ESL First Day of Class Games
The Name Game

This engaging first day of class introduction game helps students get to know each other. In the game, students race to give basic personal information about themselves and repeat other students' information. Arrange the students into two teams. Sit... read more
Trip to the Moon

Here is an entertaining way to get students to introduce themselves to the class. This introduction game works best with young learners. Begin the game by saying, "I'm the captain of a spaceship. I'm going on a trip to the moon. Who wants to go with me... read more
My Life in Five Sentences

Here is an icebreaker activity for the first day of class to help students get to know each other. In the activity, students use sequence words to order information about a partner. Write five sentences on the board in a random order about interesting... read more
Secrets

Here is a fun mystery game to play on the first day of class that helps motivate students to ask questions and learn interesting things about one another. First, students write their name on a piece of paper and a secret about themselves, such as a... read more
Snowball Fight

Here is an inventive way for students to introduce each other on the first day of class. Students begin by writing their name and five things about themselves on a piece of paper, e.g. their age, hobbies, etc. If you want, write a short introductory... read more
Teacher's Question Time

This fun first day of class game can be used to introduce yourself and the course to a new class of students. The game also helps you gain insight into your students' level of English. Before you begin, don't give the students any information about... read more
Two Truths and a Lie

This first day of class ice breaker can be used to either introduce information about yourself to a new class or for students to get to know one another. One version is played between the teacher and the class and in the other students play in small... read more
Who am I?

This first day of class icebreaker helps you to introduce yourself to the class and gives you insight into your students' level of English. Cover the board with numbered information and answers about yourself. The type and amount of information you... read more