Hidden object pictures - Games and activities for lower-level students

39 ESL Vocabulary Activities: For Teenagers and Adults - Jackie Bolen, Jennifer Booker Smith 2015

Hidden object pictures
Games and activities for lower-level students

Skill: Speaking

Time: 10+ minutes

Materials: Worksheet, crayons or markers

You may remember hidden object pictures from your childhood. While they may seem a bit juvenile, coloring is currently quite trendy, and your students may get a kick out of this. If you have some Photoshop skills, you could alter an “adult” coloring page to fit this activity.

If you haven’t done this before, it is a drawing with a number of objects “hidden” in the picture. Obviously, it is best suited to teaching nouns. Students should work in pairs or small groups, discussing the picture as they look for the list of objects. In any case, you don't want your students to sit silently for an entire class period coloring.

Teaching Tips:

If you want to make sure each person has a fairly equal amount of speaking practice, give each member of the group a part of the list. This will force students to ask each other what objects are on the other lists.

If you decide to have students color, then you don’t need a full set of crayons or markers for each student. Put two complete sets in baskets or cups for each table to share.

Procedure:

1. In advance, prepare a hidden object picture worksheet (there are many available for free online) and, optionally, bring sufficient crayons or markers for the class.

2. Begin with a brief review of the vocabulary related to the hidden items.

3. Divide students into groups of 2-4 and have them work together to find the hidden images.

4. Finish by having students show their pictures and naming the images they have found. You can extend the task by having students describe the main image, as well.