ESL Charades that goes beyond shouting one word
Run ESL Charades with built-in categories or lesson vocabulary for acting, descriptions, guessing, team play, and low-prep speaking practice.
Charades gives students a memorable connection between language and movement. It can begin as simple acting and develop into descriptions, full guesses, and follow-up sentences.
Use a built-in category for a no-prep warm-up or connect the game to a Play Set containing the vocabulary from your lesson.
Choose whether acting or describing is allowed
Pure acting works well for verbs and familiar nouns. Allow spoken clues when the goal is circumlocution, but ban the target word and obvious translations.
- Beginner: act and guess the word.
- Intermediate: describe category, appearance, or use.
- Advanced: paraphrase and justify the final guess.
Make the guess a complete response
Require “Are you…?” or “I think the word is…” instead of isolated shouting. A simple frame creates repeated grammar practice without slowing the game much.
Protect student confidence
Let students act in pairs, allow a pass, and avoid categories likely to embarrass particular learners. Keep turns short and celebrate clear communication as well as correct answers.
Common questions
Can I play Charades without making a set?
Yes. PeraPera Play includes built-in Charades categories, or you can connect the game to your own lesson vocabulary.
How can Charades practice speaking?
Allow descriptive clues or require complete question and answer frames for guesses, explanations, and follow-up sentences.