Move Up! Physical Exercise in the EFL Classroom

I hoped that with January over, all that New Year’s resolutions madness (typical: eat healthier, work smarter, and exercise more) will be over as well.

Yeah, no.

And while I’d love to dismiss this seasonal enthusiasm as fleeting, I have to (really, really, really reluctantly) admit that movement is essential. And – what pains me even more (being a seasoned couch potato) – it is especially needed in the classroom. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles affect both teachers and students. I’m talking about things like problems with focusing on work, fidgeting, laziness etc.

That’s why I want to share with you some physical activities that will boost engagement, retention, and energy levels. I’m not talking about turning classrooms into fitness studios! Let’s use movement to create an engaging and effective learning environment.

Benefits of Physical Activities in the Classroom

Kids

I personally believe making kids sit for more than 2 hours is vile. Let’s make them stand up and jump with enthusiasm! Introducing some kinesthetic activities will help restless kids channel their energy productively. What’s more, that’s a great way to manage the classroom chaos. Group exercises build teamwork skills and confidence, something kids need to forge friendships. Plus, movement activates different brain regions, aiding in vocabulary and grammar retention (source). And finally: kids love games that get them out of their seats. Fun translates to better participation.

Teens

Even though teenagers often feel trapped in the “sit-and-learn” model, it’s not easy to make them move. It’s completely understandable as they don’t really feel comfortable in their own bodies,. That’s why structured movement is a way to provide a refreshing change of pace. Physical tasks can inspire creative thinking and problem-solving. They will also foster inclusion by encouraging even the shyest students to take part.

Adults

Whenever I start working with adults and I say “OK, stand up, we’re going to move a bit”, I hear them mumble and grumble. I sincerely ignore these sounds, and after a while they get used to movement. I know they don’t want to “be like children”, but childlike behaviour is something I strongly encourage in my classes. As a result, they quickly forget about their initial problems and start having fun. With adults, physical activities add an element of surprise and excitement. They also help solidify learning, especially in vocabulary and pronunciation drills. And last but not least, movement alleviates the tension of a long workday or demanding study schedule.

Simple Physical Activities

Kids

1. Simon Says: Classic game where students follow commands, improving listening and vocabulary.
2. Action Verbs Freeze Dance: Play music, and students freeze in action poses when it stops.
3. Chair Hop Scavenger Hunt: Kids hop between chairs to collect answers to questions.
4. Alphabet Relay: Teams race to organize alphabet cards in order.
5. Animal Movement Charades: Students act out animals; others guess while practicing vocabulary.
6. Follow the Leader: Practice directions and actions with a leader to mimic.
7. Pass the Ball Q&A: Toss a ball, and the catcher answers a question.
8. Obstacle Course Commands: Navigate obstacles using given directions.
9. Ball Toss Sentence Building: Catch a ball and add a word to form sentences.
10. Run-and-Touch Word Wall: Students run to touch the correct word on a wall.

Teens

1. Vocabulary Dodgeball: Hit a word target with a ball after giving its definition.
2. Team Pictionary Charades: Teams act out or draw vocabulary words.
3. Speed-Dating Conversations: Rotate partners for short discussion prompts.
4. Word Wall Races: Teams race to arrange words into correct categories.
5. Trivia Ball Toss: Toss a ball, answer trivia questions, and pass it on.
6. Debate and Move/ Choose a Side: Move to a side of the room to agree/disagree with statements.
7. Grammar Basketball: Answer grammar questions before shooting a basket.
8. Walking Interviews: Pair up and interview each other while walking.
9. Ball Pass Translation Race: Pass the ball while translating phrases.
10. Relay Spelling Bee: Teams take turns spelling words in a relay format.

Adults

1. Stand Up If…: Stand if a statement applies (e.g., “I’ve visited France”).
2. Role-Play Dialogues: Act out real-life situations like ordering food.
3. Gesture Vocabulary Practice: Use gestures to guess words.
4. Question Circle Toss: Toss a ball and answer the question you catch.
5. Ball Toss Icebreaker: Share fun facts while tossing a ball.
6. Charades for Idioms: Act out idioms for group guesses.
7. Pronunciation Relay: Teams race to pronounce words correctly.
8. Sentence Formation Scramble: Rearrange sentence parts physically.
9. True/False Movement Questions: Move to “True” or “False” sides of the room.
10. Trivia Relay: Teams answer trivia questions in a relay format.

As you can see, physical exercises in the EFL classroom are not just fun distractions. They’re a gateway to better focus, creativity, and retention. Whether you teach kids, teens, or adults, movement-based activities can make your lessons more dynamic and effective.

Ready to get moving? Subscribe to my newsletter to receive a free lesson plan where your students design their own physical routine: an engaging way to combine creativity and exercise in your classroom!

Enjoy!