5-Minute English Games - Counting 1-10

This game introduces numbers 1–10 and only requires a football or soft ball. It’s fast, engaging, and perfect for warm-ups or transitions.

How to Play

1. Stand students in a circle holding hands.
2. Kick the softball gently to one another — not at each other.
3. If the ball leaves the circle, restart the count from 1.
4. Encourage the students to count aloud with you.
5. This activity also works for skip counting (by 2s, 5s) or with the alphabet.

For more quick ESL games, explore our Classroom Games page or pair this with our Number Flash Cards for extra reinforcement.