It's that special time of the year again when many Canadians celebrate THANKSGIVING - a time for giving thanks for the bountiful harvest and for all the other blessings in life. Even as Canadians take part in roasting turkeys and baking pumpkin pies, people in America are celebrating COLUMBUS DAY - a day for commemorating one of the first European travelers, Christopher Columbus, and his arrival to the New World in 1492. In other parts of the world, countries have been busy with their own HARVEST FESTIVALS to celebrate all the successful harvests on their land. No matter what part of the world you're in, this time of the year provides ESL students with a bit of history and a lot of vocabulary!
Featured Posts
Incorporate Authentic Material in Your Classroom
Using authentic material in your lessons can stimulate and capture the imaginations of your students. Original and native material such as newspapers, maps, brochures, menus and magazines are some ideas to bring real world language into the classroom.
Challenge Your Students with Task Based Lessons
Involving your students in real world tasks will help reinforce new skills and encourage the practical use of the language. Reading and comprehending a utility bill or a shopping receipt are some ways to motivate and enhance language learning.
Be a Guide on the Side, Not a Sage on the Stage
Student centred learning can go a long way in the classroom. Help stimulate student curiosity and encourage confidence by acting as a facilitator or guide and deliver lessons that reflect your interest in student experiences and learning skills.
Create an Enjoyable Learning Environment
Encouraging laughter and self-correction of mistakes in the classroom can help promote a positive learning environment that is safe and risk-free. Avoid criticism and judgement.
Remember the 80-20 Rule
Talking less and letting your students do 80% of it in class can reinforce speaking and listening skills in language learning. Encourage pair or group conversation after every lesson highlighting grammar points, new vocabulary and life/cultural experiences.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Celebrating Thanksgiving!
It's that special time of the year again when many Canadians celebrate THANKSGIVING - a time for giving thanks for the bountiful harvest and for all the other blessings in life. Even as Canadians take part in roasting turkeys and baking pumpkin pies, people in America are celebrating COLUMBUS DAY - a day for commemorating one of the first European travelers, Christopher Columbus, and his arrival to the New World in 1492. In other parts of the world, countries have been busy with their own HARVEST FESTIVALS to celebrate all the successful harvests on their land. No matter what part of the world you're in, this time of the year provides ESL students with a bit of history and a lot of vocabulary!
October Themes and Teaching Topics
There's a lot to talk about in the month of October! It's Vegetarian Day on Oct 1st and a busy week with World Animal Day on Oct 4th, World Habitat Day on the 5th and World Egg Day on the 9th. But, the big topics this month will be Thanksgiving celebrated here in Canada and the U.K. on Monday, Oct 9th as well as Halloween on Oct 31st. Be sure to check out October ESL Planning Themes and
Topics here and follow ESL Made Easy for updated posts on recommended links to free ESL activities!
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
September Teaching Themes and Topics
Your ESL students whether returning or new, online or in class will be feeling the September butterflies of "Back to School". Make it easier for yourself and for your students by introducing a few ice breaker games and activities on the first day of class in order to create a comfortable and warm classroom environment.
Here's a list of some sites offering first few day ideas (you might need to modify if online) and worksheets!
Thursday, June 1, 2023
June Topic: World Oceans Day
June 8th is WORLD OCEANS DAY! Officially declared by the U.N. in 1992, this day was intended to help us recognize the importance of oceans as part of our overall ecosystem. Given that they cover 71% of the Earth's surface and represent 99% of the living space, why not get your ESL students talking about the importance of oceans as sources of food, oxygen, and medicine around the world!
WARM-UP QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC OF OCEANS
4. What are some differences between an ocean, a sea, a lake, a river and a pond? (i.e. resources, animal and plant life, commercial & recreational uses...etc).
RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR ESL STUDENTS AROUND THE TOPIC OF OCEANS:
Espresso English: 27 picture vocabulary ocean words
Breaking News English: A reading with activities on ocean pollution
Teacher Phil English: Advanced video lesson on oceans
YouTube: Learn about The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Visually: Download Great Pacific Garbage Patch infographic: ask your students some questions!
June Topic and Themes!
For many teachers and students, June marks the end of the school year, but for others, it's about getting ready for summer classes! There's still a lot to talk about with your ESL students so be sure to check out our June Topics and Themes and don't forget to follow ESL Made Easy for weekly posts. One topic that may not get a lot of attention is Father's Day (June 18th). Why not use the days ahead to talk about the history of Father's Day as well as the various roles fathers play in the family and in the community.
Monday, May 1, 2023
ESL Topic: Sleep
May 12th is International Fatigue Syndrome Day. This day is set aside to recognize the fact that sometimes life can make us feel tired and worn-out. It is also a day to create an awareness on how sleeping problems and disorders can lead to serious health issues. Your ESL students might find this to be a familiar and interesting topic to discuss as they can talk about their own sleeping problems, habits and routines!
RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR ESL STUDENTS AROUND THE TOPIC OF SLEEP:
May Themes and Topics
Be sure to check out some of the suggested themes and topics for the month of May here! The main topic most of us will be talking about are MOTHERS and their important role in the family and in society!
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Happy Easter!

April Themes and Topics

Find more ideas on teaching topics this month here!
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
International Women's Day
International Women's Day is March 8th! This year's theme, Embrace Equality, challenges stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements. Various events and traditions will be taking place to honour and celebrate women's rights and achievements worldwide. Take the time to explore this global event with your ESL students and get them talking about the progress made, as well as the struggles that many women still face today.
See YouTube video - International Women's Day 2023
RECOMMENDED LINKS AROUND THE TOPIC OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY:
5 Minute English: Vocabulary and grammar exerciseESL Video: Video with comprehension questions on IWD
Women in World History: Reading about the past and the present
Have Fun With Your English: IWD Poem (video and script) by Maya Angelou
BBC: An interactive quiz on women's rights in British history
News In Levels: International Women's Days - Listening and vocabulary
ESL Holiday Lessons: A reading with follow up activities on IWD
My English Pages: Vocabulary related to women rights and equality
My English Papers: Seven Women Who Changed the World - reading
The Holiday Spot: A crossword puzzle on IWD with answers
ISL Collective: Worksheets on IWD donation site
ESL Library: A listening podcast on International Women's Day
Word Search Fun: A wordsearch puzzle on IWD
International Womens Day: A printable factsheet
Time For Kids: Worksheet on the History of Women in the Workforce (American)
Time for Kids: An activity worksheet on a women's suffrage march
Speak English: A lesson plan on IWD by ESL Library
International Women's Day: Resources for International Women's Day
March Suggested Teaching Topics
Where did February go? March is a busy month with lots of teaching topic ideas here that you can do with your ESL students. Starting with World Compliment Day on March 1st and then International Women's Day on March 8th. Wait...there's more.....it's St. Patrick's Day on March 17th, Earth Hour Day on March 25th, The Spring Equinox on March 21st ......I'm tired already!
Happy Teaching!
Friday, February 10, 2023
February is Black History Month
See recommended links on Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement here.