Here are seven classroom activities for small groups of learners in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) class, each lasting approximately 15 minutes. The instructions for each activity are provided as well:
- Divide the class into groups.
- Each student takes turns sharing one thing they like and one thing they don't like.
- Encourage others in the group to ask questions or make comments about these preferences.
- In their groups, students take turns discussing something they can do and something they can't do.
- The other group members can ask for more details or offer suggestions to help them learn what they can't do.
- Each student takes a turn talking about what they did yesterday.
- Encourage them to use past tense and share at least three activities.
- The group can ask questions for clarification.
- Provide each group with a bag filled with various objects.
- One student from each group selects an object from the bag and describes it without revealing what it is.
- The other students in the group try to guess what it is based on the description.
- Each student talks about their dream job and explains why they're interested in it.
Here are 15 common jobs for the "My Dream Job" activity, along with example sentences for students to use as a template:
- My dream job is a doctor. It is my dream job because I can help people and make a positive impact on their lives.
- My dream job is a teacher. It is my dream job because I can inspire and educate the next generation.
- My dream job is an engineer. It is my dream job because I can create innovative solutions to complex problems.
- My dream job is a chef. It is my dream job because I can explore my passion for cooking and create delicious dishes.
- My dream job is an artist. It is my dream job because I can express myself and share my creativity with the world.
- My dream job is a firefighter. It is my dream job because I can protect people and save lives during emergencies.
- My dream job is a scientist. It is my dream job because I can conduct experiments and discover new things about the world.
- My dream job is a pilot. It is my dream job because I can travel the world and experience new cultures.
- My dream job is a lawyer. It is my dream job because I can advocate for justice and uphold the law.
- My dream job is a writer. It is my dream job because I can tell stories and connect with readers through my words.
- My dream job is a veterinarian. It is my dream job because I can care for animals and ensure their well-being.
- My dream job is a business owner. It is my dream job because I can be my boss and turn my ideas into reality.
- My dream job is a nurse. It is my dream job because I can provide care and comfort to those in need.
- My dream job is a software developer. It is my dream job because I can create technology that improves people's lives.
- My dream job is a psychologist. It is my dream job because I can help individuals navigate their emotions and mental health.
- Students can select one of these jobs and complete the sentence with their personal reasons and aspirations for their dream job.
- Encourage the group to ask questions about the job or offer suggestions for achieving that dream.
- In each group, one student (A) gives instructions on a simple task or action to another student (B).
- Student B must follow the instructions without any additional clarification.
- After completing the task, students switch roles.
- Assign each group one ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) country.
Instructions:
Divide the class into groups, with each group representing one ASEAN country.
Assign each group an ASEAN country from the list (e.g., Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, etc.).
Provide each group with a simple handout that includes the following information:
The name of the assigned ASEAN country.
The capital city of that country.
The official language(s) spoken in that country.
A basic fact or two about the culture, food, or a famous landmark.
Give the students in each group time to read and understand the information provided.
Each group, in turn, stands up and presents the information about their assigned country to the class. The presentation should be kept short and simple. For example, "We are talking about Thailand. The capital of Thailand is Bangkok. They speak Thai in Thailand. Thai food is delicious, and they have beautiful temples."
Encourage the other students to ask questions or make comments about what they've learned after each presentation.
- In their groups, students discuss and share information about the culture, geography, and history of the assigned country.
- Encourage them to use English to present what they've learned.
For all activities, it's important to encourage active participation, promote English language use, and ensure that all students have the opportunity to speak and engage in the discussions. These activities can be adapted and expanded based on the proficiency level of your EFL learners and their specific learning objectives.