Hello ESL Teachers and Tutors,
Thank you for visiting ESL Teacher, the best blog for teachers developing their trade, and looking for free online lessons and homework to give to their students!
Today let's focus on how to use quizzes to help students learn new vocabulary. The quizzes that I usually give are self graded, so the students don't have any pressure about grades. They are also pop quizzes and don't involve any preparation, so they are a great tool for teacher who needs some extra time enjoying life =)
The quiz below is really good for helping students recall a word they have learned, and practice writing it down. I used to have my tutors do this to help me learn Chinese. It's very effective!
STEPS FOR QUIZ PRACTICE:
1) Have the students close their books and take out paper and a pencil.
2) Tell them to number their paper from 1 to 10 (or how many questions that you have).
3) Tell them to write down the word. You can either say the word (beginner level), describe the word using other words (all levels), or act out the word. I prefer using both descriptions and acting. If you describe the word, be sure to use words that the students will understand!
4) After you are finished with the words, number the board and ask the students for the answers. If you want, you can ask them to spell the word for you and write it as they spell it.
5) Ask the students to grade themselves and ask them to share their score with the class!
Thank you for your visit! I sincerely hope that it was helpful to you!!!
Your fellow ESL teacher,
Meylysa
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Using Sentence Practice to Help Students Learn New Vocabulary
Hello Fellow ESL Teachers and ESL Tutors,
Welcome to ESL Teacher, a web sanctuary for ambitious and caring ESL teachers around the world!
Today I wanted to introduce a simple and yet powerful language teaching technique. When you teach students new words, have them make at least 2 sentences with those words.
This teaching technique is a classic, used in many classrooms and ALWAYS effective. In fact, I used it every time I learned new words in Chinese. I even gave myself this homework and asked my tutors to correct the sentences I made.
CLASSROOM SENTENCE PRACTICE:
1) Have students write 2 sentences for each of the new words they used (especially the verbs!!!) Students may do this for homework, or classwork. Tell the students to make the sentences at least 10 words long, and that they should be two very different sentences.
2) Ask students to share their sentences with the class, and write the sentence - word for word.
3) Once you have 5 or 6 sentences on the board, ask your students to look at the first sentence and tell you if it is a good English sentence...or not. This is fun and challenging, as they have to check the grammar and the meaning! I usually make them choose by a vote. If a student says it is wrong, ask them why.
4) If the sentence is right, tell the class it is right and draw a smiley face or star next to it!
5) If the sentence is wrong, correct it using a different color chalk or marker.
6) Tell the students to write the correct sentence down.
7) Let the students ask you questions.
8) Repeat with the other sentences on the board.
9) If you have more vocabulary to do, then ask the students for more sentences. Write at least one sentence per word.
10) After you've finished all of the sentences, let students ask you if the sentences they wrote (but that you couldn't put on the board) were correct or not. Another option is that you can collect and correct their sentences, this takes some time though.
Do you have any suggestions or other ideas? Let everyone know and leave a comment! Thank you for your visit today!
Your fellow ESL teacher,
Meylysa
Welcome to ESL Teacher, a web sanctuary for ambitious and caring ESL teachers around the world!
Today I wanted to introduce a simple and yet powerful language teaching technique. When you teach students new words, have them make at least 2 sentences with those words.
This teaching technique is a classic, used in many classrooms and ALWAYS effective. In fact, I used it every time I learned new words in Chinese. I even gave myself this homework and asked my tutors to correct the sentences I made.
CLASSROOM SENTENCE PRACTICE:
1) Have students write 2 sentences for each of the new words they used (especially the verbs!!!) Students may do this for homework, or classwork. Tell the students to make the sentences at least 10 words long, and that they should be two very different sentences.
2) Ask students to share their sentences with the class, and write the sentence - word for word.
3) Once you have 5 or 6 sentences on the board, ask your students to look at the first sentence and tell you if it is a good English sentence...or not. This is fun and challenging, as they have to check the grammar and the meaning! I usually make them choose by a vote. If a student says it is wrong, ask them why.
4) If the sentence is right, tell the class it is right and draw a smiley face or star next to it!
5) If the sentence is wrong, correct it using a different color chalk or marker.
6) Tell the students to write the correct sentence down.
7) Let the students ask you questions.
8) Repeat with the other sentences on the board.
9) If you have more vocabulary to do, then ask the students for more sentences. Write at least one sentence per word.
10) After you've finished all of the sentences, let students ask you if the sentences they wrote (but that you couldn't put on the board) were correct or not. Another option is that you can collect and correct their sentences, this takes some time though.
Do you have any suggestions or other ideas? Let everyone know and leave a comment! Thank you for your visit today!
Your fellow ESL teacher,
Meylysa
Oxford Picture Dictionary, 2nd Edition, p. 10 Succeeding in School
Welcome English Students!
Today we are learning about succeeding in school! Do you want to succeed in school? Everyone wants to succeed in learning English, yes? Well, today, open your ESL textbook, The Oxford Picture Dictionary, 2nd Edition, to page 10 and join your English (ESL) teacher Meylysa!
Page 10, Succeeding in School (Part 1 of 2)
Page 10, Succeeding in School (Part 2 of 2)
Page 10, Succeeding in School REVIEW
Try to practice saying the words. Listen to the lesson until you understand it! Do the review at least 1 time everyday until you remember the words!
When you are ready, answer these questions:
Do you want to succeed in school?
What grades do you want to get?
Do you have tests in school?
Do you like tests?
Do you participate in class?
Do you like to ask questions? Why or why not?
If you have questions, then ask your ESL teacher! Thank you for joining the class today!
You're English is AWESOME!!!
Today we are learning about succeeding in school! Do you want to succeed in school? Everyone wants to succeed in learning English, yes? Well, today, open your ESL textbook, The Oxford Picture Dictionary, 2nd Edition, to page 10 and join your English (ESL) teacher Meylysa!
Page 10, Succeeding in School (Part 1 of 2)
Page 10, Succeeding in School (Part 2 of 2)
Page 10, Succeeding in School REVIEW
Try to practice saying the words. Listen to the lesson until you understand it! Do the review at least 1 time everyday until you remember the words!
When you are ready, answer these questions:
Do you want to succeed in school?
What grades do you want to get?
Do you have tests in school?
Do you like tests?
Do you participate in class?
Do you like to ask questions? Why or why not?
If you have questions, then ask your ESL teacher! Thank you for joining the class today!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Teaching With Stories
Hello Fellow ESL Teachers, Tutors and Esteemed Guests!
Welcome to ESL Teacher, a blog dedicated to both ESL teachers and ESL students! Your visit is much appreciated!
Today I wanted to introduce some techniques you can use to teach ESL students with stories.
Teaching Stories Method
1) Have the students watch you and listen as you read the story to them. Be sure that their books are closed and they cannot read the story, only listen to it.
2) Ask the students to rate themselves on how much they understood, either publicly or privately. You can also give them a quiz if you want.
3) Have the students open their books and read it while they listen to you.
4) You can ask them if they understand it better here as well.
5) Have the students read the story together with you.
6) Go back over the story and answer any questions students may have. Explain sections that are more difficult.
7) Have the students take turns around the room reading one sentence each.
8) Have the students pair up and read the story, taking turns switching back and forth reading one sentence each. Then have the students switch so they read the other sentences. Walk around and listen to the students' pronunciation and answer any of their questions.
9) End by repeating steps 1 and 2 and see how much your students improved!
Let me know if you do any awesome techniques when you teach stories!
Thanks for visiting ESL Teacher!
Your fellow ESL teacher,
Meylysa
Welcome to ESL Teacher, a blog dedicated to both ESL teachers and ESL students! Your visit is much appreciated!
Today I wanted to introduce some techniques you can use to teach ESL students with stories.
Teaching Stories Method
1) Have the students watch you and listen as you read the story to them. Be sure that their books are closed and they cannot read the story, only listen to it.
2) Ask the students to rate themselves on how much they understood, either publicly or privately. You can also give them a quiz if you want.
3) Have the students open their books and read it while they listen to you.
4) You can ask them if they understand it better here as well.
5) Have the students read the story together with you.
6) Go back over the story and answer any questions students may have. Explain sections that are more difficult.
7) Have the students take turns around the room reading one sentence each.
8) Have the students pair up and read the story, taking turns switching back and forth reading one sentence each. Then have the students switch so they read the other sentences. Walk around and listen to the students' pronunciation and answer any of their questions.
9) End by repeating steps 1 and 2 and see how much your students improved!
Let me know if you do any awesome techniques when you teach stories!
Thanks for visiting ESL Teacher!
Your fellow ESL teacher,
Meylysa
Oxford Picture Dictionary, 2nd Edition, pp. 28-19, Same and Different
Hello English (ESL) Students!
Welcome to ESL TEACHER!
Today we are studying Same and Different. Open your English (ESL) textbook the Oxford Picture Dictionary, 2nd Editionto pages 28-29 and follow along with your English (ESL) teacher Meylysa. Sometimes I like to be the same as other people, but sometimes I like to be different! How about you?
Practice the lesson. Read the story with your English (ESL) teacher. Listen to the story until you understand all of the words!
Thank you for being such an awesome student!
Your English (ESL) teacher,
Meylysa
pp. 28-29 Same and Different
pp. 28-29 Same and Different REVIEW
Answer questions 1 & 2 from the book in the comments section below!
You are getting so good at English!!!
Welcome to ESL TEACHER!
Today we are studying Same and Different. Open your English (ESL) textbook the Oxford Picture Dictionary, 2nd Editionto pages 28-29 and follow along with your English (ESL) teacher Meylysa. Sometimes I like to be the same as other people, but sometimes I like to be different! How about you?
Practice the lesson. Read the story with your English (ESL) teacher. Listen to the story until you understand all of the words!
Thank you for being such an awesome student!
Your English (ESL) teacher,
Meylysa
pp. 28-29 Same and Different
pp. 28-29 Same and Different REVIEW
Answer questions 1 & 2 from the book in the comments section below!
You are getting so good at English!!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Class Cohesion: How to Keep Everyone Together
Hello Fellow ESL Teachers and Tutors!
Welcome to ESL Teacher, a blog dedicated to improve the teaching and learning of ESL!
Today we are going to discuss how to ensure class cohesion. In other words, how do you get all of your students to focus and pay attention! I'm very excited to hear what other ESL teachers and ESL tutors have to say about this topic, as I'm always interested in learning new techniques.
See these videos for my techniques, and look below for more detailed discussion!
Class Cohesion: Part 1 of 2, Keeping Everyone Together
Class Cohesion: Part 2 of 2, Taking Breaks
If you find your class is not all together try these techniques:
Class Repetition
Have the class repeat what you are teaching, or what a student just said. Have the class repeat until everyone is repeating together.
As an example, when we do introductions, I have each student come to the front of the class and introduce themselves.
1) Each ESL Student takes turn going to the front of the classroom and says "Let me introduce myself. My name's Kim. I'm Korean. I've been in Hawaii for 3 years. I've been coming to the Drop-In Center for 1 year. I'm a housewife"
2) ESL Teacher has the class say "Good morning Kim".
3) ESL Teacher has the class repeat the greeting until everyone in the class is saying it.
4) Feel great knowing your students are learning each others' names, paying attention and saying nice things to each other!
Ask Your Students to Pay Attention
Get one or two students to stop talking amongst themselves by calling out their name and asking them to pay attention. If you use this technique too much, then you may want to examine your teaching style. It could be that your class needs more variety or the level of the classwork needs to be adjusted.
Vary Your Activities
Keep the class focused by changing up what you do and keeping them interested and on their toes.
As an example, in our class, after the introductions, sometimes I ask the students to pair up and ask each other questions. This changes up the dynamic from listening to the person in the front of the room, to actively practicing speaking with a fellow classmate.
1) ESL Teacher has the students write down the following questions: "What's your name? What's your nationality? How long have you been in Hawaii? How long have you been coming to the Drop-In Center? What do you do?"
2) The ESL teacher pairs up the ESL students with other ESL students who don't speak the same language, or who they haven't been paired up with before.
3) The ESL teacher asks the students ask each other the questions and answer the questions.
4) The ESL teacher changes up the student pairings and repeat.
Take Breaks
Proper rest is important to help the ESL teacher stay fresh, and the help the ESL students say alert and active. Also, your students are less likely to get up in the middle of your class to go to the bathroom if you've given them plenty of break time.
As an example, for a 3 hour class, you can take a break every hour for about 10 or 15 minutes. If the class is doing well, you can break in the middle, after an hour and a half, for about 15 minutes.
General Rule of thumb: break every 50 minutes for at least 10 minutes.
Hope this was helpful! Share your techniques in the comments section below! We would really appreciate it =)
Your Fellow ESL Teacher,
Meylysa
Welcome to ESL Teacher, a blog dedicated to improve the teaching and learning of ESL!
Today we are going to discuss how to ensure class cohesion. In other words, how do you get all of your students to focus and pay attention! I'm very excited to hear what other ESL teachers and ESL tutors have to say about this topic, as I'm always interested in learning new techniques.
See these videos for my techniques, and look below for more detailed discussion!
Class Cohesion: Part 1 of 2, Keeping Everyone Together
Class Cohesion: Part 2 of 2, Taking Breaks
If you find your class is not all together try these techniques:
Class Repetition
Have the class repeat what you are teaching, or what a student just said. Have the class repeat until everyone is repeating together.
As an example, when we do introductions, I have each student come to the front of the class and introduce themselves.
1) Each ESL Student takes turn going to the front of the classroom and says "Let me introduce myself. My name's Kim. I'm Korean. I've been in Hawaii for 3 years. I've been coming to the Drop-In Center for 1 year. I'm a housewife"
2) ESL Teacher has the class say "Good morning Kim".
3) ESL Teacher has the class repeat the greeting until everyone in the class is saying it.
4) Feel great knowing your students are learning each others' names, paying attention and saying nice things to each other!
Ask Your Students to Pay Attention
Get one or two students to stop talking amongst themselves by calling out their name and asking them to pay attention. If you use this technique too much, then you may want to examine your teaching style. It could be that your class needs more variety or the level of the classwork needs to be adjusted.
Vary Your Activities
Keep the class focused by changing up what you do and keeping them interested and on their toes.
As an example, in our class, after the introductions, sometimes I ask the students to pair up and ask each other questions. This changes up the dynamic from listening to the person in the front of the room, to actively practicing speaking with a fellow classmate.
1) ESL Teacher has the students write down the following questions: "What's your name? What's your nationality? How long have you been in Hawaii? How long have you been coming to the Drop-In Center? What do you do?"
2) The ESL teacher pairs up the ESL students with other ESL students who don't speak the same language, or who they haven't been paired up with before.
3) The ESL teacher asks the students ask each other the questions and answer the questions.
4) The ESL teacher changes up the student pairings and repeat.
Take Breaks
Proper rest is important to help the ESL teacher stay fresh, and the help the ESL students say alert and active. Also, your students are less likely to get up in the middle of your class to go to the bathroom if you've given them plenty of break time.
As an example, for a 3 hour class, you can take a break every hour for about 10 or 15 minutes. If the class is doing well, you can break in the middle, after an hour and a half, for about 15 minutes.
General Rule of thumb: break every 50 minutes for at least 10 minutes.
Hope this was helpful! Share your techniques in the comments section below! We would really appreciate it =)
Your Fellow ESL Teacher,
Meylysa
Oxford Picture Dictionary, 2nd Edition, p. 27 Shopping
Hello English (ESL) Students!
Today we are learning words for shopping. Do you like to shop? I like to shop for food and for gifts! Open your Oxford Picture Dictionary, 2nd Edition to page 27. Read the top right corner - "Shopping" - with your English (ESL) teacher Meylysa. Enjoy the lesson! Listen, repeat the words and practice often. Questions? Go and ask! Just scroll (go) to the bottom of this post (webpage) and leave a comment.
Tell me what you like to shop for in English!
Your English (ESL) teacher,
Meylysa
Page 27, Shopping, Part 1 of 2
Page 27, Shopping, Part 2 of 2
Page 27, Shopping, Review
You have wonderful English!
Today we are learning words for shopping. Do you like to shop? I like to shop for food and for gifts! Open your Oxford Picture Dictionary, 2nd Edition to page 27. Read the top right corner - "Shopping" - with your English (ESL) teacher Meylysa. Enjoy the lesson! Listen, repeat the words and practice often. Questions? Go and ask! Just scroll (go) to the bottom of this post (webpage) and leave a comment.
Tell me what you like to shop for in English!
Your English (ESL) teacher,
Meylysa
Page 27, Shopping, Part 1 of 2
Page 27, Shopping, Part 2 of 2
Page 27, Shopping, Review
You have wonderful English!
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