Get your ESL/ELL students speaking, listening, and thinking critically with this engaging What Am I? Guessing Game. Students read or give clues to describe a mystery word from four key vocabulary categories: people, animals, places, and objects. Their classmates use descriptive language, inference skills, and background knowledge to guess the mystery item.
This is an ideal icebreaker activity, a fun warm-up, or a review lesson for descriptive vocabulary. The prompts are written with beginner and elementary ESL/EFL students in mind, making them perfect for speaking practice, small-group work, review stations, or vocabulary units.
What's Included in This Download:
Both full-color and black & white versions are included.
- 56 OBJECT cards
- 32 PEOPLE cards
- 32 ANIMAL cards
- 40 PLACES cards
- Student clue worksheet (color and b&w)
- Full-color flapbook for clue prompts
Ways to Use This Resource
Option 1: Whole Year Classroom Use
Give each student the clue worksheet to cut, assemble, and paste into their notebook. This gives them an easy reference tool for every time you play.
Option 2: Small-Group or Partner Practice
Provide groups with the pre-made flapbooks for guided support as they play.
Option 3: Low-Prep Classroom Activity
Simply write the clues on the whiteboard and use the printed cards for an instant game.
How to Assemble and Use This Resource
Print on cardstock for durability. Laminate the cards and flapbook before cutting to ensure this resource lasts for years of speaking practice and vocabulary review.
Perfect for Teachers Searching For:
- ESL vocabulary guessing games
- Descriptive language activities
- Speaking warm-ups for ELL students
- Inference and critical thinking games
- Print-and-go ESL activities
- ELL vocabulary centers
- Object, animal, and place vocabulary practice
Pair It With a Related Hot Chocolate Teachables Resource
For more descriptive language and guessing-game practice, pair this set with the Animal Guessing Game for Kids . Both resources use the same structure and make an excellent rotation for vocabulary review centers.
Also Available on TpT
You can also purchase this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers: What Am I? Guessing Game – Objects, Animals, People & Places