Let’s Start Moving! 10 Active Energizers

Like flies brought back to life with sunrays, our students wake up with the first touches of the springtime. They tend to be restless, it’s quite difficult for them to focus on the lessons – I’m sure you’ve experienced this. And once we realise teachers behave pretty much the same, the atmosphere in the classroom may get quite demotivating.

Fortunately, we’ve got energizers! These short, interactive, and enjoyable activities are great breaks from traditional lesson. However, the best energizers still support learning objectives – it’s quite important when you teach more mature students. Look at them as vital components supporting the main lesson objectives. For example, after introducing a new vocabulary set or grammar concept, an energizer related to that topic encourages practice in a more interactive and enjoyable way.

Remember, even though physical energizers are usually made for children, teenagers and adults should also move a bit. That’s why I want to share with you my favourite activities that work well with various age groups.

Children

• Simon Says. Use English commands like “Simon says: touch your nose” or “Simon says: jump” and students need to do what you say, but if you don’t start the command with “Simon says…” they can’t follow it – if they do, they lose.
• Musical Chairs. Play English songs and have students walk around chairs – there should be more students than chairs. When the music stops, students must find a chair and sit on it. The student left standing has to answer an English question or perform a task.
• Balloon Volleyball. Set up a net or rope and use a balloon as the ball. Students must say an English word or phrase related to the topic (e.g. animals, colours, actions) before hitting the balloon.
• Obstacle Course. Create an English-themed obstacle course with stations where students must complete language tasks or answer questions.

Teenagers

• Ball Toss Quiz. Students toss a ball to each other while asking and answering English questions written on the ball. You may ask students to write questions on the balls first to boost their engagement.
• Pictionary. Divide students into teams. Students take turns drawing English words or phrases on the board while their teammates guess what it is.
• Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt. Hide English vocabulary cards around the room, and students must find and match them with their meanings.

Adults

• Conversation Circle. Ask students to stand in a circle and toss a ball to each other. Whoever catches the ball must ask a conversation starter question in English.
• Role-Play Situations. Encourage students to act out real-life scenarios in pairs or small groups, such as ordering food at a restaurant or making a complaint, using English dialogue.
• Walk and Talk. Take a walk outside while discussing topics in English, such as describing what they see or discussing recent news events.

These energizers can help you fight fatigue, boredom or restlessness, and they can also promote a positive classroom atmosphere. I hope you’ll use them all, see what works best for your students and you, and make your classroom a perfect place for spring classes.

Enjoy and share your favourite energizers in the comments!