Color-based games for an ESL class

Here are 10 fun color-based games for an ESL class that can engage kids and help them learn English vocabulary related to colors:

1. Color Hunt

Objective: Learn color names and practice listening skills.

Hide various colored objects around the classroom (or outside, if possible).
Call out a color, and students must find something of that color in the room or area.
Example: “Find something red!” or “Bring me something yellow!”
The kid who finds the object first gets a point or sticker.

2. Color Charades

Objective: Learn colors through action.

Kids take turns acting out a color (e.g., pretend to be a red apple, or a green frog).
Other kids guess the color being acted out.
You can give kids a list of colors to pick from for variety.

3. Color Sorting Race
Objective: Practice color names and grouping.

Set up a variety of colored items (blocks, paper, toys, etc.).
Divide the class into teams and give them a basket of mixed colors.
They must sort the items by color as quickly as possible.
First team to finish wins!

4. Simon Says – Color Version

Objective: Reinforce color vocabulary and listening skills.

Play "Simon Says" but with color-related actions.
Example: "Simon says touch something blue!" or “Simon says jump to something red!”
If the teacher doesn’t say "Simon says," and a kid moves, they’re out

5. Color Flashcard Memory Game

Objective: Practice memory and color names.

Create flashcards with different colors and corresponding images (e.g., a red apple, a green tree).
Lay the cards face down.
Kids take turns flipping two cards at a time, trying to match the color with the image.
The kid with the most matches at the end wins.

6. Color Guessing Game

Objective: Practice color vocabulary and describing objects.

Place an object under a cloth and give clues about its color (e.g., “It’s the color of the sky,” for blue).
kids guess the color based on the clues given.
You can give them multiple-choice options for added difficulty.

7. Color Bingo

Objective: Reinforce color names and recognition.

Create bingo cards with different colors.
Call out the colors randomly.
Kids mark the color they hear on their card.
The first to get a full row or column shouts “Bingo!” and wins.

8. Color Simon Says – With Actions

Objective: Learn colors and action verbs.

For this variation of Simon Says, combine colors with actions.
Example: “Simon says, jump on something green!” or “Simon says, clap if you see something yellow!”
It’s a great way to practice both colors and actions in English.

9. Color Hunt with Flashlight

Objective: Practice color identification and exploration.

Turn off the lights and give kids a flashlight.
The teacher calls out a color, and the students must find something of that color in the dark with the flashlight.
This can work well in a dim classroom with colored items placed around.

10. Color Pictionary

Objective: Practice both colors and drawing.

Write a list of colors and objects (e.g., a yellow sun, a red balloon) on cards.
Kids take turns drawing a picture that represents the color and the object without using words.
The other kids guess the color and object in English.
These games will help keep the kids engaged while also reinforcing their understanding of color vocabulary in English!

More simple games for kids you can find on my instagram channel:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C16xk5RoF3e/?next=%2F