Novel English Novel

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word "hobbit". This word was invented by J.R.R. Tolkien for his 1937 novel "The Hobbit". Today, the word is widely known because of the immense popularity of J.R.R. Tolkien's books and the movies made from them. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Speaking and writing are very important tasks regarding the productive skills. English...  [Read more]

ICan is a Canada based online ESL company committed to transforming ESL learners into dynamic, confident English speakers. ICan offers Speaking Classes, Writing Classes, and IELTS preparation courses. Ican Speaking: Young students of speaking and conversation are given interactive playful lessons with new vocabulary, phrases, and games. Our teachers are there to help guide their pronunciation, correct their mistakes, and to create as much conversation as they can from what the student has given them. Mid-level and more advanced students use an interactive but less playful program which is more based on the conversational aspect of English. Along with grammar, the students are regularly prompted by the course material to speak on the different subjects introduced. Each lesson begins with...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Using stories and storytelling as teaching strategies in foreign language education is effective for students of all ages. Stories are a powerful tool for transmitting social and cultural heritage, and they engage students by allowing them to identify with characters and become invested in the outcomes. When teaching English to children, teenagers, and adults, it is important to select stories that are gripping, relatable, and relevant to their respective age groups. Stories for Children Stories for Teenagers Stories for Adults Improving Receptive and Productive Skills Conclusion Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! ...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Even in the first language, it can be difficult to get children reading. There are many reasons they may turn their nose up at a book. In some way, I think most of those reasons can be boiled down to boredom. Personal Experience The Importance of a Good Example Common Challenges 1. First, it's still, quiet activity. 2. Second, for very young children, the act of reading itself can present a challenge, and the content of the book must be worth the effort they made to understand the words. 3. Third, children must be presented with a variety of book topics. 4. Lastly, reading should not be used as a punishment if you can help it. How do you instill a love for reading when the book is in a second language? Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas One of the most valuable human attributes is imagination. An active and healthy imagination can be inspired by many things. One of the most significant inspirations behind a lively imagination is reading. Alternatively, an image can contribute to valuable characteristics, such as bravery, dignity, and leadership. Reading can introduce people to comprehension, vocabulary, new places, languages, cultures, ideas, perspectives, information, words, and sentences. Speaking and reading are great ways to learn new words of another language, as well as learn how to structure those new words in a sentence. Reading in childhood Teenage reading Reading in adulthood Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), having access to a variety of resources can greatly enhance the learning experience for both teachers and students. These resources can range from online platforms and printed materials to professional organizations and conferences dedicated to TEFL. By utilizing these resources effectively, TEFL teachers can create engaging and effective lesson plans that cater to the diverse needs of their students. In today's digital age, there is a wealth of online resources available for TEFL teachers. Websites like British Council Teaching English, TEFL.net, and ESL Library offer a wide range of lesson plans, activities, and teaching tips for teachers of all levels. Online platforms such as Quizlet and Kahoot can also be used to create...  [Read more]

Incorporating storytelling and literature in your TEFL lessons can bring a myriad of benefits to both you as a teacher and your students. Firstly, using stories and literature can make language learning more engaging and enjoyable for students. Storytelling captures students' attention and imagination, making the language more memorable and easier to understand. Additionally, stories and literature can expose students to authentic language in context, helping them improve their language skills in a more natural way. There are various ways you can incorporate storytelling and literature into your TEFL lessons. One effective method is to choose age-appropriate stories or literature that align with your students' interests and language proficiency levels. You can use picture books, short...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have been teaching English in an education center for three months. Even though it's not a long period but I have seen several challenges that these Chinese native students are facing while learning English. Especially for younger learners aged roughly between three and eight years old. Phonics Confidence The problem of using students' native language Grammar issues Motivation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Elsa C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. While learning the alphabet, I have witnessed most kindergarten students have difficulty differentiating between "G" and "J" and their...  [Read more]

Incorporating literature into a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) curriculum is highly beneficial for language learners. Literature provides authentic language input that exposes students to various styles of writing, new vocabulary, and cultural nuances. It also enhances critical thinking skills and encourages students to engage with the language in a meaningful way. By studying literature, students can improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills simultaneously, making it a well-rounded language learning experience. There are several effective strategies for incorporating literature into a TEFL curriculum. One approach is to select age-appropriate texts that align with the language proficiency level of the students. Short stories, poems, and excerpts from...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Over the course of this certification program, I learned an abundance of information and methodologies, but none as important as the ESA outline; the ESA methodology is, undoubtedly, the best thing I've learned from my TEFL course. The ESA procedure provides a myriad of benefits, engaging learners in a series of dynamic activities aimed to create a seamless and effective educational environment. Due to the adept and fluid nature of the ESA methodology, it is easily the most important tool taught to me throughout this program and something I foresee utilizing often in the near future. Engage Stage Study Stage Activate Stage Are you ready to learn new teaching methods? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In the following essay, I have chosen to explain my late-in-life interest in becoming certified as an EFL teacher, based on my background with foreign language experience, which began at an early age. My Story First Step Local Culture Future Possibilities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Manuel GK. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I was what some would call an early bloomer. As a baby, my mother read to me at night until I fell asleep. By the age of 2, I could speak in simple but uninterrupted sentences with proper syntax. By a few months after my third birthday, I was able to read the...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Using speaking cards is a great way to encourage conversations among ESL learners. The cards act as guides to give the students a direction in their conversations. Below you will find conversation cards about books and reading for your ESL classroom.   Let's take a look at all of the questions and possible answers. Possible answer: I recently finished reading the first book of the Outlander series. It's a fantastic book about an English woman from 1945 who travels back in time to Scotland in 1745. The story is very compelling and the characters' personalities are very well thought-through. Possible answer: One of my favorite books is "The Da Vinci Code" written by Dan Brown. Even though it is a fictional story,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Just as quarks are the building blocks of atoms and the periodic table of elements, letters are the building blocks of words. And just as the 118 elements are the foundation of our physical life, the 26 letters of the English alphabet are the foundation of the 470 000 words English language (Wikipedia, 2019), so that each word with all its variation and diversity is part of a living and evolving cosmos of vocabulary. Vocabulary teaching methods An effective way to teach vocabulary Important skills Are you ready to master your teaching skills? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post Today the English language is one of the most diversified and colorful languages alive and numerous words evolve to enrich this lexicon each...  [Read more]

Luciana Campos Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In today's world, it is essential for young adults to learn proper pronunciation to communicate effectively and confidently. Proper pronunciation helps others understand what we are saying. It is crucial for successful communication, especially when speaking English. Traditional methods of teaching pronunciation can be time-consuming and stressful for students. However, pronunciation is an essential component of language acquisition. So, there's no way to run! Gamification as a means for learning to pronounce Tips on Pronunciation Last Remarks Related articles Ready to teach English as a Foreign Language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! I guess you expected me to start by providing...  [Read more]

Date posted:2024-10-28 | Writer: The American Baccalaureate School | Email: [email protected] About American Baccalaureate School: ABS is a private, non­-profit school offering an American-based curriculum including a wide variety of advanced courses, and a college preparatory program, guiding students to become independent, intellectual global citizens. It is our goal to develop responsible and accountable young adults who are prepared for the challenges of international universities. The American Baccalaureate School opened its doors in September 2006 to 550 students. We now have over 1,300 students enrolled from pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information about ABS visit:  www.abs.edu.kw English Teacher: The main responsibility of an English teacher is to help students...  [Read more]

Zainab Sadriwala Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Exposure to a language is of prime importance if one intends to excel in it. Like every language, English needs to be practiced in all its integrated skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Vocabulary has always been among a key component of language learning that teachers rely on. The following are 6 great ideas for developing vocabulary in English learners. Listen to this blog post: Keep a journal of newly learned words Read newspapers Watch documentaries Play word games Vocabulary lessons Practice usage Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Students should keep a journal for noting down every new word they learn during the day. It's also a good approach to add example...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Within the past 20 years we have seen great advancements in technology. Mobile phones and laptops that are thinner than a short novel, voice activated software systems, robotics, high speed internet etc. Much of the world is now technologically developed, but often the ESL classroom is less so. However, in many areas there has been a gradual introduction of newer, more educationally oriented forms of technology in the classroom. From the introduction of the overhead projector and cassette players to modern day equipment such as Smart Boards and laptops. So what has been the effect of this technology in language learning? How Technology Can Improve the Learning Experience How Technology Can Improve Engagement and Motivation Easy Access to Authentic...  [Read more]

Joanna Dineva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Undeniably animals communicate in a variety of ways: bee dance for honeybees, bird song for aviary species, pheromones for ants, etc. However human language remains unique in its complexity and variety. Human language has the unique characteristic of being able to describe abstract concepts such as love and belief and temporal displacements such as past events or future plans. Even our closest evolutionary relatives are not able to acquire such complex language structures. Language is a Uniquely Human Cognitive Skill L1 Language Acquisition and Selective Hearing for the Sounds of Our Native Tongue Teaching Old Dogs New Sounds Practicing Production Skills of Unfamiliar Foreign Language Sounds What English Teachers Can Learn from Babies...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Language is a uniquely human cognitive skill. Undeniably animals communicate in a variety of ways: bee dance for honeybees, bird song for aviary species, pheromones for ants, etc. However human language remains unique in its complexity and variety. Human language has the unique characteristic of being able to describe abstract concepts such as love and belief and temporal displacements such as past events or future plans. Even our closest evolutionary relatives are not able to acquire such complex language structures. Scientists have attempted to teach different ape species human language, and despite years of conditioning and training, the members of these species have a vocabulary store of no more than 1,000 words. (Lents, 2015) In comparison, the...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Reading is one of the most essential parts of learning a language as it not only facilitates language development but also enhances abstract skills such as visualization and imagination. For young learners and children, reading plays a vital role, as their vivid imagination intensifies the reading experience. However, their short attention spans can pose challenges in maintaining engagement with written material. So, how can we instill a genuine love of reading in children without relying solely on authority figures? Empowering Children to Take the Initiative The Vast Array of English Language Literature Identifying and Utilizing Individual Interests Utilizing the Internet for Accessible Reading Materials Encouraging...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Stepping onto my flight from Miami to Santiago, Chile, I was confident in my Spanish skills. After all, I had taken nearly seven years of Spanish classes in middle and high school. However, when I landed I found, not only did I not understand 80% of what my host family said to me, they couldn't understand me either. Listen to this blog post: "Learning slang words is immensely helpful." "I was more motivated to retain these pieces of vocabulary and try them out in an attempt to sound more natural." "Learning slang can also open up the conversation for cultural exchange." "There are many activities that could be used to teach slang words." Are you ready to teach English slang? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences The term business English is used to cover the English language taught to a wide range of professional people, and students in full-time education preparing for a business career. There's a lot more to learning a second (or third or fourth!) language than just vocabulary and grammar because languages are used differently in different contexts. Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our ITTT graduate Rupanpreet K. Business English is the type of English used in business contexts. Some types of English, like novels or law briefings, welcome long, sophisticated vocabulary. Business English isn't like that. Good writing is direct and to the point. There is less focus on grammar in...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Alumni Experiences This blog post was written by our TEFL graduate Ning Z., who shares their own personal story of learning English after emigrating to the United States from China at the age of 18 and how this personal learning experience helped them to become a TESOL teacher today. Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our ITTT graduate Ning Z. I had emigrated to the US from China at the age of 18 and am delighted to be able to share my language acquiring experience and shed some light on some of the challenges a new language learner might encounter during the course of learning. English is taught in middle and high schools in China as a compulsory curriculum, so, before arriving in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Language acquisition often involves four skills. These skills are further divided into two groups receptive skills (reading and listening) and productive skills (writing and speaking). Not all languages have a corresponding writing system however, learners of English will have to learn all these skills to be proficient in their use of English. Reading is more than just calling words on paper, In this essay, the importance of reading in language acquisition will be discussed on the basis that reading influences vocabulary expansion, facilitates the practice of word pronunciation and finally sparks and improves the imagination. These concepts will be discussed from the standpoint of English language acquisition in Japanese senior high schools. Vocabulary...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Throughout the course of this TEFL course, many factors were discussed that can lead to potential success or failure within the ESL classroom. One factor that was constantly highlighted was the teacher's attitude and ability to build a good rapport with their students. Student engagement skills are vital for motivating students. Teachers in a classroom should develop a relationship with their students where the students can be comfortable in his or her classroom environment. Circumstances Supporting Rapport Solid Subject Knowledge Good Communication Abilities Natural Flexibility Interesting Teaching Materials Creative Approach Classroom Management Are you ready for your TEFL course? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences There are numerous reasons why a person may choose to read. One of the strongest motivators to read is the ability to gain knowledge and to learn new information. Another common reason why an individual decides to read is for enjoyment and for the chance to use their imagination. All of these factors play a role in how reading aids in language acquisition, whether it be a person's native language (L1) or a second language (L2). Four Skills Together What is Reading for You? Reading as a Source of Learning L2 Methods of Reading Planning Reading Activities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Meghan L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

Zainab Sadriwala Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas "The most challenging of the tasks during this COVID era has been to make my children read" states a frustrated Amena; a mother of two children, one in the primary years and the other in middle school. "It was much easier for me to monitor them and ask them to read and follow the schedule when they knew they had to report to their teacher. The school environment is just so integral for sustaining discipline in young people" she continues. Listen to this blog post: 1. Give your students something that interests them. 2. Schedule a set reading time. 3. Offer your child an incentive. 4. Don't let them read alone - read with them. 5. Share stories with the kids. Are you ready to become a better reader? Related Articles: Like Amena, there...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There are many views about learning English grammar. Many people think that learning English grammar is not important and unnecessary. This idea is not wrong because it depends on the purpose of your English learning. Essential grammar study Challenges Ways to learn English grammar: Must learn with practice Improve your English grammar by reading a lot Practice writing skills every day Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate May T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. For middle and high school students, learning English grammar is very important because it accounts for the highest score in the English...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching grammar is one of the most challenging things for a teacher of English. As a student, it is essential to learn grammar as this gives you accuracy both in writing and speaking. This applies to every language, not only to English. Grammar vs. Math Balanced Approach to Teaching Verb as a Core of Language Teaching Approaches to Teaching Grammar Past Perfect Past Tense Present Future Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Adrian D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In many ways grammar can be compared to Mathematics; they both have a set of rules and exceptions that have to be known and practiced...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Benjamin Franklin quoted "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." Conversation Support Oral Conversation Listening activities Interactive storytelling activities' Vocabulary enhancement Poems, Rhymes, and Games Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Verbal communication is one of the most essential abilities that a student can lead both for social and educational achievement. It can consider the introductory stage of learning. It is indispensable to cultivate communication skills for the development of young learners so that he/she can carry out of articulating him or herself. Throughout the day students process and convey in a diverse means such as making requests, asking questions,...  [Read more]