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Top 5 Free Resources for ESL Teachers - TEFL Blog
Fri, 25 Aug 2023 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
Top 5 Free Resources for ESL Teachers
Even experienced teachers have difficulty sometimes thinking of new ways to plan and deliver their lessons. The following list gives a set of 'go to' resources, for new and experienced teacher alike, to use for ideas and activities. These examples have been chosen on the basis that they are actually useful, saving teacher time when looking for lesson ideas and materials at all levels and in a wide variety of teaching situationsEach of the websites indicated were correct for the time of writing. You may need to find alternatives if domain names have changed. Also be aware that over time, popular free website resources are sometimes later monetized, either partly or in full.
Table of... [Read more]
Article archive: 2023, 08 - from: 1
Archives for August 2023
Fostering Flourishing Futures: Empowering Young ESL Learners with Innovative Strategies
Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Unlock the secrets to inspire young ESL learners! Discover proven strategies for a vibrant classroom, fostering confidence, and embracing diversity.
Navigating Learning Difficulties: Understanding, Strategies, and Success
Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences
Unveil the realm of learning difficulties. Discover insights into causes, strategies, and resilience against challenges.
Benefits and Challenges of Personalized Language Learning through 1-to-1 Teaching
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Explore the pros and cons of one-to-one language teaching. Personalized learning vs. limited... [Read more]
Last posts written by Federico from: 48
Federico Riva
Read my articles
Navigating Learning Difficulties: Understanding, Strategies, and Success | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences
Unveil the realm of learning difficulties. Discover insights into causes, strategies, and resilience against challenges.
Benefits and Challenges of Personalized Language Learning through 1-to-1 Teaching | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Explore the pros and cons of one-to-one language teaching. Personalized learning vs. limited peer interaction.
Top 5 Free Resources for ESL Teachers | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
Teachers, new and experienced spend a lot of time planning lessons and preparing materials. Anything that can help reduce... [Read more]
What are some useful ESL teaching resource books? - TEFL Blog
Sun, 20 Aug 2023 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
What are some useful ESL teaching resource books?
The market for ESL teaching books is very large and all the major publishers have some form of involvement in the production and selling of these resources. There are many different types of books and resources that are used in ESL teaching and we will consider three main categories.1) General teaching theory books2) ESL book series3) Activity resource books
Table of Contents
General teaching theory books
ESL book series
Activity Resource books
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language?
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
General teaching theory books
As an ESL teacher unless you spend your entire career... [Read more]
What are the best books for teaching ESL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
What are the best books for teaching ESL?
The realm of ESL teaching books is expansive, with renowned publishers offering a plethora of resources. Generally, ESL teaching materials can be categorized into:
These categories encompass a range of tools, from structured lesson plans to interactive activities, essential for any ESL educator.
Table of Contents
Book Series
Teaching Theory Books
Activity Resources
Book Series
There are a number of well known book series. These are specifically written for the ESL teaching market and are generally set at the five levels most often taught. These levels are Starter or Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Upper-Intermediate.
A typical book series at each level will contain three books. These are the teacher book, student... [Read more]
What are the best books for teaching ESL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
What are the best books for teaching ESL?
The market for ESL teaching books is very large and all the major publishers have some form of involvement in the production and selling of these resources. There are many different types of books and resources that are used in ESL teaching and we will consider three main categories.
1) Book series
2) General teaching theory books
3) Activity resources
Book Series
There are a number of well known book series. These are specifically written for the ESL teaching market and are generally set at the five levels most often taught. These levels are Starter or Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Upper-Intermediate.
A typical book series at each level will contain three books. These are the teacher book, student book and resources... [Read more]
What to Expect in a Small ESL Program - TEFL Blog
Tue, 08 Aug 2023 Ashton March
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
What to Expect in a Small ESL Program
Imagine yourself preparing for your first day at your ESL school. You've created a cute presentation for your first lesson, prepared the group activities for your large classroom, and are overjoyed at the thought of meeting your smiley students. Except, you find yourself in a small classroom with one or two students, no tech whatsoever, and figuring out how your group activities are going to work now.
Table of Contents
Creating Your Own Curriculum
Lack of Resources
Small Classes
Remember this!
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language?
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
Teaching at small, low-resource... [Read more]
The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers from: 50
The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers
Top 5 Free Resources for ESL Teachers
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
Teachers, new and experienced spend a lot of time planning lessons and preparing materials. Anything that can help reduce this task is always welcome. Here are five trusted and tested sites to do just that.
The Role of Diagnostic Tests in an ESL Curriculum
Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Explore the pivotal role of diagnostic tests in ESL curriculums, bridging learning goals through analysis and application.
Tips on How to Speak English More Fluently
Hoàng Minh Huy
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Dive into the transformative realm of English learning with technology. Uncover how AI revolutionizes fluency through... [Read more]
Where can I get free TEFL lesson plans? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Where can I get free TEFL lesson plans?
For educators in the TEFL field, having a structured lesson plan is a key to successful teaching. While some prefer crafting their own, others benefit from readily available online resources. Leveraging free online resources not only saves time but also offers insights into diverse teaching strategies. If you are looking for free TEFL lesson plans, there are numerous online platforms worth exploring. Here is a curated list of recommended sites where you can access these invaluable resources:
Table of Contents
Where can I get free TEFL lesson plans?
UsingEnglish.com
TEFL.NET
The British Council
Lanternfish ESL
ThoughtCo
BusyTeacher
English Is a Piece of Cake
The Internet TESL Journal
iSLCollective
Online English Expert
Off2Class
Where can I get free... [Read more]
Gamification in ESL Teaching: Tools, Platforms, and Benefits - TEFL Blog
Fri, 15 Dec 2023 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
Gamification in ESL Teaching: Tools, Platforms, and Benefits
In the dynamic landscape of education, the infusion of game-like elements into traditional teaching methods has emerged as a powerful tool for language instructors. Gamification, an innovative approach that adapts gaming features to serve educational functions, is reshaping the way English as a Second Language (ESL) is taught. Explore how gamification websites are transforming the pedagogical experience for online teachers and students, offering a spectrum of interactive tools and resources. Let's delve into two remarkable platforms, Edvibe and Wordwall, each revolutionizing language education in its unique way.
Table of Contents
Exploring Gamification in... [Read more]
Top Online Lesson Plan Resources for New and Advanced Teachers - TEFL Blog
Tue, 12 Jun 2018 Mark Crocker
Teaching Ideas
Top Online Lesson Plan Resources for New and Advanced Teachers
For many new and experienced EFL teachers, one of the most challenging aspects of their career is coming up with lesson plans that are both engaging and effective. Even if your employer provides a specific textbook to follow as a curriculum, you will often find that this can be rather dull for the students unless you spice things up by adding in some fun and original ideas from an outside source. By searching online you will find a huge amount of sites offering all manner of resources of varying quality and relevance. To save you the hassle of searching through them all, we have listed our 5 favorite websites that you can use to find quality lesson plans free of charge.
Table... [Read more]
Top 8 Resources for Researching Teaching English Abroad - TEFL Blog
Thu, 24 May 2018 Linda Dunsmore
TEFL Information
Top 8 Resources for Researching Teaching English Abroad
So you want to move abroad to teach English and explore a new culture? That's great - but how do you get started? At first, the process of finding a teaching position abroad can seem like a daunting task. Where are the highest teacher salaries? Is it better to teach at a private or public school? Which country hires teachers in advance? China is the largest EFL market worldwide - but is it also the right choice for me?
Table of Contents
1. ITTT Country Guides
2. ITTT FAQs
3. Your Local Library or Bookstore
4. Online Forums and Facebook Groups
5. ITTT Alumni Experiences
6. Blogs Written By Real Teachers Abroad
7. ESL Job Boards and Recruitment Agencies
8. ITTT Advisors
Listen to... [Read more]
Where can I get free TEFL lesson plans? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Where can I get free TEFL lesson plans?
Having a meticulously constructed lesson plan is an essential tool for any educator. It provides a roadmap, without which the trajectory of a lesson can go astray rapidly. Although as you amass experience, you may find that you don't need to invest as much time in detailed planning, in the early days of your teaching career, a robust plan can make the difference between a smooth, successful class and a chaotic one. A comprehensive lesson plan enables you to articulate your learning objectives, organize your time efficiently, prepare the required materials and equipment, and anticipate potential issues along with their solutions. A well-prepared plan serves as your guide, ensuring you navigate each phase of the lesson without undue stress or wasted... [Read more]
How to Use Videos in Online ESL Lessons - TEFL Blog
Thu, 08 Oct 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
How to Use Videos in Online ESL Lessons
Watching videos is an effective way to switch between different activities or time fill. Modern students are more likely to watch videos or look at images than to do worksheets or read. Videos are also excellent sources of audio-lingual information that develops listening and speaking skills.
Table of Contents
Goals and Exercises
Why use video-listening activities?
Student's Level
Video Length
Exercise Ideas
What activities to prepare?
Video Resources for Online ESL Lessons
For younger students:
Vocabulary lessons:
For teenagers and adults:
Are you ready to start your own teaching adventure?
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads say in our many... [Read more]
Inspiration to Create Teaching Materials - TEFL Blog
Tue, 27 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Inspiration to Create Teaching Materials
Teaching is a creative enterprise and creating your materials is very satisfying. There are many positive reasons for a teacher to create their materials. Purposely created materials are inexpensive, tailored to specific grammar and language topics, adaptable for different language levels, specific expansions on the course resources, culturally sensitive and correct. From my perspective, among the most important reasons for creating your materials are that it adds a personal touch to your class, and it enables you to have a sense of ownership in the curriculum.
Table of Contents
Topics to discuss
Online resources
Printed materials
Second-hand materials
Life-learning
Self-made materials... [Read more]
Games in the Classroom: What are EFL games? - TEFL Blog
Thu, 07 Feb 2019 Linda Dunsmore
Teaching Ideas
Games in the Classroom: What are EFL games?
ESL games are games that can be used in the classroom to practice certain language points and encourage active and creative communication between your students.
Table of Contents
Common misconceptions about games in the classroom
How to use games in the classroom
Good resources for games to use in the EFL classroom
Listen to this blog post
Get creative and have fun while teaching English abroad!
Related Articles:
There are many different games created specifically for use in the English language classroom that can be found online or in any number of resource books. But we are not limited only to those games designed for the class; the majority of games that we played as children or still play... [Read more]
Enhancing ESL Reading Lessons: Strategies and Materials for Effective Learning - TEFL Blog
Fri, 14 Jul 2023 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Enhancing ESL Reading Lessons: Strategies and Materials for Effective Learning
Reading comprehension is a crucial skill for ESL (English as a Second Language) students to develop. As teachers, it is essential to select appropriate resources and employ effective techniques to maximize the benefits of reading activities in the classroom. In this blog post, we will explore various types of reading materials, discuss strategies to improve reading comprehension skills, and highlight the importance of integrating discussions into the learning process.
Table of Contents
Types of Reading Materials
Authentic Materials:
Non-Authentic Materials:
Strategies for Improving Reading Comprehension Skills
Skimming and Scanning:... [Read more]
Empowering ESL Educators: A Guide to Free Teaching Tools - TEFL Blog
Fri, 24 Nov 2023 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Empowering ESL Educators: A Guide to Free Teaching Tools
Navigating the realm of ESL teaching is both rewarding and challenging. To equip educators with versatile and effective resources, a myriad of free tools has emerged, revolutionizing the way English as a Second Language (ESL) is taught. These tools not only streamline lesson planning but also enrich classroom engagement and student learning experiences. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into an array of invaluable free resources tailored specifically for ESL teachers, empowering them to craft dynamic and impactful lessons that resonate with diverse learners.
Table of Contents
Zoom
Miro
Google Docs
Canva
Calendy
WeTransfer
Microsoft Loop... [Read more]
How to Engage Young ESL Learners in an Online Classroom - TEFL Blog
Mon, 26 Apr 2021 Anna Domiczek
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
How to Engage Young ESL Learners in an Online Classroom
Shifting from a traditional classroom to a virtual setting can be daunting for teachers who do not have experience teaching online. This is especially the case if one has to keep young students engaged and motivated. What are the tricks to instill excitement and interest in preschoolers who do not have the intrinsic motivation to perform to achieve good grades? Their parents' primary desire is for them to speak like the native and one day go off to an internationally renowned US university or work for a foreign company. Young students are motivated by something else- a desire to have fun in a welcoming environment.
Table of Contents
English learners are getting... [Read more]
Online Workshop: How to Create Lessons Based on Videos - TEFL Blog
Mon, 21 Jun 2021 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
Online Workshop: How to Create Lessons Based on Videos
Hey there it's Lizzy here and I'm super happy to welcome you to our weekly live stream. This live stream is provided by ITTT, International TEFL and TESOL Training. If you haven't watched our recent live streams please feel free to go to one of our social networks and check out the previous videos, because we share really useful topics on a regular basis. Today's live stream is going to be devoted to creating lessons based on videos.
Table of Contents
Watch the live session here
Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
Watch the live session here
I'm going to change the... [Read more]
Online Workshop: How To Create Lessons Based On Videos - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Online Workshop: How to Create Lessons Based on Videos
Hey there it's Lizzy here and I'm super happy to welcome you to our weekly live stream. This live stream is provided by ITTT, International TEFL and TESOL Training. If you haven't watched our recent live streams please feel free to go to one of our social networks and check out the previous videos, because we share really useful topics on a regular basis. Today's live stream is going to be devoted to creating lessons based on videos.
I'm going to change the size of the slide right now. Let me know if you can see and hear me clearly. There is a comment section in the live stream so feel free to write down any greetings there so I know that someone is there and someone is watching. It's always easier to communicate with the... [Read more]
Top 3 Tools For Creating Interactive EFL Activities - TEFL Blog
Mon, 24 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Top 3 Tools For Creating Interactive EFL Activities
The online mode of teaching has become a primary one in the COVID-19 era. For many teachers, remote work is not easy especially due to a different approach to creating materials.
Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
1. Google Slides
2. LearningApps
3. WordWall
Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course!
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
Listen to this blog post:
If you still struggle with games and activities for your activate phase of the lesson, take a look at the following three tools that can help you to versatile your Zoom classes and make your students super happy!
1. Google Slides
Yes, it's... [Read more]
Why Games are an Integral Part of ESL Classrooms - TEFL Blog
Tue, 17 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Why Games are an Integral Part of ESL Classrooms
Learning an unfamiliar language is no easy feat and with the globalization of the English language, more and more people are faced with the task of learning English to better their lives. It is no secret that English is one of the more difficult languages to learn given its many peculiarities and the lack of clues to pronunciation. This makes learning English not only more complicated but often frustrating for students who have difficulties understanding certain concepts. This is where games can have a huge impact.
Table of Contents
Motivation and Interest
Confidence
Needs
Useful Materials
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related Articles:
This post was written... [Read more]
Teachers and Their Position in the TEFL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Thu, 30 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Teachers and Their Position in the TEFL Classroom
Teachers are facilitators of student learning and creators of productive classroom environments, in which students can develop the skills they might need at present or in the future.
Table of Contents
The teacher can be a controller in a classroom.
Prompters
Assessors
Evaluator
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alfonso R. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
However, before we begin to understand the evolving role of an ESL teacher, let's outline some of the... [Read more]
How to Create Lessons Based on Videos - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
How to Create Lessons Based on Videos
06/03/2021
hey there it's lizzy here and i'm super happy to welcome you to
our weekly live stream uh so this live stream is provided by
um itttt international tefl and t soul certification uh training
um if you haven't watched our recent live streams please feel free to
go to one of our social networks and check out the previous videos
because we usually try to give you some value and uh we share really useful topics um
on the regular basis and today's live stream is going to be devoted to um creating
uh lessons based on videos and uh i'm going to change the size of the
slide right now let me know guys if you see and hear me
clearly there is a comment section uh in the live stream
uh so feel free to um write down type in any words any um
i don't know... [Read more]
The Most Problematic Challenges for English Learning in Japan - TEFL Blog
Tue, 08 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
The Most Problematic Challenges for English Learning in Japan
Japan is a Pacific Island nation whose history is marked by periods of nationalism and seclusion, as the Japanese government closed the borders to international trade. The lack of foreign influence in Japan has enabled a unique culture to flourish and the population to remain nearly 98% homogenous, meaning nearly everyone that lives in Japan is Japanese.
Table of Contents
English in Japan
Speaking Difficulties
Classroom Atmosphere
International Programs
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related Articles:
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Andrew C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs... [Read more]
The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers from: 1890
The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers
The 3 Most Important Tricks When Teaching English to Kindergarteners
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
So, you are new to teaching toddler and young children English? Here are the 3 most important tricks when teaching English to kindergarteners.
Songs in the ESL Classroom for Younger Beginners
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
What better way to teach English than with music! Here are some great tips on how to use songs in an ESL classroom for younger beginners!
5 Keywords to Increase Your Confidence in the Classroom as a Teacher
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Are you new to teaching English abroad? Don't fear! These 5 keywords will help you increase your confidence in the... [Read more]
12 Course Books to Improve Your General English Lessons for Adults - TEFL Blog
Thu, 29 Aug 2019 Jon ITTT
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
12 Course Books to Improve Your General English Lessons for Adults
As a newly qualified TEFL teacher the chances are you will be working for a school which supplies its teachers with all the resources needed to teach successful lessons based on a set course. This article shows a selection of the course books that are available for teaching general English course to adults from a number of publishers in the TEFL industry.
Table of Contents
Oxford University Press
Cambridge University Press
Pearson/Longman
Macmillan
Are you ready to teach English to adults all over the world?
Related Articles:
There are several publishers involved in producing course books for the TEFL classroom. The main publishers are Oxford University... [Read more]
TEFL Lemon is a one-stop solution for TEFL teachers - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
TEFL Lemon
TEFL Lemon began in 2014 as an ESL blog on the WeChat platform in China, quickly becoming the biggest ESL blog on WeChat. TEFL Lemon provided English teachers with ELT articles to read and share, as well as free ESL lesson ideas, ESL games and fun speaking activities which TEFL teachers could use in their classes. English teachers in China could also download free ESL flashcards on a variety of themes.
Following their success on the WeChat platform, in 2018, TEFL Lemon decided to build their own website to offer their ESL Flashcard Games for Kids, ESL Warmers, ESL games and speaking activities for teens and adults for free to TEFL teachers around the world. You can visit their website here.
Not only do TEFL Lemon offer teachers brilliant ESL games and teaching ideas, but they... [Read more]
What is ESP in Relation to ESL Teaching? - TEFL Blog
Fri, 27 Oct 2023 Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
What is ESP in Relation to ESL Teaching?
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a niche within the realm of English language teaching that offers a unique and tailored approach. While many English teachers focus on general language proficiency, ESP educators direct their attention to students with specialized needs, whether it be in medical, aviation, business, or various other professions.
Table of Contents
What is ESP?
What language level are ESP students?
What age are ESP students?
How does ESP differ from general ESL teaching?
What resources are available to teach ESP classes?
In summary:
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language?
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads say in... [Read more]