Social Icons

.

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.

Friday, November 10, 2023

World Kindness Day!


November 13th is World Kindness Day (watch video). Created in 1997, this special day was developed by  a group of humanitarians in Japan who felt that we needed a day to help us all focus on making the world a better place. The idea is that by performing local "random acts of kindness" such as holding the door open for a stranger, paying someone a compliment or donating items to a local charity, we can actually help make the world a better and kinder place.

WORLD KINDNESS DAY makes for an excellent discussion topic and also represents a great opportunity to become part of the solution. After discussing the topic, why not challenge your ESL students to perform their own "random acts of kindness" on November 13th? The next day have a follow up discussion about their experiences!

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC OF WORLD KINDNESS DAY BY ESL MADE EASY:

 1. When was the last time you went out of your way to be really kind to someone? What did you do and how did it make you and the other person feel?
2. When was the last time you felt someone went out of their way to be kind to you? What did they do?
3. What might cause some people to "pretend" to be a kind person?
4. Can being kind really make a difference in life? Explain.
5. What could be some negatives associated with being too kind a person?
6. What are some things that could affect someone's ability to be kind? (i.e. weather, money, health...etc)

RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR ESL STUDENTS ON THE TOPIC OF WORLD KINDNESS DAY:

YouTube: Video of 24 Incredible Acts of Kindness
Printable Worksheets: World Kindness Day
Breaking News English: A short reading on a "kindness act" with activities
Random Acts of Kindness: Short motivational stories on acts - of kindness
(ACTIVITY SUGGESTION: Have your students read and discuss while looking at new vocabulary and expressions)
Quote Garden: Kindness Quotations
(ACTIVITY SUGGESTION: Get your students to discuss what each quote could mean)
World Kindness: Some random acts of kindness ideas
The Free Dictionary: Idioms and expressions using the word "kind"
Posted by at 10:59 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Remembrance Day: Peace

  

November 11th, known as Remembrance Day, Veterans Day and even Poppy Day in some parts of the world, is a time to recognize and remember those courageous soldiers, airmen and sailors who died during times of armed conflict. Originally associated with WW1, the scope of this day has since been expanded to acknowledge those who served in other wars as well as those currently serving.

There are a number of key symbols associated with November 11th including the famous war poem from WW1 Flanders Fields Poem (video lesson), the Last Post call, and the Two Minutes of Silence. 
 

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS THAT FOCUS ON PEACE BY ESL MADE EASY:

1. What do the words 'peace' and 'freedom' stand for? Which is more important to you?

2. In what ways do countries try to achieve and maintain peace? What are some of the laws surrounding the concept of peace in your country? 

3. What is your ideal vision of peace in the world? Do you think it is, or will ever be, achievable? Why or why not?

4. What are some characteristics of peaceful people? How can we teach our children to live peaceful lives? If the world was full of just peaceful people, what do you think it would be like?

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC OF REMEMBRANCE/VETERANS DAY:

Activity Village: Activity worksheets on Remembrance Day 
DLKT-Holidays: Remembrance/Veterans Day worksheets for beginners
Bogglesworld ESL: Remembrance/Veterans Day activity worksheets
Bridge Ontario: Flanders Field - poem - beginners - picture vocabulary
MrDonn.Org: What is Remembrance Day PowerPoint
Canadian Reader: A Poppy is for Remembering - full lesson
ISL Collective: 6 Remembrance Day worksheets and activities - donation site
Government of Canada: PDF version of Canada Remembers Times - articles
VA U.S. Government: The History of Veterans Day
Teachnology: Veteran's Day worksheets
Education World: Lesson ideas and activities for Veterans Day
Homeschooling: Printable Veterans Day activity worksheets
Little Red Poppy: Reading and follow up activities
ESLVideo: A Remembrance Day tribute by Bryan Adam with follow up questions
English Gateway: A short fill in the blank exercise on Remembrance Day collocations
ESL-Library: A free listening podcast - Remembrance Day
War Poetry: Remembrance and Peace Event Poems
Altius Directory: Remembrance Day activities (poems and quotes)
Posted by at 6:34 PM 0 comments

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!  

Read More Here >>>
Posted by at 6:45 AM 1 comments

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!

Posted by at 6:42 AM 0 comments

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.

Note: You may want to begin by having students ask YOU questions instead of volunteering information. It's a great time to also review question making too!

See this month's suggested themes and topics here!

Here's a list of some sites offering first few day ideas (you might need to modify if online) and worksheets! 


Whether you're teaching online or in class, all the best for an exciting, successful and most importantly, a rewarding school year!
Posted by at 11:43 AM 0 comments

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! 


Read more about World Oceans Day here!

WARM-UP QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC OF OCEANS 

1. Name the world's five oceans. Which one(s) are closest to your home country?
2. What are some things people do in oceans?  Which ones have you done? Explain. 
3. Why are oceans considered to be one of the world's most important resources?
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:

Fact Monster: Fact table about oceans and seas - get your students to create their own questions!

A fun way to explore the oceans is to watch the ecological drama/documentary, filmed throughout the globe. Classified as part thriller, and part meditation on the vanishing wonders of the sub-aquatic world.
 
Posted by at 12:03 PM 1 comments

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. 

Other noteworthy topics for this month are World Ocean Day, International Sushi Day, the Summer Solstice, World Music Day, and International Anti-Drug Day. 
Posted by at 12:02 PM 0 comments

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:

Test your students on sleep and sleep disorder knowledge. Take the quizzes here.
Posted by at 10:38 AM 0 comments

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!


Depending on where you live, you might want to get your students talking about birds as it's International Migratory Bird Day on May 9th! Other mentionables that might give your students plenty to talk about are World Press Freedom Day, International Nurses Day, World Meditation Day, Purple for Peace Day, Victoria Day (Canada), and Memorial Day (U.S.A).
Posted by at 10:30 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Happy Easter!

 

There's plenty of Easter vocabulary and traditions for your ESL students to learn about this week - starting with Good Friday on Friday, April 2th and Easter Sunday on April 4th. Have your students learn more about this religious celebration as well as the commercial side of Easter including the Easter bunny, chocolate goodies and the joys of Easter egg hunting!



Find recommended links for your ESL students here!


Posted by at 10:07 AM 0 comments

April Themes and Topics

  

It's April and for many of those living in the North, it means warmer temperatures, spring birds and blooming flowers! Get your students starting the month off with a joke or two on April 1st as it's April Fool's Day across the globe followed by EASTER! There's plenty of other spring topics to keep your students busy starting with spring cleaning, spring allergies, spring flowers and spring weather. Get them busy learning more about International Pink Day on April 13th and World Earth Day on April 22nd, too!

Find more ideas on teaching topics this month here!
Posted by at 10:06 AM 0 comments

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

What is International Women's Day? Watch here!

RECOMMENDED LINKS AROUND THE TOPIC OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY:

5 Minute English: Vocabulary and grammar exercise
ESL 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
Posted by at 7:51 AM 2 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)