You do not need a worksheet or a perfect English accent to enjoy a short practice game with your child. Start with familiar objects, a few useful phrases and a task you can complete together.
These three English games are designed as short home activities for children aged about 6–10 who know some everyday English words. Adjust the language to your child’s level and interests. Choose one game for a ten-minute session, and stop earlier if your child has had enough.
Game 1: the mystery object
You need: four or five familiar, age-appropriate objects, such as a book, a sock, a pencil and a toy car. Keep objects visible; there is no need for blindfolds or small loose pieces.
- Put the objects on a table and name them together.
- Secretly choose one and give two clues: “It’s blue. We use it to write.”
- Let your child guess: “Is it the pencil?”
- Swap roles. Offer a sentence starter if your child needs one.
Keep it simple: accept “blue pencil,” then model “It’s a blue pencil.” Make it harder: add questions such as “Where do we use it?” or “What is it made of?” Choose a version your child can enjoy without having to guess unfamiliar vocabulary.
Useful phrases: “I think it’s…” / “Is it…?” / “Yes, you’re right.” / “Try another guess.”
Game 2: run a pretend café
You need: a pencil and paper for a small menu. Draw or write three familiar items. You can use pictures of food instead of preparing real food.
- Choose who will be the customer and who will serve.
- Start with a short exchange: “Hello. Can I have an apple, please?” “Here you are.” “Thank you.”
- Add one question: “Would you like water?” or “Anything else?”
- Swap roles and change one part of the order.
A child who is new to English can point and say the item, then repeat a short phrase with you. A more confident child can explain a preference: “I’d like a sandwich because I’m hungry.” Keep prices optional; the aim is a conversation, rather than a maths test.
If your child likes a different setting, turn the café into a bookshop or a toy shop. Keep the same useful language so the child has another chance to use it.
Game 3: build a tiny story
You need: three quick drawings: a character, a place and an object. For example, draw a cat, a park and a red bag. The drawings do not have to look good.
- Start with one sentence: “A cat is in the park.”
- Ask your child to add something: “The cat sees a red bag.”
- Take turns adding a sentence. Ask “What happens next?” if you get stuck.
- Retell the story together, using the pictures as prompts.
For a beginner, offer two choices: “Is the cat happy or tired?” For a child who wants a challenge, ask for a reason or an ending: “Why is the bag there?” Silly answers are welcome when they help the child take another turn.
A relaxed ten-minute structure
- Two minutes: name the objects or pictures and say the key phrases together.
- Six minutes: play, taking turns so your child gets opportunities to speak.
- Two minutes: repeat a favourite sentence and let your child choose what to try next time.
Give your child time to answer. If a sentence is unclear, ask a friendly question or repeat it naturally: child says “Cat go park”; you say “Yes, the cat goes to the park. What does it see?” Choose one small language point to revisit rather than correcting every word during play.
What if my child does not want to speak?
Offer a smaller role: pointing to an object, choosing between two answers or saying a phrase with you. You can also play in your family’s usual language first, then try one short English exchange. Avoid turning the game into a performance for an audience.
Notice specific actions: “You asked for the apple politely” or “You added a new detail to the story.” A short activity your child is willing to return to is a practical starting point. These activities are practice ideas, not a promise of a particular learning result.
Bring the right example to a lesson
If you want help choosing a level or lesson format, tell the coach what your child can already do and what was difficult during a game. For example: “She knows colours and objects, but needs help asking questions.”
Explore a Kids English Power Session for a suitable next step, or compare Kids English 1:1 packages. Available times can be viewed before payment; payment is required to schedule.
Practising your own speaking too? Try our 15-minute routine for adults, or browse all free guides.