10 Easy Set-up Vocabulary Games for ESL Learners to Try This Summer

For young kids learning English as a second language, building vocabulary doesn’t have to mean boring flashcards or endless drills—let’s turn it into a playful adventure!

Whether you’re guiding a classroom or helping at home, these ten creative vocabulary games will keep young minds engaged while boosting their word power. Grab a smile, gather your little learners, and let’s dive into a summer of learning and laughter!

Why Vocabulary Matters

Vocabulary is of utmost importance to ESL education. It is the heart of communication, helping kids express their ideas, understand stories, and connect with friends. By weaving fun games into their days, you’ll keep their English growing while creating joyful memories. Let's start!

10 Creative Vocabulary Games to Try

Here are ten games designed to build vocabulary in a way that feels like play. Each comes with simple instructions, a peek at the benefits, and tips to tweak them for different ages. Let’s get started!

Game 1: Vocab Treasure Hunt

Turn your classroom or playground into a treasure map! Hide cards with words like “tree,” “ball,” or “book” around the space. Give your child clues (e.g., “Look under something green!”) to find them, then say the word together.

• Benefits: Encourages exploration and word recognition.

• Adaptation Tips: For younger kids, use pictures; for older ones, add sentences to read (e.g., “The ball is red”).

  
  

Game 2: Sentence Builder Race

Grab a pile of word cards (e.g., “cat,” “jumps,” “on”). Set a timer and challenge kids to build silly sentences like “The cat jumps on the table.” The fastest or funniest wins!

• Benefits: Boosts word combination skills and creativity.

• Adaptation Tips: Start with two-word sentences for beginners or add adjectives (e.g., “big cat”) for more challenge.

  
  

Game 3: Guess the Word

Pick an object (e.g., a spoon) and give hints like “You eat with it” or “It’s in the kitchen.” Kids guess the word, and then it’s their turn to hint!

• Benefits: Sharpens listening and guessing while expanding vocabulary.

• Adaptation Tips: Use simple hints for young learners or add riddles for older kids.

  
  

Game 4: Story Word Jar

Fill a jar with word slips (e.g., “rain,” “dog,” “happy”). Pull three words and challenge kids to weave a short story using them. “Once, a happy dog danced in the rain!”

• Benefits: Sparks imagination and reinforces word use.

• Adaptation Tips: Guide younger kids with a starter sentence or let older ones write their stories.

  
  

Game 5: Picture Match-Up

Create pairs of cards—one with a word (e.g., “apple”) and one with a picture. Shuffle and match them up, saying the word aloud each time.

• Benefits: Builds word-picture connections and pronunciation.

• Adaptation Tips: Use larger cards for little hands or add a memory game twist for older kids.

  
  

Game 6: Word Scavenger Hunt

Give a list of words (e.g., “chair,” “window”) and send kids to find those items around the house or park. Say the word together when they find it!

• Benefits: Encourages movement and real-world word association.

• Adaptation Tips: Limit to 3-5 words for young kids or add a timer for excitement.

  
  

Game 7: Sing and Learn

Pick a catchy song with simple words (e.g., “Twinkle, Twinkle”) and sing it together. Pause to repeat new words like “star” or “sky.”

• Benefits: Makes vocabulary memorable through rhythm.

• Adaptation Tips: Use actions with the song for younger kids or add new verses for older ones.

  
  

Game 8: Role-Play Fun

Act out a scene (e.g., a shop) with words like “buy,” “money,” or “thank you.” Kids take turns being the shopkeeper or customer.

• Benefits: Reinforces vocabulary in context and boosts confidence.

• Adaptation Tips: Keep it simple with props for young learners or add a story for older kids.

  
  

Game 9: Word of the Day Challenge

Pick a new word each day (e.g., “brave”) and use it in conversations or drawings. End with a mini-game like finding objects that fit the word.

• Benefits: Builds a habit of learning one word deeply.

• Adaptation Tips: Use pictures for younger kids or a journal for older ones to track words.

  
  

Game 10: Vocabulary Bingo

Make bingo cards with words or pictures. Call out words (e.g., “dog”), and they mark the match. First to complete a row shouts “Bingo!”

• Benefits: Turns learning into a group celebration.

• Adaptation Tips: Use themes (e.g., food) for young kids or add definitions for older learners.

  
  

Tips to Make the Games Shine

• Keep It Light: Laugh together if a word gets mixed up—it’s all part of the fun!

• Repeat with Joy: Play favorites often to reinforce words.

• Celebrate Effort: A high-five or sticker for trying hard goes a long way.

These games turn summer into a vocabulary playground, keeping ESL skills fresh and exciting.

Take Your Skills Further with IPPAcademy

Love these games and want to explore more? IPPAcademy’s Certificate in Advanced Vocabulary Acquisition for ESL Education is here to support you. This self-paced, online course offers warm, expert-led lessons to help educators alike create even richer vocabulary experiences for ESL students. Learn more here!

Have a favorite game to share? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear your ideas!