Resources for the EFL / ESL Classroom
Resources for the EFL / ESL Classroom
A few months ago, I was going through the coursebook for my elementary level class. I noticed the unit covered the Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses, and although I’ve taught this many times, I realised I didn’t have a board game for it. It suddenly occurred to me that a board game could work …
Present Simple vs Present Continuous Board Games for A1 and A2 Learners Read More »
I’ve recently been making another push in my own language learning journey. Beyond personal reasons, language learning also offers benefits for teachers. Gaining firsthand experience helps us better understand the challenges our students face. Recently, I’ve been using ChatGPT for self-study more and more. I’m going to tell you about the 10 things I use …
Keeping students motivated and engaged during grammar lessons can be a challenge, especially when the language point can be rather dry. That’s why I love using board games in the classroom. They’re not only fun and engaging but also incredibly effective at reinforcing target language through meaningful repetition and interaction. And as a bonus, they’re …
Looking for quick, effective activities to keep in your back pocket? These no-prep ESL ideas are short, easy to set up, and perfect for filling a few minutes of class time. Some work well as warmers, others as review, and a few are ideal for when a lesson wraps up early. They’re not full lessons, …
The passive voice can be a tricky concept for students when they first encounter it—especially if the material is too dry or too focused on writing. In many coursebooks, both present and past passive forms are introduced in a single lesson, which can be overwhelming. When that’s the case, I prefer to break it into …
Fun and Effective Ways to Teach the Passive Voice in ESL Read More »
If you’re looking for a lively, low-prep game that develops vocabulary skills, Stop the Bus is well worth a try. It’s popular in many ESL classrooms thanks to its flexibility, minimal setup, and ability to suit a wide range of levels. Whether you’re working with beginners or more advanced learners, this quick-fire vocabulary game is …
How to Play Stop the Bus: A Fun Vocabulary Game for ESL Students Read More »
Tired of worksheets? Try cards instead! If you’re looking for engaging ESL speaking activities with cards, you’re in the right place. Card-based activities are a fantastic way to break away from traditional worksheets and bring more movement and interaction into your classroom. Although there’s some upfront prep involved — like cutting, laminating, and organising — …
Concentration (also known as Memory, Matching Pairs, Match Up, or simply Pairs) is a classic card game where players turn over two cards at a time in search of matching pairs. It’s simple, fun, and easily adapted into an ESL memory game that students love. I remember playing a version as a kid that featured …
How to Play Concentration – A Fun Low Prep ESL Activity Read More »
10 Fun and Effective Icebreaker Activities for Adult ESL Students Starting a new ESL class can be both exciting and nerve-wracking—for students and teachers alike. Icebreaker activities are a great way to ease first-day jitters, encourage communication, and help learners build confidence in their speaking skills from day one. Below are 10 tried-and-tested icebreakers that …
Top 10 ESL Icebreakers for the First Day of Class Read More »
Looking for a fast-paced, low-prep vocabulary review game that gets your students speaking and thinking in English? Hotseat is a classic ESL vocabulary game that never fails to energize learners. Whether you’re reviewing thematic vocabulary or simply want to inject some fun into your lesson, Hotseat is a go-to tool for any ESL teacher. In …
How to Play the Hotseat ESL Game: A Fun and Effective Vocabulary Activity Read More »