Online ESL Warm-Ups: 15 Fun Activities for Virtual Classrooms

Teaching ESL online comes with unique challenges. Students may join class feeling tired, distracted, or shy, and as a teacher, you need a way to spark energy fast. That’s where online ESL warm-ups come in—short, fun activities that get everyone engaged from the very beginning.

In virtual classrooms, warm-ups aren’t just “fillers.” They help students focus, build confidence, and switch their brains into English mode. Using good warm-ups can set the tone for the entire lesson and make your teaching more effective.

In this post, I’ll share why warm-ups are so important online, how to choose the right one, and a full list of 15 ready-to-use activities. You’ll also find practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and answers to questions many ESL teachers have.

Why Use Warm-Ups in Online ESL Classes?

Online learning can feel distant. Warm-ups help create connection, break the ice, and give students a reason to speak right away. Even shy learners can join in because the activities are simple and fun.

Warm-ups also fight “Zoom fatigue.” A quick, playful task at the start of class can lift energy levels and prepare students for more serious work. Think of them as the bridge between everyday life and your lesson.

How to Choose the Right Online ESL Warm-Up

Not every activity works for every group. Keep in mind the students’ age, level of English, and how much time you have. For example, beginners may need simple word games, while advanced learners enjoy debates or discussions.

Class size also matters. Some activities work best in pairs or breakout rooms, while others are great for the whole group. Always have a backup in case of tech issues, like poor internet or mic problems.

15 Online ESL Warm-Up Activities That Work Every Time

Warm-ups in online ESL classes should be short, fun, and easy to set up. They’re not just “fillers”—they set the mood, spark interaction, and get students thinking in English right from the start. Here are 15 online-friendly warm-ups I use often, with instructions to help you run them smoothly on Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams.

1. Two Truths and a Lie (Virtual Edition)
Ask each student to think of three sentences about themselves. Two should be true and one should be false. Students take turns sharing their sentences in the chat or out loud. Classmates guess which one is the lie, and the student reveals the answer. This works well to build speaking and listening skills while letting students learn fun facts about each other.

2. Emoji Check-In
Have students open the chat box and post an emoji that describes their current mood. You can invite volunteers to explain their emoji choice in one or two sentences. This is quick, visual, and perfect for easing students into using English naturally at the start of class.

3. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Call out an item for students to find in their home—for example, “something green,” “something soft,” or “something you use every day.” Give them one minute to return with the object and show it on camera. You can then ask quick follow-up questions: “What is it?” “Why do you like it?” This builds energy and vocabulary.

4. 5-Second Word Challenge
Choose a category, such as “fruits,” “sports,” or “things in a kitchen.” Pick a student and give them five seconds to name one word from that category. Then move quickly to the next student. If someone can’t answer, they pass, and the game keeps flowing. It’s fast, competitive, and excellent for activating vocabulary.

5. Would You Rather?
Pose a fun question like “Would you rather fly or be invisible?” Students vote by raising hands, posting in chat, or using reaction buttons. You can then invite one or two students to explain their choice in a full sentence. This encourages creativity, opinions, and conversation in a lighthearted way.

6. Mystery Sound
Play a sound effect from your device (for example, animal sounds, clapping, or phone ringing). Students listen and type their guesses in the chat or say them aloud. You can make it harder by playing only a short part of the sound. This sharpens listening skills and adds curiosity to the lesson.

7. Zoom Poll Icebreaker
Prepare a quick poll in Zoom with questions like “Which do you like better: pizza or pasta?” or “Do you prefer summer or winter?” Share the results instantly, then ask follow-up questions to encourage speaking: “Who chose pasta? Why?” This makes students feel included right away.

8. Name That Picture
Share your screen and show an unusual, funny, or interesting photo. Ask students to describe what they see using adjectives or short sentences. You can extend the activity by asking them to create a short story about the picture. This builds descriptive vocabulary and sparks imagination.

9. Rhyme Time
Say a simple word, such as “cat.” Students must quickly think of words that rhyme—“hat,” “mat,” “bat.” Go around the class or let them type answers in the chat. Keep it snappy to maintain energy. It’s playful and helps with phonological awareness.

10. Quick Draw on Whiteboard
Use Zoom’s whiteboard feature or an online tool like Whiteboard.fi. Invite one student to draw a simple object (like a tree, book, or dog) while others guess in English. Keep each drawing under 30 seconds so it moves fast. This is fun and brings variety to online lessons.

11. 20 Questions (Online Edition)
Think of an object or person, and let students ask yes/no questions to figure it out. For example, “Is it an animal?” “Can you eat it?” Limit the game to 20 questions or five minutes to keep it short. This builds logical thinking, vocabulary, and teamwork.

12. Word Association Chain
Start with one word, such as “school.” Ask one student to say a related word, like “teacher.” The next student adds another related word, and the chain continues. You can run this orally or in the chat. It helps students activate vocabulary quickly and see connections between words.

13. Virtual Charades
Ask one student to act out a verb, profession, or daily action on camera without speaking. Other students guess the word. Rotate roles every round. It’s lively, encourages movement, and works especially well with younger learners.

14. Alphabet Race
Choose a topic like “foods” or “countries.” Students must type a word for each letter of the alphabet in the chat, as quickly as they can. You can set a timer to increase excitement. This is excellent for vocabulary recall and spelling practice.

15. Quick Debate
Ask a simple opinion-based question, like “Is summer better than winter?” Split the class into two groups. Each student gives one short reason to support their side. This gets everyone speaking, builds confidence, and introduces persuasive language.

Tips to Run ESL Warm-Ups Smoothly Online

Keep activities short—no more than five to seven minutes. Warm-ups should energize, not take over your whole lesson.

Use breakout rooms wisely. Pair work or small groups can make shy students more comfortable and increase speaking opportunities.

Always prepare a backup warm-up. Tech issues happen, so keep a no-tech option ready, like “Would You Rather?” or “Word Association Chain.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t spend too much time explaining the activity. If students look confused, demonstrate quickly instead.

Avoid activities that drag on. Warm-ups should be fast-paced and leave students wanting more.

Be careful with cultural sensitivity. Some jokes or “Would You Rather?” questions may not fit every group—choose safe, fun topics for everyone.

Conclusion

Online ESL warm-ups are not just games—they are powerful tools to connect with students and make lessons more effective. A good warm-up gets students smiling, speaking, and ready to learn.

Try a few of these 15 activities and see which ones your students enjoy the most. With practice, warm-ups will become one of the best parts of your online ESL classes.

FAQs about Online ESL Warm-Ups

What are some quick ESL warm-ups for online classes?
Quick options include “Emoji Check-In,” “Word Association Chain,” and “Would You Rather?” Each takes only a few minutes and works well on Zoom.

How long should an ESL warm-up last in a virtual class?
Between three and seven minutes is ideal. Just enough to energize students without eating into lesson time.

Can I use the same warm-up every class?
Yes, but vary the format to keep it fresh. Students enjoy routine but also appreciate variety.

Do warm-ups work for large online classes?
Yes. Use chat-based activities like “Rhyme Time” or “Alphabet Race” that let everyone join at once.

What if students don’t turn on their cameras?
Choose activities that work without video, like polls, chat games, or sound-based guessing.

Are warm-ups necessary for advanced students?
Absolutely. Even advanced learners need a chance to switch into English mode before diving into complex tasks.

What are the best warm-ups for beginners?
Simple vocabulary games like “5-Second Word Challenge” or “Virtual Charades” are perfect for beginners.

How can I make warm-ups interactive on Zoom?
Use features like polls, breakout rooms, and the whiteboard to make activities more dynamic.

Do warm-ups work with young learners online?
Yes, but keep them very visual and active—scavenger hunts, charades, or quick drawing work best.

What’s the main goal of an online ESL warm-up?
The goal is to engage students, lower anxiety, and get them thinking and speaking in English right away.