Author Archives

Teacher and Materials Writer

• Materials writing conversations #5: the recording

  By Pete on September 18, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  This is a completely imaginary conversation. No characters in the convo are based on real people – I’m just bored and imagining conversations I might have with editors… Editor: We need to get all the listening texts finalised by early… Read More ›

• Materials writing news and views, September 2019

  By Pete on September 17, 2019 • ( 2 )

  

  September already? It’ll soon be Xmas… New releases Deborah Hobbs (author) mentioned the release of ‘Open World’ (CUP). This is from the Cambridge English website: Open World is an exciting new course from Cambridge which takes you further. Embark on… Read More ›

• Lesson idea: ‘used to’ for describing past appearance

  By Pete on September 14, 2019 • ( 1 )

  

  I made this activity up in class and it worked well! Really creative, loads of interesting language, and also a good way to practice ‘used to’ for describing past appearance. Procedure: Students work in pairs Everyone has some scrap paper… Read More ›

• Materials writing conversations #4: the artwork brief

  By Pete on September 12, 2019 • ( 1 )

  

  This is a completely imaginary conversation. No characters in the convo are based on real people – I’m just bored and imagining conversations I might have with editors… [Researched photo: someone sunbathing] Comment (design): Can you be more specific? E.g…. Read More ›

• Materials writing conversations #3: natural, authentic speech

  By Pete on September 11, 2019 • ( 3 )

  

  This is a completely imaginary conversation. No characters in the convo are based on real people – I’m just bored and imagining conversations I might have with editors… Editor: So, do you have any suggestions for the pronunciation stage? We… Read More ›

• Materials writing conversations #2: death, death, death

  By Pete on September 10, 2019 • ( 2 )

  

  This is a completely imaginary conversation. No characters in the convo are based on real people – I’m just bored and imagining conversations I might have with editors… Editor: You’re coming up with some great material for the ‘Extremes’ unit…. Read More ›

• Tweaking my young learner teaching

  By Pete on September 10, 2019 • ( 2 )

  

  I start my PGCEi next month. I’m really looking forward to having an extra reason to reflect on my classroom practice, overall approach, etc, and delving into research about how children learn and develop. I’m focusing on primary level learners… Read More ›

• Materials writing conversations #1: Pork

  By Pete on September 9, 2019 • ( 1 )

  

  This is a completely imaginary conversation. No characters in the convo are based on real people – I’m just bored and imagining conversations I might have with editors… Editor: I think your ideas for the ‘British food’ lesson are great…. Read More ›

• Game review: Play for the Planet (ELi Publishing)

  By Pete on August 27, 2019 • ( 1 )

  

  Here’s another resource from the giant box I was sent from ELi publishing. I saved reviewing this one until I actually had a good reason to try it out. My teens are studying the natural world / the environment at… Read More ›

• IELTS: identifying attitudes and opinions

  By Pete on August 26, 2019 • ( 0 )

  

  Another ‘making things up as I go along’. This time in my IELTS Teens class. Topic: Environment and the natural world Context: We’d just done some vocabulary review / building activities. We’d also dipped into the book for some listening… Read More ›