This Create Your Own Board Game Project-Based Learning (PBL) activity is a fun, structured way to build teamwork while strengthening communication skills. Students work in small groups to design, create, and present their own educational board game while practicing English vocabulary, speaking, and listening in an authentic, cross-curricular project.
As students move through each step, they brainstorm a topic (grammar, vocabulary, math, science, and more), “shop” for game components using a set budget, design a game board and cards, justify their choices in English, write clear instructions, and present their finished game to the class. This makes it an ideal end-of-unit project, enrichment activity, or engaging classroom performance task.
Why Teachers Love This PBL Project
- Real communication: students collaborate, negotiate, and explain choices in English.
- Cross-curricular: works with any content area or language target.
- Highly engaging: creativity + game design keeps motivation high.
- Built-in structure: templates and planning pages support all learners.
- Presentation-ready: students “sell” their game and practice speaking confidence.
What’s Included
- Teacher Directions Page
- Objective, Vocabulary & Useful Language Page
- Student Brainstorming Page
- Budget & Planning Sheet
- Printable Game Component Shopping Cards (must-haves + fun upgrades)
- Blank Board Templates (multiple styles)
- Blank Game Card Templates
- Instruction Writing Page
- Presentation Prompt Questions
- Sketch & Design Page
- Optional Game Piece & Component Templates
Students are encouraged to create original designs, and the included templates provide clear support, inspiration, and easy differentiation.
Students Will
- Use English to brainstorm ideas and make group decisions
- Practice budgeting and prioritizing materials
- Create question, challenge, and action cards aligned to a learning target
- Write clear, step-by-step game instructions
- Design a creative and educational board game
- Present and “sell” their game confidently to the class
Classroom Ideas
- Grammar focus: verb tenses, conditionals, reported speech, modals
- Vocabulary focus: travel, food, school, jobs, emotions, seasons
- Speaking focus: asking/answering questions, turn-taking language, persuasive “sales pitch”
- Assessment: use the presentation as a speaking rubric score
Perfect for Teachers Searching For
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Pair this project with a ready-to-use speaking activity students can play while other groups finish designing:
- ESL Conversation Cards – Present Simple – easy warm-ups and partner speaking practice with A1–A2 learners.
Also Available on TpT
Prefer purchasing through Teachers Pay Teachers? Add your TpT link here: Create Your Own Educational Board Game – ESL Project-Based Learning Kit (PBL)