5 Creative Icebreakers to Win Over Teen ESL Learners

Teenagers aren’t easy to impress. They know when something feels forced, and they’re quick to check out if the energy’s off. But with the right icebreakers, your ESL classroom can go from awkward silence to energetic discussion in minutes. At Inspire Training & Development, we love sharing classroom-tested activities that make teaching teens less stressful and a whole lot more fun.
Here are 5 icebreakers that work—designed specifically with teenage ESL students in mind.

5 Creative Icebreakers to Win Over Teen ESL Learners-1

1. Two Truths and a Lie
Each student shares three facts—two true, one false.
Why it works:
✔ Encourages full-sentence speaking
✔ Builds curiosity
✔ Low-pressure but still expressive
✔ Teens love tricking each other

5 Creative Icebreakers to Win Over Teen ESL Learners-2

2. What’s in Your Bag?
Students describe a real or imaginary item from their bag—others guess what it is.
Why it works:
✔ Builds vocabulary and adjectives
✔ Focus on object, not self (great for shy learners)
✔ Encourages active listening and creativity

5 Creative Icebreakers to Win Over Teen ESL Learners -3

3. Storytelling with Props
Use random objects to spark imaginative group storytelling.
Why it works:
✔ Teaches sequencing and improvisation
✔ Great for all levels
✔ Engages even quieter students with humour or drama

TESOL trainees at Inspire Training and Development taking part in storytelling activities.

4. Guess the Emoji
Students decode idioms or sentences using emoji combinations.
Why it works:
✔ Connects digital and language fluency
✔ Fantastic for teaching emotions and common phrases
✔ Customisable and visually engaging

TESOL trainees at Inspire Training and Development taking part in the 'Guess the Emoji' activity.

5. Charades with Verb Phrases
Students act out “get up,” “give up,” “run into someone,” etc.
Why it works:
✔ Reenforces vocabulary through action
✔ Boosts energy in low-motivation classes
✔ Funny, memorable, and team-friendly

TESOL trainees at Inspire Training and Development taking part in the 'Charades with Verb Phrases' activity.

Conclusion:
Want more fun classroom techniques and free ESL tools?
🧠 Visit our Free Teaching Resource Library
🎓Join a TESOL Course
📆See Our Next Workshops