10 Interactive Ways to Teach Adjectives
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to middle school students doesn’t have to be so bad, especially when you incorporate interactive and creative activities into your lessons. One fundamental aspect of language learning is understanding how to use adjectives—those descriptive words that add color, depth, and detail to our sentences. Adjectives add flavor and detail to our writing and help the reader get a better understanding of what is being said.
As an ESL teacher, I've found that the key to making adjectives come alive for students is through hands-on and enjoyable experiences. In this blog post, I'm going to share 10 interactive activities that are sure to engage and educate your ESL students about adjectives.
10 Interactive Ways to Teach Adjectives
Adjective Charades: This classic game takes a language twist as students act out adjectives while their buddies guess what the words are. It's a great way to not only learn adjectives but also to boost confidence in using new vocabulary. Divide the class into teams. Have students draw adjectives from a hat and act them out without speaking, while their team guesses the adjective being portrayed.
Adjective Pictionary: Similar to charades, but this time students draw images representing the adjectives on the board while their team tries to guess. Students will have a blast drawing the adjectives while their classmates attempt to guess the word being portrayed. This creative exchange makes adjectives memorable and meaningful.
Digital and Print Activities: This digital and print Adjectives Mini Unit is sure to keep your students busy practicing adjectives. And…it’s so versatile they can work on it with their partners, in groups, or independently. Assign the quiz to Google Forms for easy grading!
Descriptive Drawing: Provide students with a simple image or scene and ask them to individually write down as many adjectives as they can to describe it. Then, discuss their lists as a class. By providing a simple image and encouraging them to list as many adjectives as possible, they’ll witness how words can paint vivid mental pictures.
Adjective Collage: Have students create collages using pictures from magazines or printed from the internet to visually represent different adjectives. They can present their collages and explain their choices. This activity not only builds their vocabulary but also encourages them to think critically about the meanings behind each adjective.
Adjective Toss: Prepare a ball or soft object. Have students sit in a circle. When a student catches the ball, they need to provide an adjective before throwing it to someone else. As the ball travels around the room, students quickly think of adjectives to share before passing it on. It's an active way to reinforce vocabulary.
Adjective Story Chain: Begin a story with a simple sentence. Then, have students take turns adding one adjective to the story each. This collaborative effort creates a unique descriptive story. It encourages creativity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of how adjectives enhance narrative.
Adjective Bingo: Create bingo cards with different adjectives. Read out sentences describing various objects or situations, and students mark off adjectives they hear. It's a game that sharpens listening skills and enriches vocabulary simultaneously.
Adjective Opposites: Present pairs of adjectives (e.g., tall/short, happy/sad) and ask students to come up with sentences using both adjectives to describe different situations or characters. By pairing opposite adjectives and incorporating them into sentences, students develop a well-rounded understanding of word meanings and usage.
Adjective Gallery Walk: Display various images around the classroom. Each image should depict a different scene or object. Provide sticky notes, and have students write down adjectives they associate with each image as they walk around. Afterward, discuss their choices as a class.
Language learning doesn't have to be boring. These 10 interactive activities will make teaching adjectives to middle school ESL students fun and engaging. They'll promote creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking, and help students embrace adjectives. Teach adjectives a different way? I’d love to hear how! Post it in the comments.
Need FREE Digital Activities? Check these out!
