This or that ESL speaking game: a 15-minute fall edition, grades 3–5

1. Post three frames from easy to hard: "This one." / "I like ___." / "I prefer ___ because ___."
2. Say both choices and show a quick sketch or gesture for each: "Apples or oranges?" Students take five seconds, then move.
3. Round 1: everyone says their choice aloud with a partner on the same side.
4. Round 2: each side finds one reason together. One volunteer shares using "I prefer ___ because ___."
5. Round 3: add a comparison. "Apples are crunchier than oranges." Anyone may switch sides after a good reason but must say "I changed my mind because ___."
6. Play six to eight rounds, then let students suggest choices.

Fall choices to start with: apples or oranges? Raking leaves or jumping in leaves? A rainy day or a windy day? A sweater or a jacket? Soup or a sandwich? Reading inside or playing outside? Sunrise or sunset? Hot cocoa or cold juice?

For Spanish: "¿Prefieres ___ o ___?" and "Prefiero ___ porque ___." For Portuguese: "Você prefere ___ ou ___?" and "Prefiro ___ porque ___." Key words: leaves, hojas, folhas; apple, manzana, maçã.

Worth a moment: if students lived in Brazil, Argentina or Chile, November there is spring, not fall. Invite them to add a "spring there" round. It is a quick, true lesson about the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere.

Differentiation: for newcomers, use real objects or quick sketches and accept pointing plus one word. For advanced students, require a second reason or a comparative and a superlative ("Sunset is the most beautiful time"). For students who share a home language, allow a quick talk in that language first, then the answer in the target language. For students who find movement or crowds hard, give them two cards to hold up from their seats, or make them the person who reads the choices.

Quick check: each student writes or says one new this or that question and answers it with "I prefer ___ because ___."

If you try it, share the fall choice that split your class closest to half and half.