This activity is wonderful for ESL classes, but can be used in any school classroom.  An effective way to get your class to read is to have a box of prepared, laminated reading cards.  Number each card, and keep these cards in a place where students don't have free access to them. While cards may automatically suggest a small sized piece of paper, I suggest 8 x 11 regular sized paper with enough material on it to engage the students.  This is the "card" size suggested..

The idea is that these cards can be given to students as a warm up, cool down, planned reading session, after test relaxation.  Having this ready set of reading cards means that the teacher always has something ready for the class.

Depending on the level of the class, collect articles, print out short reading passages with comprehension questions, short plays.  Each card should be different.  On each occasion that the card activity is done, the students get a new card, record the number of the card, read and do the activities that the card suggests.  Writing is never done on the card. Preferably, the cards should be laminated; it is this presentation that makes it different from a regular handout.  Lamination also protects all the preparation work done by the teacher. 

As time goes by, different sets of cards can be prepared so that the teacher eventually builds up a little library of sets of cards that can be used with different classes and levels. 

It's getting close to the holidays and students are a little restless.  Project "Game" may be a good idea for the language classroom.  Have each student (or small groups) prepare a game (not in class time, but rather as a homework project) that they will present and play with the students.  They will have to prepare all the cards, props, or whatever items they need, as well as know how to organize the class to make their game work well.

This assignment keeps students busy, will add some new ideas to the classroom environment, and serve as a way to note the progress of your students in an open situation instead of a testing one.  The games can be theme based (geography, history) or be completely open.  Decide on a time limit for each game and ensure that everyone gets their turn,  Happy holidays are near!