Vocabulary building card games are an amazing way to develop speaking, listening, reading, and critical thinking skills in ESL, ELL, and elementary English classrooms. This UNO-inspired game helps students expand vocabulary, think quickly, and interact with classmates in a fun, low-prep format.
To play a card, students must name two different vocabulary words that match their prompt. With categories such as People, Places, Things, Verbs, and Words, learners get repeated practice recalling vocabulary, forming ideas, and expressing them clearly.
Example: “Name 2 Places where you can buy food.” Students might answer: “a grocery store and a restaurant.” If a student answers incorrectly, use the opportunity to explore better options and build stronger vocabulary connections.
What's Included in This Download
- 80 Name 2 Vocabulary Cards across five categories:
- 10 – People
- 20 – Places
- 20 – Things
- 10 – Verbs beginning with a specific letter
- 10 – Words beginning with a specific letter
- Each card includes a number from 1–10 and one of four colors
- 4 DRAW TWO cards – next player draws two cards
- 4 SKIP cards – skip the next player
- 4 REVERSE cards – reverse the direction of play
- 4 WILD cards – change the color
How to Use This Resource
Print, laminate, and cut the cards for long-lasting use. Students play the game like traditional UNO, but must answer the vocabulary prompt before placing a card. This simple twist turns a familiar game into a powerful speaking activity that boosts fluency and vocabulary recall.
Perfect for Teachers Searching For:
- ESL vocabulary building card games
- UNO-style ESL activities
- Speaking and listening warm-ups
- Small-group ESL games
- No-prep vocabulary review
- Back-to-school conversation games
- Fun and interactive language activities
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Pair this game with the Name Two Vocabulary Game from HotChocolateTeachables.com — another student-favorite that builds vocabulary and increases speaking confidence through fun, fast-paced prompts.
Also Available on TpT
You can also purchase this vocabulary game on Teachers Pay Teachers: