Teaching Health: Sickness games for ESL Classrooms

 Find this resource at my TPT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sickness-Flashcards-for-ESL-Classrooms-15145875

 

These hands-on games are designed to help students understand, practice, and retain health vocabulary and simple sentence structures in a meaningful and age-appropriate way. Instead of memorizing words in isolation, learners interact with the language through play, movement, and visuals.

“I Have…” Sentence Spin

The sickness vocabulary is on the printable spinner. Students spin and  must say “I have a ___.”

                                       Optional: classmates mime the sickness.

Why it works: reinforces sentence structure + speaking confidence.

Doctor–Patient Role Play Cards

One student is the doctor, one is the patient. Give them cue slip cards. They read the sickness and miming if possible. The doctor gives the solution, acting out a short dialogue.

First Aid Kit Mystery Bag

Print the first-aid kit and the items cards. Glue an envelope behind it or use a clear plastic sheet to place the cards. One student picks an item (no looking). Describes it: This is a thermometer. It’s for a fever.

Sickness–sentence association

The Sentence Association Game is a hands-on activity designed to help young English language learners connect simple sentences with meaningful pictures. Students match a sentence card (for example, “I have a broken leg” or “I am taking cough syrup”) to the correct picture card showing the action or situation.

This game supports early reading comprehension

Teachers — if you enjoy hands-on ESL activities, games, and classroom resources, follow me on Pinterest! Just here: https://www.pinterest.com/ei98srl

You’ll find pin-ready ideas you can use right away in your lessons.