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7 Games to Cheer On Your ESL Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Defining games for kids can open up a broad prospect but in this topic, we are going to specifically talk about the various games that kids can not only enjoy but can incorporate in their learning curriculum.
1. Monopoly
2. Pictionary
3. Taboo
4. Tongue twisters
5. Bingo
6. Charades
7. Hangman
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Playing games in the classroom helps kids to feel more relaxed and friendly with the teachers.
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sonal L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Learning becomes more of a fun activity for them rather than the same boring schedule which makes them lethargic and least interested in studying.... [Read more]
5 Energizing Flashcard Games for EFL Classes - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Flashcards are aids to learning with information on either both sides or on one side which a teacher holds up so that the students can see. Flashcards can have an English word on one side and have a translation in another language on the other side, or they can have pictures on one side and a word on the other side.
Why do teachers use flashcards?
How are the activities done?
1. Pass the ball
2. What's missing?
3. Jump and say
4. Hammer game
5. Writing relay race
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Eshita P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or... [Read more]
How Games Help Students to Learn in an ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Games play an essential role in students' language acquisition regardless of other numerous sources they can be exposed to. Other sources include pictures, stories, poems, flashcards, videos and so on and so forth. Flashcards, for example, serve the purpose of a visual stimulus and aim to help visual learners in particular. The visual learning style often refers to a way of learning in which a person acquires language when information is associated with images. What about other learning styles? This essay aims to emphasize the importance of games in the classroom context and how beneficial they are for language acquisition.
The Importance of Games
Example Game: Pictionary
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... [Read more]
A-Z Lower Case Alphabet Board Game - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This a fun and simple game like Snakes and Ladders for students to play with young ESL students to practice upper case letters of the alphabet.
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Using Games to Engage Students - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The Power of Gamification in Education
Benefits of Using Games in the Classroom
Incorporating Technology for Interactive Learning
Building Language Skills Through Educational Games
Creating a Positive Classroom Environment with Games
Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Fostering Collaboration and Communication Through Games
Tailoring Games to Different Learning Styles
Overcoming Challenges in Implementing Game-Based Learning
Resources for Finding Educational Games
Incorporating games into the classroom can significantly enhance the learning experience for students. By leveraging elements of gamification, teachers can make lessons more engaging and interactive, leading to better retention of information. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) recognizes the... [Read more]
Incorporating Play and Games - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The Importance of Play in Teaching
Engaging Students Through Games
Benefits of Incorporating Play
Implementing Play in ESL Lessons
Creating a Playful Learning Environment
Using Technology for Interactive Play
Adapting Games for Language Learning
Encouraging Collaboration Through Play
Assessing Learning Through Play
Conclusion: Play as a Powerful Teaching Tool
Integrating play into teaching English as a foreign language can significantly enhance students' learning experiences. Play allows students to engage with the language in a fun and interactive way, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective. By incorporating play into lessons, teachers can create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment that motivates students to actively participate and practice their... [Read more]
Candy Cane Word Search - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This is a fun word game puzzle to play with your EFL students during the Christmas holiday season.
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Fun EFL Winter Word Search - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This is a fun word game puzzle to play with your EFL students during the Christmas holiday season.
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Helping ESL Students to Cope With Stress - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Learning English is now an undeniable requirement is this modern world and students experience an enormous amount of stress when acquiring this new skill; communicating in a new language.
Sources of Stress
Classroom Atmosphere
Possible Activities
Evaluation
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Annette T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Regardless of their age, whether they are young learners, adults or perhaps students with specific purposes they may all experience anxiety and stress along the way. Some of them may have a lot of pressure from their parents who expect them to learn the language.... [Read more]
How Games in the Classroom Create Valuable Lessons - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Most everyone has a favorite game that they play over and over again. Games go further than just a simple competitive interaction between two people or teams. In a way, games teach the average person how to navigate life with two outcomes; either the joy of winning or the disappointment of losing. Although it is not necessarily bad to lose it is an inevitable outcome for each person who participates. The idea is to learn from the failure to gain experience in which you can strategize a new way to achieve victory. The act of winning is simply the reward for playing the game as it is expected to be played. The main concept of games is competition and how we as human beings are constantly competing whether we realize it or not. As we go about our day to day... [Read more]
Games as a Teaching Method for Adult ESL Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
When we start to learn new things as children, we tend to do that with the help of games. That is why in many classrooms of young learners, we find games to be a highly popular medium amongst educators. It is a way of absorbing and processing a piece of information in a fun and educational way. But when we grow up, we somehow forget the necessity of games in the classroom.
Ice Breaker
Ways to Include Games into Your Lesson
What Games to Choose?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Anna B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
When it comes to learning a second language, children immerse themselves in... [Read more]
Christmas Board Game - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This Christmas board game is the perfect game to play in your ESL classroom to practice the present simple and present continuous tense.
Create a sentence, affirmative, negative, or a question, with the prompts in either present simple or present continuous tense, depending on the time word. Then answer the question with your own ideas. If a person isn't specified, use anyone you'd like.
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Teaching Strategies: ✅ How to Connect With ESL Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Some people might think that the methodology is of greater importance than any other teaching aspect. Yet teaching is based on human relationships. Therefore it is essential whether the teacher manages to establish harmonious interactions between faculty and students. Bernieri defines these interactions as 'rapport' (Galzier 2016). According to Frisby and Myers, rapport is "the ability to build a relationship based on trust and harmony and is considered to be a positive and prosocial behavior that is relationally powerful enough to enact cohesiveness, reduce the threat, and structure social interaction (Fleming 2009)." Multiple studies have shown that rapport has a significant effect on students' motivation,... [Read more]
How can an instructor effectively use games with adult EFL students? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
When I first made the transition from primary school to university, I knew that my lesson plans were clearly going to have to change. As I began to come up with ideas for my new job, I was disappointed that most of the content I previously used had no place in the university. Games, such as Hangman and Pictionary, worked excellently in capturing the interests of my young students, but I didn't think these childish games had any place in a university classroom. I found out weeks later how wrong I was when I used Pictionary at the beginning of one of my courses to 'preview' the vocabulary we would be covering in class that day. I discovered that day that games can support a lesson if the educator effectively incorporates it into his/her lesson plan.... [Read more]
Games in the Classroom: What are EFL games? - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Teaching Ideas
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.
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!
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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 as adults can be adapted and used in lessons.
Whether games are co-operative or... [Read more]
How to Build a Good Relationship With Your ESL Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Teaching English in a foreign country with students who speak very little of the language is a challenge. It is not a walk in the park as most people would like to think. There are customs and cultures which teachers must be aware of and must respect in order not to offend locals. There are certain things which teachers do in the United States, which cannot be done in other countries, let's say Thailand, for example. It is of utmost importance for teachers to get acquainted with the dos and don'ts of the country where they are going.
Be culturally sensitive
Be interested in your students
Be a professional
Create appropriate activities
Mind your attitude
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Listen to this blog post
This post was... [Read more]
Top Reasons to Teach Vocabulary to ESL Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
According to David Crystal (1941), 'Vocabulary is a matter of word-building as well as word-using.' While this may be true and speaks to the fundamental usage of vocabulary in any language, vocabulary can also be seen as world-building. Vocabulary is 'the body of words used in a particular language' (Google, 2019). While the aforementioned clearly identify why it is important to teach vocabulary, this essay will try to explore it a bit further.
Main Language Tool
Vocabulary and Communication
Vocabulary in Real Life Situations
Common Vocabulary Teaching Techniques
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Listen to this blog post:
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rayon B. Please note that this blog post might not... [Read more]
7 Non-Trivial Online ESL Games - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
There are many famous games used by TEFL teachers that students know like the back of their hand. If you want to change up your online lessons and bring even more fun in your teaching, check out these seven non-trivial online ESL games to help you in every stage of the TEFL class.
Listen to this blog post:
1. Connect The Dots
2. Simon Says
3. Online Word Chain
4. Catchphrase
5. I Went to The Market and Bought
6. Don't Say Yes or No
7. Would You Rather?
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For this activity, you will need to prepare a digital image and share it with a student during the online class. You... [Read more]
A Sample Lesson Plan to Present New Grammar to Young Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Charos H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Lesson Plan
Engage Stage (10 minutes):
Study Stage (22 minutes):
Active stage (28 minutes):
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I've designed this lesson for beginner students in the ESL new language class. There are 6 students in a small group classroom. The students are between 6-7 years old. My goal is to provide opportunities to explore and personalize a new language. I chose the "Straight Arrow" ESA methodology to teach the topic, Do you like Fruit?
Also Read: Who will my students be when teaching English abroad?
I will start to play the "Do you... [Read more]
Games and Their Influence on English Acquisition - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Diane Ackerman coined the phrase "play is our brain's favorite way of learning" and we have discovered tough various studies and examples of how play in and out of the classroom improves learning skills and encourages involvement.
Motivation Level
Learning Experience
Types of Games
Games for Different Age Groups and Levels
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rebeccah G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Within the classroom teachers have discovered that using games can increase motivation and can benefit students in a variety of ways. It is often found that students will pay more attention, become... [Read more]
5 Fun ESL Flashcard Games to Activate New English Skills - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
During the lessons, teachers usually use a variety of materials and teaching aids. One of the most common is flashcards. They have so many benefits:
1. Hit the flashcard
2. What's missing?
3. Pass the envelope
4. Am I?
5. Jump and name
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Oksana K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Flashcards can be used both for learning new vocabulary and for revision.Here are some of the activities with flashcards that I use working with children starting from 3 to 9 years old, mostly... [Read more]
Name 3 Things Board Game - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This is the perfect board game to play as a time filler activity for your ESL class. Your students take turns rolling the die and naming three things around the topic on the board.
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A Sample Lesson Plan for Students with a Short Attention Span - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Anna D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
General recommendations
Preparation and Class Routine
Here's an example of a lesson plan:
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Also Read: What is the difference between TESOL and TEFL?
Also Read: What is the Central European Teaching Program CETP for teaching English in Hungary?
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Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad.
Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today.
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Top 3 ESL Games for Teaching Online - TEFL Blog
Sara Stojanovic
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
With the introduction of technology, teaching English as a foreign language has changed a lot. Computers opened many new doors for both the teacher and the students. Technology has allowed us to use many resources that were unavailable before.
Kahoot
Scavenger Hunt
Tow Truths One Lie
Conclusion
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With the outbreak of the pandemic, most of the language teaching and learning switched to the online variant.
Despite having all the previously stated advantages, online language teaching can be challenging as well. When the teacher is not physically present, the students can get distracted... [Read more]
Vocabulary Review Board Game - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This printable board game is great for practicing vocabulary words with your students. Play the game as a reward or when you have some time left at the end of your class.
This board game is the perfect activity to review vocabulary and help your students with their speaking skills. Print it out and play it with the whole class or play it in your virtual classroom.
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
[Read more]
Interactive Games for Vocabulary Building - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Engaging Vocabulary Games for ESL Students
The Benefits of Using Interactive Games
Incorporating Technology in Vocabulary Building
Creating a Fun and Interactive Learning Environment
Enhancing Retention through Game-Based Learning
Adapting Games for Different Learning Styles
The Role of Interactive Games in ESL Curriculum
Encouraging Collaboration and Communication Skills
Monitoring Progress and Assessing Learning Outcomes
Resources for Finding Interactive Vocabulary Games
Interactive games offer a dynamic approach to teaching vocabulary to ESL students. By incorporating games such as word puzzles, vocabulary bingo, and flashcard matching, teachers can make learning engaging and enjoyable for learners of all levels. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) provides resources... [Read more]
How can I create engaging and interactive TEFL lessons for my students? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
To create engaging and interactive TEFL lessons, it is crucial to first understand your students' needs and interests. Conducting a needs analysis can help you tailor your lessons to meet the specific requirements of your students. Consider factors such as their age, proficiency level, learning styles, and goals. By understanding what motivates your students and what challenges they face, you can design lessons that are relevant and engaging for them. Additionally, incorporating topics that are of interest to your students can enhance their motivation and participation in the lesson.
In today's digital age, integrating technology and multimedia into TEFL lessons can greatly enhance engagement and interactivity. Utilize tools such as interactive whiteboards, educational apps, online... [Read more]
Top Tips for Online ESL Classes with Younger Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
In the past few years, teaching English as a second language on the internet has gained a lot of reputation for English teachers around the world. The convenience of only needing a stable internet connection and a computer to go to work sounds far more pleasing than going to a school or other institution to teach a couple of hours per day. Additionally, online teaching provides opportunities for English teachers to travel to new destinations while still being able to work as a freelancer. Consequently, teaching English to children online, in different parts of the world, must be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. However, many obstacles need to be overcome to be a successful English teacher for children online. Hence, these will be... [Read more]
ESL Games as The Best Tool to Stimulate English Learning Process - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
As teachers, one of our biggest goals while teaching English to a class or individual is to keep them engaged and motivated during the lesson while also making them feel comfortable and confident as they learn. There are three critical ways in which playing games in the classroom can help effectively promote speaking English. By playing "warming" games, students can become more comfortable around teachers and students, making them more likely to participate during lessons. They can also keep students motivated and play a significant role during the "Engage" and "Activate" phase of the ESA approach.
Engagement Stage
Study or Activate
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How To Write The Perfect ESL Lesson Plan - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Lesson planning is a significant element of everyday life as a teacher in English as a foreign language. A lesson plan acts as a step-by-step guide providing the structure for your lesson. However, too much planning can make lessons rather rigid and stop the teacher being flexible to the needs of the students.
Listen to this blog post:
Why should you plan your lesson?
The following should be included in a lesson plan:
Keep to your plan but stay flexible
Watch the ITTT lesson plan video guide
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
This post was written by our ITTT graduate Mariska F.
Before planning a lesson, it is essential to classify the learning... [Read more]
