ESL Lesson Plan

All Things Considered - And More

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:56:38 -0500

Are you fishing for ideas and inspiration?

As a working teacher, I know I always am. My favorite source for snippets of unlikely and useful information and provocative questions is...

Trick or Treat Jib-Jab Style

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:34:16 -0500

Yes, I know that Halloween is primarily an American holiday, but it's a fun one, and perfect for language games and other related activities.

There are all kinds of hands-on seasonal related contests, activities and crafts. And, of course, thanks to the internet....

Listening Across The Years - Old Time Radio

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:26:17 -0500

In more ways that we can even think about, the internet has changed how we look at language and interacting with people around the world. One aspect I like about the internet is not only how to connect with people thousands of miles
but how about connecting with people from many years ago?

Yes, it's possible. Take a look at...

TED: Ideas Worth Spreading

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:22:33 -0500

Want to share some great stories? Want your students (or yourself) to hear some great speeches? If you do, you have to check out...

House Sitting Around the World

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:27:28 -0500

For those who travel the world on a budget, there are several options that...

I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself a Letter

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:24:36 -0500

"I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter" - besides being a popular song from many years ago, might even be an interesting idea - or at least a writing assignment....

World Have Your Say - International Radio

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:54:49 -0500

Ever wonder how people around the world might respond to current events?

We all hear news that is produced by news agencies and major broadcasters - but what about normal people?

Wouldn't you like to let the world know what you think about a recent news event?

If so...

Not Quite What I Was Planning

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:20:33 -0500

As a writing teacher, I see that my students groan when they hear the usual required length of the standard essay.

What they don't realize is that the shorter the essay is, the tougher it is to write.

Try writing a full story - or your own memoir - in six words. It can be done....

Physical Language - Theatre Games

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:42:31 -0500

I love language and words, but sometimes it helps us "register" our meaning if we use actions instead of words. But what if we, as teachers and learners of a new language...

Twenty Questions

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:31:31 -0500

To inspire discussions or writing for English learning students, I have found open-ended questions to be a good place to start.

I have found that a little introductory discussion can help a student with a context and a framework to continue developing...

Put It In Writing

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:44:27 -0500

I have had many English learners who have had very good speaking skills but when it comes to writing...

Finding Your Muse

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:32:15 -0500

Some of my favorite things are things that I have found without looking them - or even looking at all. Some of my favorite music, for example, is stuff that jumps in front of me when I am...

One-Stop Resource

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:17:56 -0500

Ever look for a single resource that seems to hold almost everything a teacher might need? I just ran into a book that seems to cover every detail of language learning and teaching. At over 500 oversized pages...

Seeking the Quiet Places

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:41:55 -0500

There are many things I like about encountering new and distant cultures. Just being in a different place with its climate, pace, music and sensory experiences (like smells and sounds of the streets) can approach intoxication, and I love the food around the world, but I find that what I like best are the...

Listen to the Music!

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:53:45 -0500

Nothing embodies or expresses a culture more fully - and more enticingly - than its music. As I mentioned in a previous post, my dream job would be to host a radio program where I could share my love of music across the 20th Century (and more). Thanks to the internet...