That's My Seat - ESL Games

This is a fun game to play to fill in some time. 

It can also be used as an icebreaker, where students can practice each other's names.

This game is best played with 6, 8, or 10 people. Even numbers are key, so join in if you have to. Students are put in two teams and sit in chairs in a circle. Leave one empty chair.

Half the chairs are designated as the winning chairs. It is easiest to put these chairs in a straight row so it is clear which are the winning chairs. The team that gets all its members sitting in those chairs wins.

First, write down each students name on a piece of paper and place the papers in a hat. Each student selects a name randomly. It is OK if they get their own names. Players sit in the chairs in a circle alternating by teams. (e.g. girl, boy, girl, boy, etc.)

To begin, and with each new turn, the person to the left of the empty seat says a name. They may say any name except the one on their paper. Whoever has that name on the paper must move to the empty seat. The person to the left of the new empty seat now says a name and the game continues.

After a few turns, students should begin to remember who has each name on their papers. By remembering the names, they can begin to use strategy to move teammates and opponents around the chairs trying to get their team in the winning chairs.

This is a memory and strategy game. Students love it because it is challenging and works as a team builder.