Recent Posts - page 48
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Lesson idea: activities for short videos
I use a lot of videos in class these days. There’s no shortage of inspiration for film lessons online, and a bit in print too. We received a copy of Film in Action last June, which Martin Sketchley reviewed here…. Read More ›
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Lesson idea: Introducing travel
The old ones are the best! Here’s a video of a guy travelling around the world and dancing. You’ve probably seen it. I’ve used it quite a few times to generate interest in the topic of travel/geography. Actually, I think… Read More ›
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Lesson idea: James Bond observation challenge
I don’t know about you, but I was quite disappointed with the latest Bond movie. I’m a big Bond fan, but I wish we could go back to the pun-filled days of Connery/Moore. Anyway, here’s a fun observation challenge based… Read More ›
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Lesson tip: creative displays
The other day I did a creative writing activity with my teen class (ages 12-13). The activity was based on the teacher resources in English in Mind, and it worked well. Students had to describe the colours, sounds and smells in their… Read More ›
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Lesson idea: The planets
Check out this great video – I came across it during the summer school at British Council HCMC. We did an activity where students described what was happening on each of the 12 planets. Then they created a 13th planet themselves, displayed their… Read More ›
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classroom organisation: some reflections
I was re-reading a booklet the other day on how to use Cuisenaire Rods in class, written by John Evans whilst at LTC Eastbourne. It’s brilliant so look it up! Anyway, the first activity in the booklet involves using rods… Read More ›
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Product review: Newsmart
Newsmart is a platform designed to help learners improve their Business English. It provides language learning experiences based on news content from Wall Street Journal. Learners can develop their grammar, vocabulary and comprehension skills by reading any of the six… Read More ›
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30 activities inspired by game shows
Game shows and TV quizzes are a great source of inspiration for classroom activities. Believe it or not, I keep a notepad on the coffee table so I can jot down any teaching ideas I get from watching TV! It’s… Read More ›
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Course Review: How to teach IELTS
I recently completed a course on how to prepare students for the IELTS exam. The course was provided by Cambridge English Teacher (CET). CET is an online professional development platform which currently offers about 20 courses related to teaching, learning… Read More ›
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Getting teens to talk
This post outlines my problem-solving techniques, and offers some tips for improving interaction in teen classes. It’s only a few weeks into term, but I’m revisiting familiar issues with my new teen classes: Why are they so timid? Why won’t… Read More ›
Featured Categories
materials writing ›
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Materials writing conversations #20: The title
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Materials writing conversations #19: vague briefs
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DipTESOL tips ›
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DipTESOL Independent Research Project
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Reflections on the DipTESOL
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teacher development ›
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EAL adaptations: Poetry, Year 6
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EAL adaptations: fantasy writing, rationales
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