Blog Articles About Teaching and Learning English

Practice English Skills with Fun Card Games Gamifying your ESL classroom can significantly increase student motivation, participation, and retention. But finding a reliable, low-prep classroom tool can be a challenge—especially when you're short on time. That’s where ESL Game Squares comes in. With just one compact deck of cards, you can transform any English lesson into a dynamic, game-based experience. Teach vocabulary, grammar, speaking, or writing with this simple yet powerful game, designed to work across all levels and classroom sizes. Below are 10 creative ways to gamify your ESL lessons using ESL Game Squares.   1. Vocabulary Race Split your class into teams and give each group a card. Call out a category (e.g., food, animals, emotions), and students must say a word that starts with each number shown…

When it comes to making English language learning fun and effective, few classroom activities are as energizing and educational as board race games. These fast-paced, interactive activities not only motivate ESL students but also reinforce grammar, vocabulary, and teamwork. ESL board races are a powerful way to review language points and boost classroom engagement. In this article, we’ll explore the best board race games for ESL students, explain how to set them up, and show why they’re an essential part of any English teacher’s toolkit. [caption id="attachment_31496" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Use your classroom space for board race activities and games. | Photo by Diana[/caption] What Is a Board Race Game? A board race is a team-based game where students race to the whiteboard to complete tasks such as spelling words, solving…

Bank Apps for English Teachers Teaching English abroad is an incredible adventure, but managing your finances from a foreign country can be tricky. Whether you’re saving for travel, sending money home, or handling multiple currencies, having the right banking tools is essential. That’s where mobile banking apps come in—they make it easy to access your money, pay bills, and track your spending, all from your smartphone. In this article, we’ll review the best mobile banking apps for ESL teachers abroad, focusing on apps that are reliable, secure, and designed to meet the unique needs of international teachers. [caption id="attachment_31484" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Mobile Banking Apps for English Teachers Abroad | Photo by Andrea Piacquadio[/caption] Why Mobile Banking Apps Are Crucial for ESL Teachers As an ESL teacher, you’ll likely deal with:…

Imagine having a job that lets you make a real difference, connects you with people across the world, and gives you the flexibility to work from anywhere—even your couch. Welcome to the world of ESL teaching. As English continues to dominate the global stage, the demand for qualified English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers is soaring. Whether you dream of teaching in a bustling classroom in Tokyo, chatting with students over Zoom from your home office, or leading workshops in international corporations, this career is full of exciting possibilities. And the best part? The English language training (ELT) industry is booming—expected to hit a whopping $107.93 billion by 2028. That’s not just a trend—it’s a movement.   [caption id="attachment_31459" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Teach English to adults abroad today! | Photo…

  Have you ever wondered how much you can earn teaching English online? With the rise of online language learning platforms, teaching English as a second language (ESL) has become a thriving career option for many. Its flexibility, growing demand, and accessibility have attracted teachers from all around the world. But how much you can actually earn depends on several factors—including your qualifications, experience, and the platform you choose to teach on. Here’s an in-depth look at online ESL teacher salaries and actionable tips to help you maximize your earnings. 1. Factors That Influence Online ESL Teacher Salaries Understanding the various factors that influence online ESL teacher salaries can help you determine your earning potential. These factors include your level of education, certification, teaching experience, and the specific online platform…

For English teachers, having the right resources is essential to deliver effective and engaging lessons. Grammar books serve as valuable tools, providing in-depth explanations, examples, and exercises to help instructors teach complex grammar rules with clarity. Whether you're a new teacher or an experienced educator, investing in a high-quality grammar book can enhance your teaching methods and improve your students' learning experiences. Here are some of the best English grammar books available on Amazon that are perfect for English teachers.   [caption id="attachment_31194" align="aligncenter" width="640"] English Grammar Exercises and Activities | Photo by Julia Khalimova[/caption]   1. "English Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy Why It’s Great for Teachers One of the most popular grammar books worldwide, English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy is an essential resource for English…

This is why ESL (English as a Second Language) courses are important in addressing these challenges. They make learning English accessible for foreign students. As an ESL instructor myself, I have found that using engaging tools can really boost the learning experience for my students.  If you are an ESL teacher and have been looking for ways to make ESL more engaging for your students, you are at the right place. I am going to list down the tools that are a personal favorite for teaching ESL.  Importance of Making Learning Fun and Interactive Before we get into this, you need to ask yourself first: Will you be productive in a class where the instructor drones on and on about a topic? No, right? This is why I feel interactive…

Taking part in class discussions is a regular aspect of the school day for many students. However, this can be an arduous task for people who have speech disorders. Students with speech disorders may find it challenging to communicate, which frequently results in feelings of loneliness and frustration.  In 2022, diagnoses of speech disorders for children aged 0 to 12 years rose by 110%.  Approximately 1.2 million new cases are reported, up from an average of 570,000 annually. This figure emphasizes how common these issues are and how crucial it is to create inclusive learning environments.  In this blog post, we will discuss the nature of speech disorders and the function of speech-language pathologists, or SLPs. We will also cover methods to improve school participation for students with these issues.…

Korean pop, or K-pop, has swept the world with its technicolor music videos, ultra-talented artists, and catchy songs. Although it has many aspects, such as boy groups like Stray Kids, soloists, and a mix of ballads and dance music, girl groups have made their mark, shaped the genre, and brought it to international recognition. Let's travel back in time and reminisce about the Korean girl group songs that rocked South Korea and beyond.   [caption id="attachment_31066" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Discover Korean Girl Group Songs for Your Playlist | Photo by Mark Angelo Sampan[/caption]   1. "Gee" by Girls' Generation (2009) First on the list is this bubblegum track by Girls' Generation. This song shot the nine-piece group (at the time) to immense fame upon its release in 2009. Its colorful music…

  Writing a summary is necessary whether you’re crafting a blog post, a research paper, or a social media post’s description from an article.  A summary is a shorter version of a longer piece of writing that outlines the main idea to the audience. While it is recommended to limit a summary to one paragraph, its length can vary as per the length of the original text.     How to write a good, concise summary? What are the tips and tricks to improve your summary writing skills? Read this guide to learn this! Know Your ‘Why’ First, ask yourself the exact purpose of summarizing the text. Do you want to refresh your memory for a test? Is it a quick brief for a business meeting? Are you repurposing a…

[caption id="attachment_31040" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Picture of a dock in Florida | Image Source[/caption]   If you're from Florida and dreaming of expanding your horizons, teaching English abroad could be your gateway to living and working overseas. Each year, countless Floridians seize the opportunity to explore new cultures while advancing their careers in international settings. This guide will help you navigate the essentials of taking your talents globally, from legal preparations to choosing your new home abroad. Legal and Visa Requirements Before you even start imagining living and working overseas, it's crucial to get the paperwork right. Different countries have varied visa requirements, and the process can be complex. Start by visiting the U.S. State Department's website for general guidelines, then narrow down to the specific country's embassy site for detailed…

Decision-making is an important skill to learn. Indecisiveness often leads to growth paralysis and makes people afraid to commit to anything. Such a person often lets go of opportunities that would have benefited them. It is important that the people in charge of raising the next generation inculcate decision-making skills in them. Teachers are one group that belongs to this category. How they deal with students in the classroom has a lot of effect on how students view the world and develop their skills. Today, we are going to look at how gamification and chance can help with decision-making in the classroom. To be more clear, we are going to look at a particular type of tool that helps with this: a wheel spinner. Wheel spinners are unbiased and random.…

What is the Hot Seat Game? Engaging students in interactive and enjoyable activities is crucial for effective language learning. One such activity is the Hot Seat game, which not only entertains but also reinforces vocabulary and idiomatic expressions in a fun and competitive manner. This game is particularly effective for English language learners, as it encourages spontaneous speaking, listening skills, and teamwork. In this article, we will explore the best words and idioms to use in the Hot Seat game to enhance your students' English learning experience.   [caption id="attachment_30991" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Hot Seat Game Words to Improve Vocabulary | Photo by Pixabay[/caption]   Basic Vocabulary Words Using basic vocabulary words in the Hot Seat game helps beginners build a strong foundation. These words are essential for everyday communication and…

In bank exams in India, the SBI PO Descriptive assessment is crucial for aspirants to secure a position in the State Bank of India Probationary Officer cadre. This examination segment evaluates the candidate's knowledge of banking concepts and their ability to articulate thoughts coherently and convincingly on paper. Aspirants must navigate the intricacies of essay writing and letter composition within a stipulated time frame, making it imperative to strategize effectively. This guide aims to dig deeper into the strategies essential for triumphing in the Descriptive Paper.   [caption id="attachment_31006" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Writing & Preparation Strategies for the SBI PO Descriptive Paper | Photo by Andrea Piacquadio[/caption]   Understanding the Exam Pattern and Syllabus Thoroughly grasping the SBI PO Descriptive Paper pattern and syllabus is essential for attaining success in the…

Listening is a foundational skill in language acquisition, essential for effective communication and comprehension. English language students often face challenges in developing their listening skills due to factors such as unfamiliar accents, rapid speech, and complex vocabulary. In this comprehensive guide, we explore strategies and techniques to help English language students master listening skills and become proficient communicators.   [caption id="attachment_30941" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Strategies to Improve English Listening Skills | Photo by Andrea Piacquadio[/caption]   1. Understanding the Importance of Listening Skills Before delving into strategies, it's crucial to emphasize the significance of listening skills in language learning. Listening serves as the gateway to other language skills, including speaking, reading, and writing. Proficient listening enables students to understand spoken language accurately, engage in meaningful conversations, and navigate real-life communication scenarios…

  Proofreading means reviewing your content once you have finished writing it. It is a very important measure for ensuring that your work has no errors According to an online source, 54% of employers will think twice about hiring you if your content has a spelling or grammar mistake. It is crucial that you proofread your writing once or twice because of this. You may come across mistakes like misspellings and grammar, unclear sentence construction, and much more during this process. So how to proofread your work? In this article, we have created a list of effective methods to help you proofread your work most efficiently. 1. Take a Break After finishing your work, it's crucial that you take a break and don't start proofreading straight away. This is essential…

A Level General Paper (GP) often comes off as a masquerade ball, where English, the ever-so-charming prince, is expected to be the guest of honor. But, alas, GP is not just another English examination; it's English's more sophisticated and worldly cousin. We asked an expert GP Tutor from Singapore to unravel this enigmatic subject. Firstly, let's debunk the myth: GP is not your run-of-the-mill English test. If English exams were a leisurely stroll through the park, GP is a hike up a metaphorical Everest. Ace GP Tuition, our expert GP tutoring centre, has seen many batches of students tackle this behemoth, likens GP to a decathlon of the mind. It's not just about wielding the Queen's language with the finesse of Shakespeare on a good day; it's about thinking critically,…

It's no news that the educational sector is now digitized, that is, all lesson activities including their academic assessment are now carried out by software uniquely built for the school's proper academic functioning. The student report card generator is one of the trending features of modern academic assessment, this tool helps grading and reports easy for teachers. This comprehensive guide will introduce the history of report card generators and their benefits in the advanced learning world.  The Evolution of Modern Report Card Generators The modern report card generator was introduced along with other modern student assessments to improve student academic performance and ease teachers' work. The previous paper's method was observed to be slow, filled with errors, and ineffective. The report card generators have actively replaced these old methods of…

Finding ESL Jobs Abroad Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) has become a global phenomenon, attracting educators from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Traditionally, native English speakers have dominated the ESL job market, but there is a growing demand for qualified non-native speakers. In this article, we explore the opportunities available for non-native English speakers who aspire to teach abroad and contribute to the global exchange of language and culture.   [caption id="attachment_30690" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Teach English Abroad as a Non-Native Speaker | Photo by Yan Krukau[/caption] The Changing Landscape Historically, many ESL job postings specified a preference for native English speakers, often due to misconceptions about language proficiency and pronunciation. However, as the field has evolved, there is a growing recognition that effective language teaching transcends native speaker status. Schools…

Overcoming Language Barriers with Confidence Learning a new language can be an intimidating journey, especially for English language learners (ELLs). Fear and anxiety often hinder progress, preventing learners from fully embracing the language acquisition process. To tackle these emotional barriers and promote self-assurance, this 10-step fear-setting activity aims to empower ELLs and help them overcome their fears in learning English. By addressing their concerns, setting achievable goals, and building self-confidence, ELLs can progress with increased motivation and enjoyment.     Fear-Setting Template PDF File As a secondary activity, download the new fear-setting template PDF on ETSY. Step 1: Identifying Fears In this step, ELLs will be encouraged to reflect on their language learning fears. Whether it's speaking in public, making mistakes, or struggling with pronunciation, they will write down their…

In today's globalized world, professional English translation services play a vital role in facilitating business communication across language barriers. The demand for accurate and efficient translation has surged as companies increasingly engage with international partners, clients, and markets. The benefits of a professional English translation service in fostering seamless communication, expanding market reach, and enhancing business growth has been crucial due to ever-expanding globalization.     The statistics reveal the growing demand for professional translation services. According to a recent study, the global language services market was valued at $46.52 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $56.18 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%. This upward trend signifies the increasing reliance of businesses on translation services to bridge language gaps and facilitate global…

Choosing the best essay writing service can be a daunting task, especially when there are so many available. Before committing to any particular service, it is important to do your research. One way to ensure that you are selecting a quality service is by reading reviews on essay writing services from reliable sources. Essay writing service reviews offer an unbiased and objective opinion of various services, helping you make an informed decision. It is also wise to look at the cost of the services being offered. Generally speaking, it is best to avoid any services that appear too cheap. Low prices may be a sign of poor quality or inexperience. You should always try to find a balance between price and quality when selecting an essay writing service. It is…

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that contains in-depth independent research analysis, interpretation, and argument. Academic essays are comparable to research papers, but they are usually longer and more extensive assignments designed to examine not only your writing tactics but also your scholarly research skills. Writing a research paper demands you to exhibit a thorough understanding of an issue, engage with a number of sources, and contribute something unique to the argument. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the whole writing process, from comprehension of your research paper to proofreading your final product. But getting right into it, let’s have a look at basic definition of a research paper. What Exactly is a Research Paper? A research paper is a sort of academic writing in which…

Teaching English abroad can be both exciting and intimidating, especially to people who have never lived abroad before. Moving cities can even be a big thing for most people, so imagine moving to a place on the other side of the world, where people don’t even speak English. Those are the typical fears that hold teachers back, but there is no reason to let fear hold you back as it’s actually much easier than you think. There is a huge community of foreign teachers doing the same thing as you, so it’s easy to make friends. In most Asian countries, locals love foreigners and want to learn English as well, so they will make an effort to get to know you. Not everyone knows this, but some countries in Asia…

[caption id="attachment_30092" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Unsplash photo by Johannes Plenio[/caption] The Evolution of an ESL Teacher In 2010, my journey into the world of ESL teaching started after I packed up my bags and moved to Spain. Over the years I've taught in academies as well as at people's homes, offices and online, but one thing has remained consistent: ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers are in high demand. In this article, I'll explore some of my experiences as an ESL teacher and how those experiences shaped my evolution into what I am today (which is still evolving!). Working For An English Academy My first job was in an English academy in Madrid. Finding a job as an ESL teacher was pretty easy, even though I had absolutely no experience…

Whenever you work in ESL/EFL, it might be difficult to maintain the link to the outside world that you want to establish in your students. You might be teaching in an environment where there aren't many English speakers for the students to practice with, or you might believe that they simply regard the classes as a school subject rather than a communication tool. Using video to teach English is one method to bring the rest of the world into your classroom. Research and experience suggest that it can be a highly successful learning tool, but it must be used actively. Following are our suggestions on using video to teach effectively. 1. Pre-teach the video's tough vocabulary words, idioms, and expressions   Consider placing these words on the board and previewing…

An idiom is a commonly used phrase in the language to convey some genuine ideas. These phrases are important to support the statement and express unique ideas. Moreover, it generates a deeper understanding of the language. That is why idioms and phrases are common concepts in different competitive exams. Mostly, it is used during normal conversation. In the beginning, understanding its concepts would be a challenging task. However, regular language practice and reading different types of English phrases will give an idea about the same. Idioms are the backbone of English. Read on to know its importance. Why are idioms and phrases so important? It gives a genuine way to express English. There are certain idioms like ‘Get a taste of your own medicine’ or ‘Every cloud has a silver…

As the world becomes a smaller and smaller place the necessity to be able to communicate with as many people from as many different countries as possible has increased. It has been reported that France suffers from one of the great educational shortfalls from its education systems fail to prepare students for adult life by reporting one of the lowest rates of teaching them a second modern language. Considering the legacy of French colonialism this is quite surprising to become aware of. Due to this young adults may need to take it upon themselves to learn English in order to give themselves an extra advantage when it comes to their professional life. It is a very important skill to learn should you wish to do business with companies in the…

In college, many students who have English as their second language realize that academic writing is a particularly challenging thing. Quite often, ESL students don’t get enough instructions in middle and high school so creating well-written academic papers can be much more difficult for them. Even if students get access to writing courses, these courses are often quite generic so they don’t provide specific information that can be useful for students from a particular discipline. Quite often, teachers think that a high level of language proficiency is directly related to developed academic writing skills. Obviously, good academic writing is impossible without high English proficiency, but it doesn’t mean that one of these skills automatically improves another. It makes sense to differentiate textual competence and generic competence. Textual competence includes vocabulary…

In the year that COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives, there are lots of questions out there around the English Language Teaching world. The impact that COVID has had on the world has been profound and you could definitely say that ESL teachers are figuring out how to respond to the past year. To get a better understanding of where the industry is at the moment, The TEFL Academy undertook a significant survey. The information coming from the survey tells us that with new restrictions and considerations in people's lives, many are equipping themselves with TEFL qualifications to take up jobs teaching English online for the first time. This is due to the increase in online English teaching work that is now available, coupled with the emergence of…

⋯ By Melisa Marzett ⋯ What associations do you have when it comes to a school? Desks, blackboards, and books? Algebra problems you cannot solve or a long paragraph on history? Most regular schools and private ones are like two peas in a pod. Students get assignments, books, grades, and exams with the hope that they will enter a university after graduation. Now, let us not talk about the advantages and disadvantages of traditional schools. Instead, let us talk about experimental alternative schools, which have already proven their effectiveness. [caption id="attachment_27805" align="alignnone" width="900"] Source: Pexels[/caption] What are alternative schools? Alternative schools have nontraditional curriculums and a diverse range of teaching methods. These institutions typically cater to individual students’ skillsets, integrate cultures, encourage creativity, and use integrated educational approaches. What’s more,…

⋯  By Heidi Brumbaugh, PhD ⋯ A blended classroom is a learning environment that incorporates technology in a supporting role. Vocab Victor is a vocabulary-building app for English language learners. Even though I have dedicated my career to developing software to help students learn languages, I don't believe that computers can ever replace teachers. Rather, I think that software and teachers have different, and at times complimentary strengths. I strive to identify uses for technology that leverage these strengths, with the heartfelt hope that doing so will free up more time for English language teachers such as yourself to do what you do best. What teachers are good at Teachers are good at so many, many things. You make personal connections to your students that encourage and inspire them to…

For students and professionals hailing from countries that don’t have English as their primary language, having to learn how to speak and write in fluent English can be difficult. English is a highly technical language, and not being able to converse properly can have negative effects in a person’s career or studies. As distance learning becomes more popular and the world is becoming more interconnected, non-native English speakers need assistance, whether it’s getting help with English homework or help with drafting a business proposal in English. [caption id="attachment_27354" align="alignnone" width="900"] Source: pxhere[/caption] The Burden of Speaking and Writing in Fluent English In business as well as in the academy, English is commonly the primary language spoken. This is the reason why passing an English Proficiency Test (EPT) is still a…

Student loans are very helpful for anyone interested in advancing their education, but have you ever thought of how hectic it may be to paying off the loan? These loans may take most of your time that could have otherwise been spent with friends, family, or even traveling to places. Here are some essential tips that will give you the freedom to travel and pay off your student loans. Looking at the amount of loan you are to pay before traveling Traveling is a very beautiful thing to think of, especially away from the normal life working schedule, but this will not be possible if the bills and loans are on your mind. To avoid stress while traveling, you need to look at the debt that you have and consider…

⋯ By Melisa Marzett ⋯ Most of the indigenous languages of the Americas are becoming instinct; meanwhile, others do not speak anymore, so the question arises whether interpretation is even necessary when a growing number of indigenous people are either English or French-speaking. However, this is the case where he came to this situation, which makes translation needed, for all of the languages and behind them, progressively relevant. [caption id="attachment_27162" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Source: Pxhere[/caption] A small amount of them in Canadian cities stay respectively essential: children are still studying them. Translation is required and meaningful undoubtedly oftentimes, especially in the context of medicine, cost-effective use of resources and legal ones. Though, interpretation has become essential in order to exchange erudition, background, and heritage. Taking no account of the tongue pair,…

⋯ By Johanna Cider ⋯ [caption id="attachment_23932" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Image Source: Pexels[/caption] Every day, more expats are taking up the enterprise of teaching English as a second language. But being an ESL teacher isn’t just about paying your way while overseas; it’s also about gaining a whole new skill set as an educator. The foremost of these skills is the ability to make learning English – which is, at times, a frustrating and challenging language – genuinely fun for your students. So, if you’re looking for some easy and fun strategies to implement into your classroom, keep on reading. 1. Play a Game Even adult learners learn effectively through games. Getting your students to practice their oral English while playing Two Truths and a Lie, Simon Says, or good old-fashioned…

⋯ By Todd Persaud ⋯ Many реорlе аrоund thе wоrld are looking for unique wауѕ to lеаrn a foreign language, аnd Engliѕh iѕ thе most соmmоnlу learned fоrеign language in most соuntriеѕ in Asia. Whenever I ask cab drivers in Vietnam “habla espanol?” they usually think I’m just speaking English, but English they don’t understand. Nevermind the difficulties with learning various accents. I make one slip of a vowel because of my accent—because it doesn’t happen to sound like an Gillian-Lane Plescia audio series—the Vietnamese will totally miss the word. [caption id="attachment_17441" align="alignnone" width="900"] Teachers who create fun lessons for their students will encourage more participation in class. | Image source: pexels.com[/caption] Mоѕt реорlе will hаvе a diffiсult time lеаrning English, аnd mаnу реорlе will асtuаllу ѕtrugglе ѕо muсh thаt they…

⋯ By Anna Kokkali ⋯ Turning to language apps has changed the way people learn and retain a new language. With apps like Open Language, FluentU and KnowbleReader, they’ve all helped people learn English in substantial ways. The best part about these language apps is that you can kick start your learning experience, immediately, from the comfort of your house and office, with minimal or no cost. In this blog post, let me introduce you to three language apps that I personally find really useful for learning the English language. [caption id="attachment_16694" align="alignnone" width="900"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] Reviewing 3 of the Best Apps to Learn English for Free 1. Open Language It is an app that aims to facilitate the way of learning English, especially if you have a busy schedule and…

Thinking of landing your dream teaching job abroad? If the answer is yes, then you will likely need at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate in order to do so! If you haven’t heard of TEFL at all, then it is good to know that it stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and is mostly used when English is being taught where it is not the native language of the country it is being taught in. Although there are quite a few different certificates with similar names, the TEFL is great because it is not aimed at a specific age group. So, whether you plan to teach young children or adults, you will get the skills you need to become a successful teacher. So… why is getting a TEFL…

⋯ By Melisa Marzett ⋯ Everyone has language ability. Even people who are linguistically challenged can talk, read, and write. However, there are a lot of lazy potatoes who make excuses to say that they are incapable of learning in order to hide their laziness. These "incapable" people attempt language courses and go around in self-study circles but only spin their wheels. If you find yourself in this type of cycle, what can you do to learn more effectively? The Best Way to Learn English Fast For a start, decide whether you actually need or want to learn the language. If the answer is yes, go ahead and fight for it. If you have doubts, leave it or stop being in doubt. It is useless to wait. Just do it. Now…