Hangman will become one of class’s favorite games, and it’s very easy to organize! All you need is a writing surface (blackboard, whiteboard, mobile whiteboard, etc.) and your current vocabulary. This should be an easy activity to practice memorizing the vocab before moving on to more difficult activities utilizing the vocab.
This activity also helps practice the alphabet, so it should be used for students five and older (unless they already know the alphabet).
Put the students into two groups. Write the spaces for the letters and draw the gallows. Give student A from the first group a chance to give a letter. If it’s right, fill in the letter’s space. If not, write it below the word and add one part to the hangman. It’s a good idea to explain to students before you start what parts you will add – a chance to review body parts!
Then student A from the second group goes, then student B from the first group, etc. You can establish your own house rules, but we like to tell students that they can only guess the full word when it’s their turn. Give the group a point when one of the student from that group guesses a word. If you like, keep a running tally for the weekly/monthly championship.
They will love it, and you’ll have a fun game to review vocab!
ESL Lesson Plans 