I’m Going on a Picnic: An ESL Warmer or Time-Filler Activity

If you’re looking for a very simple ESL warmer activity or time-filler, then consider using, “I’m going on a picnic.” It doesn’t require any preparation or materials and it’s a way to challenge students to use critical thinking to uncover patterns. Keep on reading to find out more about this, “I’m going on a picnic” activity.

I’m going on a picnic is a nice ESL speaking and listening activity for kids, teenagers or adults. Have some fun in class today!

What is, “I’m going on a picnic?”

I’m going on a picnic is a simple game that has to do with noticing patterns. The leader says something that they’re going to bring on a picnic and then the other participants say what they’re going to bring and ask if they can come too. If it fits the pattern, they can. If it doesn’t fit the pattern, they aren’t allowed to come.

Continue until people have figured out the pattern. The person who uncovered it can be the leader for the next ground.

“I’m Going on a Picnic” ESL Warm-Up Activity

Skills: Listening/speaking
Time: 5-10 minutes
Level: Intermediate-advanced

This is an oldie, but a goodie. It gets students talking and thinking critically.

Think of a rule for items on the picnic, but don’t tell the class. For example, “must contain the letter E,” or, “must be a countable noun.” Tell them you are going on a picnic and give examples of 3-5 items you are taking with you to give them hints about your rule. Then, elicit from the students what they would take. If their item doesn’t fit your rule, tell them they can’t take it and that they can’t come with you!

To keep wait times between turns shorter, have large classes work in groups of 2-3, rather than individually. In any case, set a time limit for each person or group making a guess (20-30 seconds), or they are out. The group to guess the rule wins.

Please note that groups are not out if they suggest an item that doesn’t match the rule, or if they guess the wrong rule. The time limit is to keep the game moving and disqualifying students for not making guesses keeps students from just listening to other guesses to guess the rule without otherwise contributing.

I’m Going on a Picnic Procedure:

1. Think of a rule for items which can go on the picnic, such as “must contain the letter E,” or, “must be countable.”
2. Tell the class you are going on a picnic and give examples of 3-5 items you are taking with you to give them hints about your rule.
3. Elicit from the students what they would take. If their item doesn’t fit your rule, tell them they can’t take it.
4. Continue until students uncover the rule.
5. Have large classes work in groups of 2-3 and set a 20-30 second time limit to keep wait times between turns shorter. The group to guess the rule wins

Like this Activity?

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Last update on 2022-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API