For parents of young learners

English speaking games for kids

Games are the easiest way to get children speaking English without it feeling like a lesson. These 15 games need no materials or very few, and work at home, in the car or at a party. They are grouped by age so you can pick the right level.

By the Eloqova team · Updated 8 November 2026

Free printable kit for your child's class: speaking worksheets and a speech planner.Get it free

Play in English only: Agree a simple rule, like "English for this game", and join in yourself. Mistakes are fine; the fun keeps everyone talking.

5 games for UKG to Class 1

Game	How to play
I spy	"I spy with my little eye something that is red." Others guess.
Simon says	Give actions in English; only follow when you hear "Simon says".
What's in the bag?	Feel an object in a bag and describe it before guessing.
Colour hunt	Name a colour; everyone finds and names something that colour.
Animal sounds	Make a sound; the child names the animal and says one sentence about it.

5 games for Classes 2 to 4

Game	How to play
Twenty questions	Think of an object; others ask up to 20 yes or no questions.
Story chain	Each person adds one sentence to build a story.
Describe and draw	One person describes a picture; the other draws it.
Would you rather	Pick between two choices and give a reason.
Alphabet game	Name a topic, like food, and take turns naming one for each letter.

5 games for Classes 5 to 8

Game	How to play
Just a minute	Talk on a topic for 60 seconds without stopping or repeating.
Hot seat	One person plays a character; others ask questions.
Debate dinner	Pick an easy topic, like homework on weekends, and argue both sides.
News reporter	Report a family event as if on TV news.
Taboo	Describe a word without using three banned words.

How to practise at home

Choose 2 games a week and play them at dinner or in the car.
Let your child choose the game sometimes.
Keep score lightly; praise good sentences, not just winning.
Move up a level when a game becomes easy.

Questions parents ask

What are some good English speaking games for kids?

I spy, twenty questions, story chain, would you rather, describe and draw, and Just a minute are easy, fun and need no materials.

How can I make my child speak English at home?

Play short English-only games every day, join in yourself, and keep it fun rather than correcting every mistake.

Which speaking games are good for older kids?

Just a minute, hot seat, debate dinner, news reporter and taboo build fluency, vocabulary and confidence.

More free guides

Want expert help? See our spoken english classes for kids: live 1:1 online classes for UKG to Grade 8.