Icebreakers For Teachers

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas As you have learned during your TEFL certification course, a good lesson starts with an engage, or warm-up phase. This usually consists of a fun and interesting activity to get your students going and speaking in English. For new teachers, it's often these more casual moments of a class that are a challenge because of their lack of teaching experience. However, these top 5 icebreakers for new TEFL teachers will help you to get your class energized and ready for your lesson.Table of Contents 1. Two Truths and a Lie 2. ABC Word Chain 3. Positive, Negative, Crazy 4. Would You Rather…? 5. Finish the Sentence Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles This is a great activity for your very first lesson...  [Read more]

1. Importance of Icebreakers in ESL Teaching 2. Types of Icebreakers for ESL Classrooms 3. Tips for Successful Implementation of Icebreakers 4. Conclusion Icebreakers are essential in ESL teaching as they help create a positive and inclusive learning environment. They can help students feel more comfortable, encourage interaction, and build rapport among classmates. Icebreakers also help students overcome shyness or language barriers, making it easier for them to participate in class activities. By using icebreakers, teachers can set a positive tone for the rest of the lesson and enhance students' motivation and engagement. There are various types of icebreakers that can be used in ESL classrooms, such as: - Name games: Students introduce themselves and share something about their...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How to start your very first lesson or transition to study after a long summer vacation? The following activities help you easily break the ice with your English students. Students of all ages love interesting games that encourage interaction. Try one of them as a starter or as an icebreaker!Table of Contents 1. All-Star Class 2. Where Are You From? 3. Get to Know 4. A Matched Set 5. Question Mixer 6. Two Truths and a Lie 7. Hidden Treasure 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! Ask students to draw an self portrait and display them on a bulletin board in class. Each person writes a positive adjective describing each of their classmates on a sticky...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is an easy classroom activity to encourage your ESL students to speak in English. All you have to do is cut out these fish with the questions to play.   To play, simply print out the sheet, cut out the fish and laminate them to make them more durable. If you want to be really creative, you can create a pond or a fishing area in your classroom where your students can “go fish.” Another great idea would be to have the fish in a box or container and let students draw them out one at a time.  To make fishing rods, all you need is string, magnets, and dowel rods. Be sure to also attach some magnets on each fish and your students can start fishing!   Register now & get certified to teach english...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences We must up our game as ESL teachers in the 21st century – both figuratively and literally. I use games to engage students and promote learning in my classroom for a wide range of learning objectives. Below is a short list of icebreaker games that I regularly use in my classroom, and I will discuss the learning target(s) that each game aims to facilitate and deliver as well as the context in which the game is used. Since I work with high school age and adult students, the games are geared for English Language Learners in these age groups. As learning communities become more globalized and data give more information on how people learn, one major challenge I find with gamifying learning in the ESL classroom is making the games that I use...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The English language is the most spoken one as a second language in the whole world. It has become the international language of business, science, technology, international relations, and diplomacy.Table of Contents Why Use Songs? Boost of Motivation Here are six steps for making a song the focus of the class Ice-breaker Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Askarbekkyzy K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Songs can be used to develop students' listening skills. They improve listening skills 'because they provide students with practice listening to different forms of intonation and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The worst feeling in the world is to stand in front of an audience only to be mocked, ridiculed and laughed at. This happens more so to students and less often to teachers. Sometimes it does happen and can have a long-lasting effect for the person on stage or our purposes in the classroom. If your sideline income is a clown purely for entertainment this may not bother you. As for the newly graduated and wide-eyed teacher, this can make or break them. Thankfully there are some tools and preparation for the teacher to gain enough confidence to stand in front of the classroom for the first time and make a syllabus blossom and bloom for their students in the forthcoming semester. Our is such a task. The present task is to illustrate the different methods,...  [Read more]

Linda is a passionate traveler, language learner and TEFL teacher. After spending some time teaching in China, she moved to Korea in 2015. She now calls South Korea her home. Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas These top 5 icebreakers for new TEFL teachers are ideal for every classroom setting and all levels of students. Get your students thinking and talking in English to start your lesson in an effective way! Linda Dunsmore Destinations TEFL Information Japan is an exciting location with prospering career opportunities in English language teaching for many around the world. Here's our step-by-step guide to legally teaching English in Japan. Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Having a good relationship with your students is key to any successful class and it also has a positive effect...  [Read more]

Collaborating with local teachers as a TEFL teacher can be a rewarding experience that enriches both your teaching practice and theirs. Building relationships with local teachers is a crucial first step in establishing a successful collaboration. Attend school events, staff meetings, and professional development workshops to get to know your colleagues. Show interest in their teaching methods, cultural practices, and educational challenges. By demonstrating respect for their expertise and willingness to learn from them, you can lay the foundation for a productive partnership. One of the key benefits of collaborating with local teachers is the opportunity to share resources and ideas. As a TEFL teacher, you can bring in fresh perspectives, teaching techniques, and materials from your own...  [Read more]

Unlock the door to a world of opportunities with accredited English teacher certification from ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training). Whether you are a seasoned educator looking to expand your skill set or a newcomer to the field seeking a rewarding career change, our comprehensive programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in the global classroom. 1. **Why Choose ITTT** 2. **Our Certification Programs** 3. **Benefits of Accreditation** 4. **Career Opportunities** At ITTT, we understand the importance of quality education and the impact it can have on students' lives. With over 25 years of experience in the field, we have honed our programs to meet the needs of teachers worldwide. Our courses are developed by industry experts and are...  [Read more]

A TEFL teacher trainer is an experienced educator who is responsible for training and supporting new or existing English language teachers. These professionals play a crucial role in helping teachers develop their teaching skills, improve their classroom management techniques, and stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methodologies and approaches in the field of English language teaching. To become a TEFL teacher trainer, you typically need to have a recognized TEFL qualification, such as a CELTA or DELTA, along with several years of teaching experience. Many employers also prefer candidates with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field. Additionally, having experience teaching in different contexts, such as teaching young learners, business English, or...  [Read more]

A TEFL teacher differs from a foreign language teacher in several key ways: To become a TEFL teacher, you will need the following qualifications: A Bachelor's degree: While not always a strict requirement, many employers prefer candidates with a Bachelor's degree in any field. TEFL/TESOL certification: Most employers require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. These programs provide the necessary training in language teaching methods, classroom management, and lesson planning. Proficiency in English: You must be a native English speaker or demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English, often through exams like IELTS or TOEFL. Teaching experience: While not always mandatory, having prior teaching...  [Read more]

An ESL teacher is different from a foreign language teacher in several key ways: To become an ESL teacher, you typically need the following qualifications: Bachelor's Degree: Most schools and language institutes require ESL teachers to have a bachelor's degree in English, Education, Linguistics, or a related field. TEFL/TESOL Certification: While not always mandatory, having a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate is highly recommended. These certifications provide training in language teaching methodologies, classroom management, and lesson planning. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the language you will be teaching is essential. Native or near-native fluency is often required, but some schools may accept...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences My teaching experience began in a whirlwind. I graduated from college a semester ahead of my class, married, lived with my husband in my sister's basement for two months, and moved to South Korea. We had no idea what to expect. Sure, we'd read the blogs, talked to the director of our school, and even talked with people we know who had lived and taught in Korea. It still didn't fully prepare us for what to expect, how amazing it would be, and how hard. We lived in South Korea for 19 months teaching three through seven year olds daily and first through third graders several times each week.Table of Contents Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our ITTT graduate Sarah S. When we first...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences "Everyone who remembers his education remembers teachers, not methods, and or techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system" – Sidney Hook. Teaching is as ancient as time and its ways of imparting knowledge have evolved throughout the centuries. Past behind are those days when children were considered wicked and in need to be reformed (Hobbes' view). Likewise, it stopped being a one-way relationship where teachers had a dominant position and students were just mere recipients of data. Looking back at my school days, I compare teaching now and then. And even though roles and methods have made a 180 degrees turn, it has made me wonder why I can't remember my university Language teacher from ten years ago yet still...  [Read more]

Working as a TEFL teacher in teacher training programs offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows you to make a significant impact on the quality of English language education in a particular region or country. By training local teachers, you are not only helping them improve their language skills but also enhancing their teaching methodologies and strategies. This, in turn, can have a ripple effect, as these teachers go on to educate countless students in the future. Additionally, teaching in teacher training programs can be a highly rewarding experience personally and professionally. You have the opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with fellow educators, collaborate on innovative teaching techniques, and contribute to the overall development of the teaching community. To...  [Read more]

TEFL teacher training programs offer valuable opportunities for English teachers to share their expertise with aspiring educators. These programs focus on equipping teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. As a TEFL teacher, working in teacher training programs allows you to make a significant impact by helping to shape the next generation of English teachers. To work in teacher training programs, TEFL teachers typically need to have a combination of qualifications and experience. A minimum requirement is usually a TEFL certification, such as a CELTA or TESOL certificate. Additionally, having a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as English or Education, is often preferred. Experience in teaching English as a foreign...  [Read more]

Teacher training workshops are a valuable opportunity for TEFL teachers to share their expertise and help other educators improve their teaching skills. These workshops provide a platform for professional development, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas in the field of English language teaching. Leading such workshops can be a rewarding experience for TEFL teachers who are passionate about education and want to make a positive impact on the teaching community. To lead teacher training workshops in the field of TEFL, it is essential to have a strong educational background and relevant teaching experience. Most organizations look for candidates with a TEFL certification, a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, and several years of teaching experience. Additionally,...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, one of the natural progressions in your career is to move into the role of a teacher trainer or mentor. This transition allows you to share your knowledge and expertise with other educators, contributing to the growth and development of the teaching community. Teacher trainers and mentors play a crucial role in shaping the skills and competencies of new teachers, helping them become more effective in the classroom. To work as a teacher trainer or mentor in the TEFL field, it is essential to have a strong educational background and relevant teaching experience. Most employers look for candidates with a bachelor's degree in education, linguistics, or a related field, along with a recognized TEFL certification such as CELTA or TESOL. Additionally, having several years of...  [Read more]

To work in teacher education programs, TEFL teachers need to possess certain qualifications and meet specific requirements. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in English, Education, or a related field is typically required. Additionally, a TEFL certification such as CELTA or TESOL is often necessary. Some institutions may also prefer candidates with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics or Education. Experience in teaching English as a foreign language is crucial, with many programs requiring a minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience. Teacher educators should also have a strong understanding of pedagogical theories, curriculum development, assessment practices, and classroom management techniques. TEFL teachers have various opportunities to work in teacher education programs. They can...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas You have to put the emphasis on the right syllable," I said, finishing my demonstration.Table of Contents Challenges in the Second Class: Timing and Assumptions Learning from Mistakes: Lessons for Effective Language Teaching Apology and Humility: A Turning Point Valuable Lessons for Language Instructors Carrying Lessons Forward: Teaching English with Confidence Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! My very first class of students learning Russian had expressed their disdain for their books with stress notes denoted on every word. They started reading from the copies without the stress marks and consequently were butchering...  [Read more]

  Hello, Welcome, my name is Linda nice to see you. I’m a TEFL and TESOL professional at ITTT and I’ve been living and working in Asia since 2012-ish and I live in South Korea and I’ve been here for five and a half years. I also taught English in China and here in Korea as well and I also work for ITTT and we have a guest so to speak but also from ITTT but joining us for the first time my colleague Lisa. My name is Liza. I’m a TEFL and TESOL expert at ITTT as Linda and I’m also a former ESL teacher. I’ve been teaching online this year but before I worked in China as a lead teacher in a kindergarten so that was quite fun and I'll share my experience today. ## Where in China did you teach? Well the first city was close to Beijing. It was Tianjin and then I moved to...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) has become a popular career choice for many individuals seeking to work abroad. The demand for English teachers in countries where English is not the primary language is continuously growing. As a result, the job prospects for TEFL teachers in these countries are quite promising. With the right qualifications and a proactive approach to job hunting, TEFL teachers can secure rewarding positions in various parts of the world. Several countries stand out as top destinations for TEFL teachers due to their high demand for English language instruction. Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand are known for their robust job markets for English teachers. In the Middle East, countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia,...  [Read more]

3. Qualifications and Skills Required for Teacher Training and Curriculum Development Roles TEFL teachers have various opportunities to transition into teacher training roles. Many language schools and institutions offer teacher training programs for both new and experienced educators. These programs often focus on methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques. TEFL teachers can become trainers in these programs, sharing their expertise and experience with aspiring teachers. Additionally, opportunities exist with educational organizations, universities, and government agencies that provide professional development workshops and seminars for language teachers. By gaining experience and expertise in these settings, TEFL teachers can establish themselves as...  [Read more]

Working in teacher education programs can be a rewarding experience for TEFL teachers. These programs are designed to train future educators in language teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, and curriculum development. TEFL teachers can contribute their expertise by leading workshops, developing course materials, and mentoring new teachers. This role allows TEFL teachers to have a direct impact on the quality of language education in their communities and to help shape the next generation of language educators. Language schools are another popular option for TEFL teachers looking to work abroad. These schools cater to students of all ages and levels, from young learners to professionals. TEFL teachers in language schools may teach general English classes, exam...  [Read more]

There are students of English all over the world who prefer to learn English online rather than by physical attendance at a school or language academy. Qualified TEFL teachers are therefore hired by a number of different organisations to teach English online. Here are some online teaching positions: Online ESL Teacher Wanted | (Date posted:2024-01-14) Date posted:2024-01-14 | Writer: LingoAce | Email: [email protected] LingoAce is a leading online learning platform dedicated to providing a fun and engaging learning environment for children aged 4-15 who want to learn Chinese, English, and Math.About the Online English Teacher Program:•    Our vision is to provide accessible world-class English education to students•    Our goal is to use the...  [Read more]

There are a number of EFL teaching scenarios that involve tutoring. The most obvious is that of one-to-one teaching. This can take place in a school, a language center, at a business or privately. Regardless of the teaching scenario, the route to becoming a TEFL tutor is basically the same as becoming a TEFL teacher. In general there are three ways to gain the certification required to become a TEFL tutor. They all involve a course with a minimum of 120 hours of training.Table of Contents Online TEFL certification Onsite TEFL certification Combined TEFL certification This can be done from anywhere in the world with a computer and an internet connection. Typical 120-hour courses give you up to six months to complete the course, working at your own pace. These courses will cover the main...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teachers possess a unique skill set that can be valuable in educational leadership positions and teacher training roles. While many TEFL teachers start their careers in the classroom, there are opportunities for them to transition into leadership roles within educational institutions or take on positions that involve training other teachers. TEFL teachers can transition into educational leadership positions by pursuing further education and professional development. Advanced degrees in education, such as a Master’s in Educational Leadership or Administration, can provide the necessary knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles within schools or language institutes. Additionally, gaining experience in management and administration...  [Read more]

Teacher burnout and stress are common challenges faced by TEFL educators due to the demanding nature of the job. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can lead to feelings of frustration, cynicism, and a sense of inefficacy in your teaching role. Stress, on the other hand, is the body's natural response to pressure or threats, which can be heightened in a foreign language teaching environment. It's essential to recognize the signs of burnout and stress early on to prevent them from affecting your teaching effectiveness and overall well-being. 1. Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life to avoid overworking yourself. Allocate specific times for work and relaxation, and try not to bring...  [Read more]

Yes, first-time EFL teachers can find teaching opportunities worldwide, but some factors may affect where you can teach. Experience and Qualifications: Some countries are more welcoming to first-time EFL teachers due to various factors such as demand for English teachers, ease of obtaining work visas, cost of living, and overall support for foreign teachers. Here are some countries that are generally considered more welcoming to first-time EFL teachers: To teach English abroad as a first-time EFL teacher, you typically need the following qualifications: Yes, first-time EFL teachers teaching abroad may face specific challenges that can vary depending on the country, context, and individual circumstances. Some common challenges include:  [Read more]