sentences, not just one-word replies.

2) Word Chain

• Focus: Vocabulary recall, word association
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 3–5’ | Materials: None
• How-to: First student says a word (“pizza”); next must say a word starting with the last letter (“apple”); continue.
• Variations: Restrict to a topic (food, animals, cities).
• Notes VN: In big classes, divide into 3–4 smaller circles.

3) Two Truths and a Lie

• Focus: Speaking, question forms
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · A2–B2+
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: None
• How-to: Each student writes 3 sentences (2 true, 1 false). Class asks follow-up questions to guess the lie.
• Variations: Themes: travel, hobbies, school, food.
• Notes VN: Avoid overly personal topics; encourage humor and safe sharing.

4) Would You Rather…?

• Focus: Speaking, reasoning
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · A2–B2
• Time: 4–6’ | Materials: Question list
• How-to: Teacher asks: “Would you rather live in the city or countryside?” Students discuss in pairs or groups.
• Variations: Create funny or extreme options.
• Notes VN: Encourage giving reasons (“because…”) not just choosing.

5) Find Someone Who…

• Focus: Questions, mingling
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens/Adults · A2–B1
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Worksheet with prompts
• How-to: Students walk around asking classmates: “Do you like…?”; they sign a name when the answer is “yes.”
• Variations: Timed challenge—who fills fastest.
• Notes VN: In crowded rooms, adapt to seated “stand-up survey.”

6) Hot Seat (Guess the Word)

• Focus: Describing, synonyms, paraphrasing
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · A2–B2+
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Word list + chair
• How-to: One student sits back to the board. The teacher writes a word; teammates describe it in English until guessed.
• Variations: Add “taboo words” they cannot say.
• Notes VN: Remind students to avoid Vietnamese translation; use simple English clues.

7) Alphabet Race

• Focus: Vocabulary, spelling
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 5–6’ | Materials: Whiteboard or paper
• How-to: Write A–Z. Teams must quickly write one word for each letter.
• Variations: Limit to categories (animals, food).
• Notes VN: In large classes, run it as a group relay.

8) Tongue Twisters

• Focus: Pronunciation, connected speech
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens/Adults · A2–B2
• Time: 3–5’ | Materials: Sentences on board
• How-to: Practice slowly → faster; groups compete.
• Variations: Use famous English tongue twisters (e.g., “She sells seashells…”).
• Notes VN: Emphasize word stress and ending sounds; avoid overly difficult ones to prevent frustration.

9) Picture Dictation

• Focus: Listening, instructions
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Paper, board drawing
• How-to: Teacher describes a picture (“draw a square with a circle inside”), students draw what they hear.
• Variations: Pairs take turns describing & drawing.
• Notes VN: Encourage clear prepositions (next to, under, above).

10) Categories (Stop the Bus!)

• Focus: Vocabulary by topic
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens/Adults · A1–B2
• Time: 5–7’ | Materials: Paper
• How-to: Teams write words for categories (fruit, cities, animals) starting with a chosen letter. First to finish shouts “Stop!”
• Variations: Award points per unique answer.
• Notes VN: Use local categories too (Vietnamese food, places).

11) Charades

• Focus: Vocabulary recall, action verbs
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens/Adults · A1–B2
• Time: 5–7’ | Materials: Word slips
• How-to: Student picks a word card and acts it out silently; group guesses.
• Variations: Restrict to categories (sports, jobs, animals).
• Notes VN: Keep actions school-appropriate; avoid abstract words.

12) Pictionary

• Focus: Vocabulary, drawing comprehension
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 5–6’ | Materials: Board, markers
• How-to: Teams take turns drawing a word, teammates guess.
• Variations: Timed challenge with a 30-second limit.
• Notes VN: Encourage spelling aloud after guessing to reinforce learning.

13) Sentence Relay

• Focus: Grammar accuracy, teamwork
• Ages/Levels: Teens · A2–B2
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Board, chalk/markers
• How-to: First student writes 2–3 words; next continues to form a sentence. Team must build grammatically correct sentences.
• Variations: Teacher sets themes (holiday, school, future plans).
• Notes VN: Remind students to check subject–verb agreement.

14) Word Association

• Focus: Vocabulary building, connections
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B2
• Time: 3–5’ | Materials: None
• How-to: Teacher says a word, students quickly respond with the first related word.
• Variations: Play in teams with point scoring.
• Notes VN: Watch for L1 translation; push for English-only responses.

15) Role-play Scenarios

• Focus: Speaking, functional English
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · A2–B2+
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Scenario cards
• How-to: Pairs act out situations (ordering food, buying tickets).
• Variations: Add challenges (must use 3 new vocab words).
• Notes VN: Choose realistic, everyday Vietnamese contexts (market, café).

16) Speed Spelling

• Focus: Spelling accuracy, vocabulary
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 4–5’ | Materials: Word list
• How-to: Teacher says a word, students race to spell aloud or on paper.
• Variations: Relay race style—one letter per student.
• Notes VN: Stress pronunciation of final consonants.

17) Mystery Object (20 Questions)

• Focus: Question forms, critical thinking
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · A2–B2+
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Chosen object (real or picture)
• How-to: Students ask yes/no questions until they guess the object.
• Variations: Limit to 10 questions for speed.
• Notes VN: Encourage using categories (animal/thing/place) to narrow down.

18) Back-to-Back Drawing

• Focus: Listening, describing
• Ages/Levels: Teens · A2–B2
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Paper, pens
• How-to: Student A describes a picture; Student B draws without seeing it.
• Variations: Use textbook images or teacher’s prepared cards.
• Notes VN: Emphasize prepositions of place (on, in, under).

19) Story Cubes (Dice Game)

• Focus: Creative speaking, storytelling
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A2–B2
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Story cubes/dice with pictures
• How-to: Students roll dice and make a story using all images.
• Variations: Groups compete for the funniest/most logical story.
• Notes VN: If no dice, use picture flashcards.

20) Quick Debate

• Focus: Argumentation, critical thinking
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · B1–B2+
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Debate topics
• How-to: Two sides get 1 minute to prepare, then argue for/against.
• Variations: Add judges from class to vote for the winner.
• Notes VN: Use light/fun topics (“Cats vs. Dogs”), not sensitive issues.

21) Simon Says

• Focus: Listening, action verbs
• Ages/Levels: Kids · A1–A2
• Time: 3–5’ | Materials: None
• How-to: Teacher gives commands starting with “Simon says…”; students follow only if prefaced correctly.
• Variations: Student becomes leader.
• Notes VN: Great for young learners with high energy.

22) Odd One Out

• Focus: Vocabulary categorization
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 3–4’ | Materials: Word list
• How-to: Teacher shows 4 words, students identify which doesn’t fit
• Variations: Groups explain their reasoning.
• Notes VN: Use familiar categories to avoid confusion.

23) Memory Game (Concentration)

• Focus: Vocabulary retention
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 5–7’ | Materials: Word/picture cards
• How-to: Cards placed face down; students flip 2 to find a match.
• Variations: Match word ↔ picture, or synonyms.
• Notes VN: Keep sets small for larger classes.

24) Bingo

• Focus: Listening, recognition
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens/Adults · A1–B1
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Bingo cards
• How-to: Teacher calls words; students mark cards until someone shouts “Bingo!”
• Variations: Picture bingo for lower levels.
• Notes VN: Prepare simple templates to save time.

25) Whisper Chain (Chinese Whispers)

• Focus: Listening, pronunciation
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 5–6’ | Materials: Sentences prepared
• How-to: Students line up; first whispers a sentence, last says aloud. Compare with original.
• Variations: Use idioms or funny sentences.
• Notes VN: Short, clear sentences work best to avoid chaos.

26) Guess the Sound

• Focus: Listening discrimination
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 4–5’ | Materials: Sound clips (animals, objects)
• How-to: Play a sound, students guess what it is.
• Variations: Use YouTube clips or phone apps.
• Notes VN: Great for younger kids; use familiar daily sounds.

27) Word Jumble

• Focus: Spelling, word recognition
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 4–5’ | Materials: Mixed-up words on board
• How-to: Students race to unscramble letters into correct words.
• Variations: Use sentences for higher levels.
• Notes VN: Encourage group competition to save time.

28) Quick Draw Vocabulary

• Focus: Vocabulary recall, drawing
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 4–5’ | Materials: Paper, pens
• How-to: Teacher says a word, students quickly draw it.
• Variations: Timed challenge with peer voting.
• Notes VN: Reward creativity as well as accuracy.

29) Running Dictation (Adapted for Vietnam)

• Focus: Listening, writing, teamwork
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · A2–B2
• Time: 7–8’ | Materials: Short text posted on wall
• How-to: One student reads from the wall, runs back to dictate to a teammate who writes. Repeat until full text copied.
• Variations: Use gap-fill texts instead of full sentences.
• Notes VN: If classroom space is small, adapt to “walk-and-dictate” instead of running.

30) Vocabulary Hangman

• Focus: Spelling, guessing
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 4–6’ | Materials: Board
• How-to: Teacher chooses a word, draws blanks; students guess letters until word is solved.
• Variations: Replace hangman with a less violent symbol (flowers/petals).
• Notes VN: Choose age-appropriate words; avoid very long or rare ones.

31) Reverse Questions

• Focus: Grammar (question forms), creativity
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · B1–B2+
• Time: 5–7’ | Materials: None
• How-to: Teacher gives answers, students must create suitable questions.
• Variations: Funny or unexpected answers to spark creativity.
• Notes VN: Encourage accuracy in word order (common struggle for Vietnamese learners).

32) Mime the Word

• Focus: Vocabulary, body language
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 4–6’ | Materials: Word list or flashcards
• How-to: One student mimes, team guesses.
• Variations: Time limit; taboo words.
• Notes VN: Remind shy students participation is just for fun.

33) Alphabet Categories

• Focus: Vocabulary range, quick recall 
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A2–B2
• Time: 3–5’ | Materials: None
• How-to: Choose a category (e.g. animals), go A–Z naming words.
• Variations: Write on board in teams for competition.
• Notes VN: Large classes → split alphabet (A–M / N–Z).

34) Sentence Auction

• Focus: Grammar awareness
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · B1–C1
• Time: 8’ | Materials: Sentences (mix correct/incorrect)
• How-to: Teams get “money”; bid only on correct sentences.
• Variations: Vocabulary auction (rare vs. common words).
• Notes VN: Pre-teach game mechanics in simple steps — may be confusing at first.

35) Story Cubes

• Focus: Storytelling, sequencing
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A2–B2+
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Dice/cards with images
• How-to: Roll cubes, make a story with all images.
• Variations: Team vs. team story building.
• Notes VN: Allow collaborative stories for weaker learners.

36) Roleplay Cards

• Focus: Speaking, real-life language
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · A2–B2
• Time: 5–7’ | Materials: Scenario cards
• How-to: Distribute roleplay cards (e.g. restaurant, airport), act it out.
• Variations: Add challenges (angry customer, missing passport).
• Notes VN: Choose contexts relevant in Vietnam (street food, café).

37) 20 Questions

• Focus: Yes/No question practice, logic
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens/Adults · A2–B2+
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Secret word
• How-to: One student thinks of a word; others ask up to 20 yes/no questions.
• Variations: Restrict by topic (jobs, food).
• Notes VN: Encourage broader question types beyond “Is it…?”.

38) Running Dictation (Station Dictation)

• Focus: Listening, writing, teamwork
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · A2–B2+
• Time: 8’ | Materials: Text strips posted around room
• How-to: Runner memorizes text, tells writer, team reconstructs.
• Variations: Whisper chain (Chinese whispers).
• Notes VN: If no space, adapt to “seated dictation” with teacher whispering.

39) Sound Bingo

• Focus: Listening discrimination (minimal pairs)
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–A2
• Time: 5–6’ | Materials: Bingo cards with words
• How-to: Teacher calls words; students mark on bingo card.
• Variations: Pictures instead of words.
• Notes VN: Focus on difficult Vietnamese contrasts (ship/sheep, cat/cut).

40) Flashcard Grab

• Focus: Vocabulary recall, reaction speed
• Ages/Levels: Kids · A1–A2
• Time: 3–4’ | Materials: Flashcards
• How-to: Place flashcards on table; call a word, two students grab correct card.
• Variations: Team relay races.
• Notes VN: Ensure safety; no rough grabbing.

41) Draw and Guess (Pictionary)

• Focus: Vocabulary production, creativity
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens/Adults · A1–B2
• Time: 5–6’ | Materials: Board or paper
• How-to: Student draws a word, team guesses.
• Variations: Themed rounds (travel, jobs).
• Notes VN: Large classes → multiple teams drawing simultaneously.

42) Odd One Out

• Focus: Vocabulary, categorization
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 3–4’ | Materials: Word lists
• How-to: Give 4 words; students choose which doesn’t belong.
• Variations: Justify answers (“Why?”).
• Notes VN: Push for explanations, not just naming.

43) Collocations Snap

• Focus: Vocabulary chunks, collocations
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · B1–B2+
• Time: 5’ | Materials: Card pairs (e.g. “make” / “decision”)
• How-to: Students flip cards; if collocation matches, first to call “Snap!” wins.
• Variations: Use phrasal verbs.
• Notes VN: Highlight natural collocations — tricky for learners translating from Vietnamese.

44) Finish the Sentence

• Focus: Grammar, fluency
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens/Adults · A2–B2
• Time: 4–5’ | Materials: Sentence starters
• How-to: Teacher provides “If I had…”, student completes.
• Variations: Chain story (each adds one sentence).
• Notes VN: Encourage creativity but check for grammar accuracy.

45) Debate Corners

• Focus: Speaking, critical thinking
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · B1–C1
• Time: 8’ | Materials: Debate prompts
• How-to: Teacher states: “Homework is useless” → Ss move to Agree/Disagree corners. Share reasons.
• Variations: Add “Undecided” corner.
• Notes VN: Keep topics light (school rules, food) → avoid politics.

46) Find Someone Who

• Focus: Speaking, questions, mingling
• Ages/Levels: Teens/Adults · A2–B2
• Time: 6–8’ | Materials: Worksheet (prompts)
• How-to: Ss walk around asking peers “Do you…?”; sign if yes.
• Variations: Themed for holidays (Tet, Christmas).
• Notes VN: Crowded classrooms → adapt to “stand up if you…” version.

47) Jumbled Words

• Focus: Spelling, vocabulary
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 3–4’ | Materials: Mixed-up words on board
• How-to: Teams race to unscramble.
• Variations: Use phrases/sentences.
• Notes VN: Choose words from the current unit for relevance.

48) What Am I? (Headbands)

• Focus: Question forms, vocabulary
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A2–B2
• Time: 5–7’ | Materials: Word cards
• How-to: Card on forehead; student asks yes/no questions until guessed.
• Variations: Topic-based (animals, jobs).
• Notes VN: Prep cards with clear, known vocabulary.

49) Quickfire Spelling Bee

• Focus: Spelling, listening
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens · A1–B1
• Time: 3–5’ | Materials: Word list
• How-to: Teacher says word → student spells aloud quickly.
• Variations: Speed round, team spelling.
• Notes VN: Vietnamese Ss often confuse “i/e” vowels — highlight carefully.

50) Pass the Clap

• Focus: Rhythm, listening, group bonding
• Ages/Levels: Kids/Teens/Adults · A1–B2
• Time: 3–4’ | Materials: None
• How-to: Students clap in sequence around circle; break rhythm = out.
• Variations: Add chant or word with clap.
• Notes VN: Great for re-focusing noisy classes; short and fun.