5 Quick ESL Activities for When You Have 10 Minutes Left in Class

🕒 Introduction:

You’ve taught your material, wrapped up your practice, and still have 10 minutes left — now what? Ending class on a high note helps students retain what they learned and keeps energy positive. Here are five quick ESL activities that are low-prep and high-impact.

✏️ 5 Fast and Fun ESL Activities

1. Word Association Circle

   Pick a topic (like food or weather). Each student says a related word. Great for vocabulary recall and fluency.

   
   

2. Last Word Standing

   Give a category (like animals). Students must say one word each. If someone repeats or hesitates too long, they're “out.”

   
   

3. Mini-Interview

   Pair students and have them ask each other 2–3 questions from the lesson. Great for listening and speaking practice.

   
   

4. Draw & Guess

   Have one student draw a word from the lesson on the board while others guess. Works well for visual learners.

   
   

5. Exit Ticket Challenge

   Ask each student to say or write one thing they learned today before they can “leave” the class.

   
   

These short activities don’t just fill time — they reinforce learning, build confidence, and help students finish with a smile.