Halloween Why It Is Celebrated

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Halloween Facts Worksheet This is a worksheet to learn facts about Halloween. It is a reading task and there also are some activities to check the pupils' reading comprehension. The students also can learn about the origins of Halloween and how the Ancient Celtics used to celebrate it.   Here are the exercises for after the reading:   Are you interested in teaching English as a foreign language? ​Get your TESOL certificate with ITTT. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Check out ITTT's Blog Posts  [Read more]

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Lesson Planning: What is it and Why is it Necessary? Planning, planning, planning! Many things in life need to be properly planned, be it a summer holiday or a work presentation. It can be a plan that is formally written down or it can be a plan that you simply keep in your mind. Having some kind of structure in place before doing activities will help put you at ease because you know what to do next and what to expect. Planning will also make you more productive as there will be no 'guessing' time, you will know what to do and when to do it. Taking the time to plan your lessons will almost certainly save you time in the long run. Table of Contents What is a Lesson Plan? Constructing a Lesson Plan Added Benefits of a...  [Read more]

Mon, 25 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Discipline in the Classroom - Why is it Important and How is it Maintained? To begin with, what is discipline? Discipline can be defined by the control gained by enforcing obedience or order. Discipline enables you to have self-control as a teacher. When working in a classroom, using discipline either teaches children to be well behaved or punishing and corrects them. Teachers use discipline to ensure routine is maintained and ensure there is a safe learning environment for the children. Table of Contents There are three types of discipline; preventive, supportive, and corrective. To maintain discipline, teachers should know the rules and school guidelines for discipline procedures. Reward systems are another way to maintain...  [Read more]

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Student Motivation and Why is it Important? Motivation can be seen as the reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a certain way. Many people in the world today battle to find the motivation they need to achieve their goals, be it in the business sector, schools, or even in their day to day activities. Table of Contents Motivation is the driving force towards reaching your goal. For a class to learn effectively, the teacher must be able to ignite confidence in them. Using lots of examples during a lesson and also connecting them to real-life can spark interest in the students. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Chéz-lynn M....  [Read more]

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Observed Teaching Practice and Why is it Important? The following essay will cover the value and importance of observed teaching practices, on both evaluating new teaching techniques and methods, as well as training purposes. How observation can help us curtail future lesson plans and curriculum will also be covered and discussed. Table of Contents Benefits of OTP Training Exchange Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Chandler J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Benefits of OTP First of all, being observed by a trained professional during a new teacher's initial...  [Read more]

Tue, 28 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teacher Self-Analysis: Why is it Important? "To be a good teacher, you need to love what you teach. Teachers are given the word not to put their thoughts to sleep, but to wake someone else's." - V. Klyuchevsky, Russian historian Table of Contents Teaher's Self-development Teacher's Attitude Teacher's Professional Development Teacher's Self-evaluation How Self-analysis Influences Teaching? Do you want to be a TEFL teacher? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Zarina S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Teaher's Self-development A teacher who is able to learn will also be able to grow as a specialist,...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Christmas Definitions ESL Worksheet This ESL worksheet with Christmas definitions is great for teaching your students more about Christmas, its customs, and how it is celebrated.   Answer Key 1. An imaginary creature that looks like a small person and has magical powers is a pixie. 2. A fat man with a white beard and a red suit who gives toys to children at Chriswtmas is Santa Claus. 3. Animals that are in front of Santa's sleigh are reindeer. 4. A shiny ball hung on a Christmas tree is a bable. 5. Wax formed into a stick with a string in the middle is a candle. 6. The "green" thing you decorate is called a Christmas tree. 7. Tinsel is shiny metal strips. 8. The red-nosed reindeer is called Rudolph. 9. Something...  [Read more]

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why is it Important to Learn English Nowadays Now we're living in an unstable time. All the world facing a lot of problems, such as the problems of war and peace, ecology, economy, international cooperation. And all of them can't be solved without speaking the same language. Table of Contents Globalization Business Traveling Technology Education Career Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nikita B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Globalization The English language is now the first language of about 350 million people, the native language of 12 nations and the official...  [Read more]

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Peer Learning and Why is it Good for ESL Classes? Understanding the main purpose of any language usage as a means of exchanging, obtaining information, rendering our emotions, feelings, desires, states, or transmitting ideas inevitably involves this process, other people. In other words, we use language to communicate with other language speakers. So why not use this peculiarity in the process of language studying? Thereby using peer learning techniques in an ESA classroom becomes an essential and inherent part of it. Table of Contents Where implementing Peer-to-Peer learning? Benefits Ideas for outside the classroom activities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Halloween ESL Roll-A-Story Activity Sheet This Halloween Roll-A-Story is an old favorite, where students roll dice to determine their story’s character, setting, and conflict. Print it out and give it to your student for a fun, Halloween-themed activity!   Have your students come up with a Halloween story by using this handy roll-a-story activity sheet! Give your students a die and let them roll to get their story’s character, setting, and conflict. Once they filled out all the blanks, they are ready to begin writing their story! Once everyone is done, have them read their stories out loud in front of the class, or organize a spooky story night where the stories are shared.   Are you interested in...  [Read more]

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas ESA Methodology - What Is It and Why Should You Use It in the Classroom? ESA is a common methodology that teachers use when teaching students another language. It is also a large part of your TEFL certification course. By using the layout of the ESA method to plan your lessons, they will be more structured, organized and effective. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: What is ESA? The Engage Phase The Study Phase The Activate Phase Benefits of Using the ESA Method Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our ITTT graduate Casandra L. Listen to this blog post: What is ESA? ESA stands for engage, study, and activate. By...  [Read more]

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What is Rapport and Why Should You Establish it? Anyone can be a teacher but not every teacher is likable or caring. I found in my experience as a student, especially as a child, I would find myself dreading the classes with the teachers that had bad attitudes and would look forward to the ones who not only kept the class interesting but showed true interest in the student's lives. The truly talented teachers would take examples of scenarios people had discussed from their personal lives and use it as a tool in their teaching strategies. Table of Contents Teachers' types Classroom environment Competence Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Tue, 21 May 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Why Complete a TEFL Course? - Is it really helpful? For me, the decision to take a TEFL course was one that I had not planned on at any time in my life until recently. English to me was never my strongest subject in school. As an American growing up I found my personal education experience to be fairly mundane and unrewarding. The courses that I enjoyed more were math and science, especially physics. These topics seemed to hold my interest better. Traditional school was never a priority to me, but an understanding of how things work and why is what captivated my interest. Table of Contents Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate John...  [Read more]

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why it is Important to Volunteer Teach ESL Learners The general importance of volunteering is known by most people. Volunteering helps people, causes, and organizations that typically cannot afford resources, and so greatly benefit from volunteers and donations. Volunteer teaching, particularly teaching ESL learners, is no different. Private tutors are expensive and not all can afford to send their children or themselves to one, and so I want to emphasize the importance of volunteering at centers or schools that teach ESL learners. Table of Contents Personal Experience Demand Benefits Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kayla C. Please...  [Read more]

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why it is Important to Complete a TEFL Course People may think that taking a TEFL course is not necessary to be a good teacher. Along with that, TEFL courses cost both time and money, so, understandably, people question whether it is even worth it to take the course. Although many people have become successful teachers without taking a TEFL course, these courses can provide teachers and aspiring teachers tips for managing a class and creating a more efficient lesson plan. Also, when teaching English in a foreign country, knowledge of the English language is not the only thing someone needs to know; teachers need to be aware of a variety of issues that can arise when teaching in a foreign country. Notably, they need to consider how...  [Read more]

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why it is Helpful to Complete a TEFL Course This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kourtney P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Table of Contents Experience in India Tutoring Teaching Resources Methodology Other Skills Career Perspectives Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Experience in India Some years back I, along with a very good friend of mine, had the honor of working with a ministry in northern India. During our time there one of my assignments was helping teach English as a second language. The ministry we were working with employed teachers, in both a public and a private school, and we had the...  [Read more]

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Why is it Important to Complete a TEFL Course? TEFL which means Teach English as a Foreign Language is a certificate that proves a teacher is trained and certified and is fit to teach English as a foreign language. TEFL has become a very important certificate today for every English teacher or aspiring English teacher to lay hands on due to the benefits that individuals can get for being a TEFL certified teacher. The following paragraphs will be outlining clearly why it is important to complete a TEFL course as an English teacher. Table of Contents Professional training Confidence building New opportunities Salary benefits Teaching skills Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was...  [Read more]

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why is Grammar Essential and How to Improve it Successfully? Some people think that correct English grammar matters only to teachers and is of no real importance in daily life. This is certainly not true. Grammar, regardless of the country or the language, is the foundation for communication. When a message is relayed with the correct grammar, it is easier to understand the purpose and meaning of that message. To communicate, a learner should know the grammar of the language. It is important to be able to express yourself, but this should be done in a way that people find easy to understand. Table of Contents Reasons to Learn Grammar Rules Modern Technologies Different ways to improve your grammar 1. Read more in English 2. Listen...  [Read more]

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why is it Important to Keep Adult ESL Students Motivated? Most Adult ESL students are highly motivated students – at first. They are eager to join a formal class setting to improve their English skills for themselves and for their future (career). They usually voluntarily join the class (unless instructed by a manager or supervisor). So in fact, the motivation is internal and comes naturally from within themselves. This is great for the teacher and usually assures an energetic start to the class term. However, as the term continues, the motivation naturally wines down. The excitement fades and the students have more excuses for not coming to class or when in class, have a low participation rate. So, as an ESL Instructor, why...  [Read more]

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Can Teachers Motivate Students and Why is it Important? Regardless of the level, age or culture of students, a desire to learn is essential. Even the most intelligent, pleasant and well-prepared teacher will have a hard time teaching an unmotivated class. Teachers must engage students to create motivation when it is needed. In this essay, I will examine the need for, methods of achieving, and the deep importance of student motivation. Table of Contents Where Can You Implement Motivation Strategies? We can motivate students and pique their interest in many ways. Another great tool for motivation is the use of "Authentic Materials". Perhaps the best tool for motivating students, however, is the behavior and demeanor of the teacher...  [Read more]

Mon, 27 May 2019 Mark Crocker TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Why is the English Language So Popular Worldwide and What is it Used For? In recent years, English has become an increasingly important means of communication that is used by people from many different backgrounds to interact with the rest of the world for a wide variety of purposes. But why has English become an international language, how is it used and applied in different situations and what are the advantages of being able to speak English? Table of Contents English Around the World International Use of English in Specific Fields Common Benefits of English Proficiency Are you ready to take your TEFL course? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Printable Halloween Word Scramble Worksheet This Halloween word scramble for kids is great to use at home or in the classroom. Simply download it, print it out, and share it with your students!   This Halloween word scramble worksheet is incredibly versatile and will bring joy to your students as they learn to talk about the spooky season.   USE IT AT HOME This worksheet is ideal for a quick and fun homework assignment. Your students won't even notice that it's homework!   HALLOWEEN PARTY IN THE CLASSROOM AT SCHOOL If you want to keep it in the classroom, it's a great addition to your quiet centers or as a activity you can play with the whole class when you have some time to kill. Split the class up into...  [Read more]

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Teacher Self-Analysis and Why is it Significant for Student and Teacher Relationships? Teacher self-analysis in the classroom is just as important as a critical self-reflection upon the unfolding of our lives. To know whether or not our students are getting the most out of our course, the first step must be to critically assess whether or not we are upholding our values and/or philosophical approaches to teaching. Without remaining mindful of our intentions for and approaches to teaching, it may be easy to lose sight of one's long term goals and could result in disorganization, a loss in student interest, and/or a poor student to teacher relationship. But being critical of the self is difficult due to our loyalties and...  [Read more]

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why Should Students be Praised for their Achievements in the Classroom? Even though some people might disagree with the idea of praising students in the classroom, I hold a strong belief that it is of paramount importance. Praising assists teachers in making students aware of what they have attained. It can be done verbally, through body language or in writing. Nevertheless, praise should be timely, honest, and measured. It could be mutually advantageous for teachers and students. The former will benefit from cementing a healthy relationship with the latter; and the latter will be able to strengthen his or her confidence. Conversely, it could have a detrimental effect on both. For this reason, I will exemplify the advantages and...  [Read more]

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why it is Important to Know the Difference Between ESL and EFL Just like any profession, teaching English has specific terms and acronyms that can be used to describe the job. While teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) is an overarching term to describe the job of teaching English to those who do not use English as their native language, ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) must be distinguished. ESL and EFL describe different locations, purposes, and techniques for teaching English. Additionally, it may be beneficial for instructors to experience teaching both ESL and EFL to be a well-rounded and sympathetic instructor. Table of Contents English as a Second Language English as...  [Read more]

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why is it Valuable to Incorporate Music and Songs into Your Teaching? Enjoying music is an essential part of the human experience, so it follows that incorporating the use of songs in the classroom can be an enriching part of an English learner's journey. Songs and music can be used in a variety of EFL classrooms, across all cultures, levels of learning, and ages. The benefits of incorporating music in English language study vary from simple vocabulary learning to discover themes about cultures different than the student's own. Table of Contents For Younger Students For Older Groups Building Vocabulary and Learning Grammar Intuitively Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by...  [Read more]

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Why it is Important to Teach Slang and Idioms to ESL Students Teaching slang and idioms is essential for ESL students and should be an integral part of any ESL curriculum. Learning slang and expressions can help an ESL student understand better native speakers who will almost universally use some slang and some idioms in their natural speech. Studying slang and idioms can also help an ESL student speak more naturally, either compensating for a weaker English grasp or adding to a вstrong English base. The application of studying slang and idioms that have perhaps the most relevance in a classroom and to a teacher is that it can help to elucidate complicated grammar by showcasing how slang twists...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Which Witch is which? Halloween Worksheet This worksheet contains 3 witches, each with an exercise attached. When the activities have been completed, the students can cut up the boxes, jumble them and then match the passage to the correct witch.   Are you interested in teaching English as a foreign language? ​Get your TEFL Certification with ITTT.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Check out ITTT's Blog Posts  [Read more]

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas English as a Global Language: Why is it an Important Skill to Have? Communication through complex language is a uniquely human trait that allowed for the development of society and culture in the human species. Over the past several decades, humans have moved into an era of a globalized society. Part of "society" is sharing a language; therefore, a globalized society should have a shared language. While there are still many cultures across the globe and thousands of languages being spoken, English has gained a place of global dominance. The recent rise in technology has created avenues for instantaneous communication between people thousands of miles apart. With the internet playing an extremely important role in how humans continue...  [Read more]

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why is it Important to be Aware of Cultural Sensitivity in the Classroom? The first job as an English teacher abroad is a challenging change, especially if the country you are choosing to work is culturally different from your home country. There are so many differences between one country and other but usually, those differences look bigger when the place you move belongs to another political and social organization mode. My experience as an English teacher in China has allowed me to see these huge differences between western culture and the Asian world. Table of Contents Motivation Parents' Attitude Towards Teachers Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: In the following essay, I will try to...  [Read more]