Charades is one of those games that everyone understands, even if they don’t speak the same language. That’s what makes it perfect for ESL learners, classrooms, and families where multiple languages mix. This guide focuses on how to use charades as a playful and powerful tool for building language skills, confidence, and community. Whether you’re teaching beginners or advanced students, these ideas can help build vocabulary, understanding, and joy.
Why Charades Is Powerful for Language Learning
Charades reinforces vocabulary, body language, and comprehension—all through laughter. It reduces pressure to speak, builds confidence, and encourages creative expression. For ESL learners, this is especially helpful. It helps them:
- Connect physical movement to words
- Remember vocabulary through action
- Understand tone and gesture
- Interact without the stress of perfect pronunciation
Whether you’re using it in a classroom or during a study break, Charades provides a fun, engaging way to practice language organically.
Starter-Level Prompts for Beginners
These are ideal for learners just beginning to acquire English. They involve common verbs and simple activities that are easy to visualize and act out.
Basic Verbs
- Eat
- Sleep
- Sit
- Stand
- Walk
- Run
- Jump
- Talk
- Listen
- Dance
Simple Daily Activities
- Brushing teeth
- Drinking water
- Opening a door
- Washing your hands
- Reading a book
- Combing your hair
- Putting on shoes
- Taking off a jacket
Classroom Routines
- Sharpening a pencil
- Raising a hand
- Erasing the board
- Taking notes
- Zipping up a backpack
ESL Prompts by Topic
Categorizing prompts helps students connect words to broader themes and subjects.
Food & Eating
- Eating spaghetti
- Drinking coffee
- Cooking rice
- Slicing bread
- Ordering food at a restaurant
- Packing a lunchbox
Jobs & Occupations
- Firefighter using a hose
- Dentist checking teeth
- Construction worker using a hammer
- Waiter carrying a tray
- Librarian shelving books
- Photographer taking pictures
School & Study
- Reading silently
- Taking an exam
- Forgetting your homework
- Using a dictionary
- Falling asleep in class
- Asking for help
Hobbies & Free Time
- Painting a picture
- Playing soccer
- Gardening
- Playing the piano
- Building LEGO
- Drawing a cartoon
Everyday English in Action
Real-life phrases and expressions help bridge the gap between textbook learning and natural speech.
Common Expressions
- Running late for class
- Waiting in line
- Catching a cold
- Watching TV
- Taking a break
- Getting dressed for work
Tech and Devices
- Taking a selfie
- Playing a video game
- Typing an email
- Scrolling on a phone
- Zoom meeting trouble
- Printing something
Chores and Errands
- Doing the laundry
- Vacuuming the floor
- Watering plants
- Grocery shopping
- Carrying bags
- Washing dishes
Cultural Charades
These prompts build cultural awareness and introduce traditions through movement.
Holidays and Traditions
- Lighting a menorah
- Celebrating Christmas
- Hanging lanterns for Diwali
- Trick-or-treating
- Playing dreidel
- Breaking a piñata
Social Norms
- Bowing in Japan
- Shaking hands in the U.S.
- Kissing on the cheek in Europe
- Tipping a waiter
- Waiting in a queue
- Offering a gift politely
Cultural Events
- Watching a parade
- Going to a temple
- Dancing at a wedding
- Singing the national anthem
- Cheering at a football game
Funny Idioms in Charades
Acting out idioms is a hilarious way to learn figurative language. Provide explanations after each round for deeper understanding.
Popular Idioms
- Break a leg
- Let the cat out of the bag
- Hit the hay
- Bite off more than you can chew
- Piece of cake
- Feeling under the weather
Animal Idioms
- Hold your horses
- Kill two birds with one stone
- Raining cats and dogs
- Busy as a bee
- Barking up the wrong tree
Body Idioms
- Cost an arm and a leg
- Keep an eye on something
- Cold feet
- Get something off your chest
- By the skin of your teeth
Intermediate & Advanced Student Prompts
These challenge learners to think abstractly and perform more complex ideas.
Abstract Nouns
- Freedom
- Anger
- Friendship
- Confidence
- Success
- Stress
Common Situations
- Arguing with a friend
- Winning a prize
- Getting a compliment
- Being embarrassed
- Feeling lonely
- Daydreaming in class
Professional Life
- Presenting a report
- Making a phone call
- Negotiating a deal
- Attending a conference
- Brainstorming ideas
- Typing a resume
Group Activities for ESL Classrooms
These formats help reinforce learning in a fun and collaborative way.
Team Charades
Split the class into two or more teams. Each team guesses the actions acted out by their teammate. Keep score for extra excitement!
Speed Rounds
Set a timer for 30 seconds. How many prompts can a team get through? Great for practicing quick thinking.
Theme Days
Designate a topic (e.g., food, emotions, travel) and have all prompts follow that category.
Student-Created Prompts
Let students come up with their own prompt cards. It builds vocabulary and creativity.
Silent Charades (No Speaking or Sounds)
Force students to use exaggerated gestures and facial expressions only—no sounds allowed.
Act and Draw Combo
One student acts it out, another draws what they think it is. Great for visual learners!
Bonus: Charades for Listening Comprehension
Charades isn’t just visual—it can reinforce listening, too.
Instruction-Based Play
The teacher or a student gives a full sentence, like “She is brushing her teeth,” and others act it out.
Reverse Listening Game
One student acts out a sentence, and others must guess the full sentence, not just the action. For example: “He is eating lunch with chopsticks.”
Story Charades
Give students a short story. Ask them to act out different parts. It helps with sequencing, grammar, and understanding.
Want more ideas like this? Check out our Charades for Beginners guide or our full word lists by difficulty.
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