Level Theme Title Description

Handouts

Beginner to Elementary
Nationality/Country
Fill in the nationality or country
Students fill in the missing information.
.rtf format - fully printable, feel free to customise it to your requirements.

 

Beginner to Elementary
Time
What time is it please?
Students draw the hands on the clock and then ask and answer the question.
.rtf format - fully printable, feel free to customise it to your requirements.
 
Beginner to Intermediate
General Vocabulary
Xwords Printable crosswords to liven up our lessons. Don't forget you can contribute too.
 
Beginner to Intermediate
Time
Time am or pm? Students write out the time using numbers and am or pm, very useful for training understanding of 'quarter to', 'half past' etc.
.rtf format - fully printable, feel free to customise it to your requirements.
 
Intermediate to
Advanced
English on the Phone
Common phrases used on the phone A list of the most common phrases used when taking a call.
 
Intermediate to
Advanced
Modal Verbs
Modal Verb Use

A table of modal verbs and their uses.
- .rtf format - fully printable, feel free to customise it to your requirements.

 
Teachers
Terminology
ESL / EFL Teaching
Glossary of Terms
A glossary of terms used in EFL teaching.

Warm Up /Cool Down Ideas

Intermediate to Advanced
Interesting Facts
Questioning and Conversation Practice

Get your students talking by introducing an interesting fact at the beginning of the lesson. Introduce the fact and then ask what the question could be. Then talk about it. Did they already know it, does it surprise them etc. You can find lots of fun and interesting facts on our blog "Makes you think".

 
Lower Intermediate to Advanced
Match the Quote
Reading and Conversation Practice

Get your students talking by playing 'Match the Quote' at the beginning or end of the lesson. You can find lots of interesting quotes on our blog"Our English Blog".

 
Lower Intermediate to Advanced
Take a Break
Listening and Conversation Practice

TV adverts are a great way to introduce new vocabulary, and thanks to the internet you can now access them. For a selection of ads with transcript check the English Magazine's English in Use - Adverts section.

End of Course Ideas

Intermediate to Advanced
20 Questions
Practise asking closed questions

This is a fun game to play at the end of a course. Make sure everyone understands the rules.

Lesson Ideas and Games for teaching English

All Levels
Vocabulary
Timed Picture  Game
Review vocabulary with this fun game.

 

All Levels
Vocabulary and Sentence Structure
Timed Miming  Game
Review sentences with this fun game.
 
All Levels
Story telling game
Consequences I like to play this game after a long and difficult lesson. For weaker students I read out the story at the end and for stronger students I get them to read the story. Great fun.
 
All Levels
Vocabulary
Vocabulary Snake

Another fun game that takes just a little preparation.

 
All Levels
Teaching English
Five Creative Methods of Teaching English to TEFL Learners

As English teachers, we’re almost always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to stimulate our language learners.

 
All Levels
Email Course
Whatever you can think up
So you want to teach online. Well you can with an auto-responder course.

 

Beginner to Intermediate
Dictation

Dictation Practice

The dictation practice is proving extremely popular with teachers. I have included the previous texts on the page. If you want me to do a particular dictation for you then ask me on the forum.
 
Beginner to Intermediate
Mind the Gap Dictation
Easy Dictation Practice

Use your own short text or the texts on the dictation page.

 

 
Beginner to Intermediate
Running Dictation
Reading, listening and writing Use your own short text or the texts on the dictation page.
 
Beginner to Intermediate
Word games
Some simple word games for teaching English

These games are really easy and can be a fun way to spend the last 30 minutes of a lesson, or to celebrate the end of a course.

 

Beginner to Intermediate
Appearances
Describing Appearances Pair work, game and homework for describing people - .rtf format - fully printable and feel free to customise it to your requirements.
 
Beginner to Intermediate
Vocabulary
Categories A quick and easy game to play.
 
Beginner to Intermediate
Treasure Hunt
Treasure Hunts

There are several ways you can set up a treasure hunt, and they are suitable for any level.

 
Lower Intermediate to
Advanced
Writing
Cartoon Captions

Liven up your class using cartoons. They'll love you for it!

 
Lower Intermediate to
Advanced
Vocabulary
Synonym / Antonym

Teach new vocabulary using synonyms and antonyms.

 
Intermediate to Advanced
Role Plays
Role Plays in the ESL Classroom

How to run a successful role play.

Please do not use or alter this article without permission.

 

Intermediate to Advanced
Conversation Topics
Reading and Listening Practice
It's a good idea to let students listen to text and then listen to it whilst reading the transcript, but where do you find the materials? You might find these pages useful. Short topics that can start up some interesting discussions. Click on "podcast" to find the items that include a sound file.
 
Intermediate to Advanced
Sentence Types
Sentence structure and punctuation Teach the different types of sentence.

 

Intermediate to Advanced
Today in History
Reading and Conversation Practice

Use my 'Today in History' service. Hand them out for students to read and talk about. You can also use it as homework for students to find out more about the event(s) in question.

 

 
Intermediate to
Advanced
Business English
Job Titles

A fun way to look at the common abbreviations found in many job titles today.

 
Intermediate to
Advanced
Discussion and Writing
Newspaper Headlines

Liven up your class using newspapers. Just be careful what news stories you choose.

Forms for Teaching English

For Teachers
Needs Analysis
Needs Analysis A needs analysis form to give to students before the beginning of a course - .rtf format - fully printable and feel free to customise it to your requirements.
 
For Teachers
Attendance Form
Attendance Form Groups An attendance form for groups (up to 8 people) - .rtf format - fully printable and feel free to customise it to your requirements.
 
For Teachers
Pedagogical Form
Lesson Tracking A form to track general attendance and what has been taught - .rtf format - fully printable and feel free to customise it to your requirements.
 
For Students
Reading Log
Keeping a reading log
A log to encourage students to think about any stories or books they are reading. A useful revision tool too.

Skits for Teaching English

Beginner to Elementary
Skit 1
Asking the time A skit for two students to practise asking the time.
 
Beginner to Elementary
Skit 2
Ordering a cup of coffee. A skit for two students to practise ordering in a cafe.
 
Beginner to Elementary
Skit 3
Paying for a cup of coffee. A skit for two students to practise paying in a cafe.
 
Elementary
Skit 4
How much is too much? A fun skit for two students to practise much and many.
 
Elementary to Intermediate
Skit 5
Buying a train ticket A skit for two students to practise buying a train ticket.

Teaching Tips

For Teachers
One to one teaching
The joys and pitfalls of working one to one

How I get the most out of 1to1 lessons.

Please do not use or alter this article without permission.

 
For Teachers
Role Plays
Role Plays in the ESL Classroom

How to run a successful role play.

Please do not use or alter this article without permission.

 
For Teachers
Treasure Hunts / Scavenger Hunts
Treasure Hunts in the ESL Classroom

There are several ways you can set up a treasure hunt for your students, and they are suitable for any level.

 
For Teachers
English through Songs
Teach English With Songs

Some hints and techniques that you can use to teach English through songs very effectively.

 
For Teachers
Stimulating Conversation
Get the right question

You can take a student into the classroom, but you can't make them talk.

 
For Teachers
Case Studies
Case Studies in the ESL Classroom

Using Case Studies in the class room.

Please do not use or alter this article without permission.

 
For Teachers
Classroom Management
Tips to Stay in Control of a Large Class

Have you noticed that as pay goes down, class sizes go up?

 
For Teachers
Proper Planning
Tips for planning your lessons

The PPPPPP rule.

Please do not use or alter this article without permission.

ESL Articles

For Teachers
Classroom Management
Classroom Management Plan
When developing classroom plans and teaching methods, many teachers use collaborative learning techniques. This generally involves intergroup learning and the use of verbal interaction. Where the teacher is not just teaching, rather giving the students an opportunity to learn through interpersonal interaction.
 
For Teachers
Classroom Management
Cool Teachers
An out of control teacher: This is either scary or a highly entertaining venue for students. Let’s consider the latter. How many students can deny that they get a quick and amusing thrill out of comments like this?
 
For Teachers
Classroom Management
Motivating Students
. Fear of peer criticism or fear of "making stupid mistakes" along with a decided lack of extensive speaking practice in English are three key factors which contribute to English learners' reluctance to speak aloud in class.
 
For Teachers
ESL Exams
ESL Exams: A Teacher's Guide "What's the difference between TOEFL and TOEIC?" "Should I take the FCE?" "Who recognizes IELTS?" So if you don’t know your BEC from your KET, or your CAE from your CELS, here's a brief guide to the most popular ESL exams.
 
For Teachers
ESL Exams
IELTS vs TOEFL The two main examinations of second-language-learners' English-language skills are IELTS (created by the International English Language Testing Service) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
 
For Teachers
Motivation
Cultivating a Love of Learning
We use the word "commencement" to refer to graduation from high school or college. Most graduation speeches express a theme similar to the following:

"Today we are turning a page of the book of life and entering a new chapter."
 
For Teachers
Presentations and Speaking Skills
English Speaking Practice Through Presentations
If you're anything like most teachers, you're probably constantly looking for new ways to encourage your students to practise their oral English and speak spontaneously. This month, we're going to consider the value of the 'presentation' in achieving this.
 
For Students and Teachers
Speaking English
Start a Club
Speaking English takes plenty of practise. Although talking aloud to yourself does provide some practise, it is even better to talk with someone. To give yourself a chance to practise speaking English regularly, start your own "English Speaking" club.
 
For Teachers
Teaching Grammar
Teaching children grammar through games One of the questions ESL and TEFL teachers are asking on forums the world over is: How can you teach grammar through games?
 
For Teachers
Teaching Grammar
Grammar Teaching: Implicit or Explicit?
Whether to teach grammar as an extracted focus of ELT (English Language Teaching) or more passively as an inductive, integral topic has been the theme of countless debates on the part of institutions, professors, grammarians and language researchers for decades.
 
For Teachers
Teaching Reading
Teaching Reading to English Language Learners

There is an increasing amount of English language learners represented in our schools for whom a unique approach to developing literacy is necessary. The development of literacy by English language learners (ELLs) includes all of the challenges implicit for English speaking children literacy attainments, and is additionally compounded by a diversity of linguistic, cognitive and academic variables.

 

For Teachers
Teaching spelling
Creative Ideas to Teach Spelling

Encouraging your students to read and learn to spell words correctly may require a whole new level of effort and patience on your part.

 

For Teachers
Teaching theory
18 Strategies For Enhancing Language Skills

These strategies are offered for enhancing language skills and managing language challenges. This listing is by no means exhaustive, but rather is meant as a place to begin.

 

For Teachers
Teaching theory
Teach Real English

In class, do you slow down your speech and try to articulate a little more precisely than you do when talking to other native speakers? I do, because I know that otherwise my students will have trouble following me. After all, I reason, if they don’t understand anything, they will have accomplished nothing as far as learning is concerned.

 

For Teachers
Teaching theory
What is the Theory of Multiple Intelligences?
Part 1: Biological Basis

Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences is based on the premise that each individual's intelligence is composed of multiple "intelligences," each of which has its own independent operating system within the brain...

 
For Teachers
Teaching theory
What is the Theory of Multiple Intelligences?
Part 2: Cultural Influence

Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences developed as he worked with brain injured adults and autistic children. He identified distinct portions of the brain that control specific human abilities or talents like analysis, classification, speech, self-awareness, etc.

 
For Teachers
Teaching theory
Lesson Plans that Reach the Multiple Intelligences

American schools have traditionally favored those students who excel in the linguistic and analytical arenas because these skills are highly valued in our culture. Unfortunately, this traditional approach leaves certain students behind to stumble blindly through an educational system which ignores their unique abilities.

 
For Teachers
Teaching
Essay Writing

A simple guide to the different kinds of essays.

 
For Teachers
Teaching
Teaching Abroad
Salary isn't the only thing to consider when accepting a job. There are other benefits that you should take into consideration.
 
For Teachers
Teaching
Teaching in Japan
A question we often receive is "Which is better for ESL teaching in Japan, a big city or a rural town?"
 
For Teachers
Teaching theory
Writing Lesson Plans

American schools have traditionally favored those students who excel in the linguistic and analytical arenas because these skills are highly valued in our culture. Unfortunately, this traditional approach leaves certain students behind to stumble blindly through an educational system which ignores their unique abilities.

Job and Career Tips

       

 

For Teachers
Teaching online
3 Tips For Being A Successful Distance Learning Instructor

Are you looking to teach an online course for the first time? Or have you already taught online but are looking for some tips to help you become more effective?
The world of online learning is expanding at a rapid pace.

 
For Teachers
Teaching business English
Mid-career crisis? Have you got what it takes to teach English for business?

Teachers often ask me what direction they can take after a few years of teaching general English. To continue as an ordinary classroom teacher seems like stagnation, so choices have to be made about how to develop both professionally and personally.

 
For Teachers
Getting a job
7 Resume Tips For ESL Job Seekers
Your resume (CV in British English) has one mission and one mission only: to get you a job interview. Your resume is usually the first impression an employer has of you. And as 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression', you'd better get it right first time.
 
For Teachers
Getting a job
Resume Tips - How to use references
Teaching jobs are difficult to secure, so teachers must do everything they can to stand out from the crowd. One of the most important aspects of getting a teaching job is your teacher resume.

How teachers can use this site

       
 
Beginner
Lessons
Lessons Feel free to use any of the exercises in your classroom.
 
Beginner
Songs and Rhymes
Songs from the lessons Many of the lessons have rhymes and songs to help your students. Feel free to apply for the sound files to use them in your classroom, you will find the application form with the lessons.
 
Intermediate to Advanced
British Customs
Diary Use the diary pages on Learn English to make your lessons topical. Each month there is a new diary with information about British customs and traditions. For example how we celebrate Christmas and New Year or all about Bonfire night. And if you have any questions you can ask me on the forum.

 

Advanced
British Culture
British Culture Pages

Use the British customs pages on Learn English to liven up your lessons. Here you will find interesting facts about British housing, fashion, food, shopping and lots more. And if you have any questions you can ask me on the forum.

For example in October you will find information and pictures on Halloween.

 
All
WWW
Teacher's Resources Page I have compiled a list of useful links specifically for EFL / ESL teachers here.
Do you have an article, handout or a teaching idea/tip that you would like to share?