Best Apps For Esl Elementary Students

When it comes to teaching English as a foreign language in elementary schools, having the right qualifications and training is essential. There are several TEFL courses available that can help prepare you for this specific teaching environment. One of the best TEFL courses for teaching in elementary schools is the 120-hour TEFL certification course with a specialization in young learners. This course is designed to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to young learners, specifically those in elementary school. The curriculum typically covers topics such as classroom management techniques, lesson planning for young learners, incorporating games and activities into lessons, and assessing young learners' progress. The 120-hour TEFL certification...  [Read more]

  This video looks at the difficulties students have when learning modal auxiliary verbs. The number of usages and the modal auxiliary verbs that can be used for various usages often bring about problems for the students. Also, the structure of sentences with modal auxiliary verbs can be confusing. Watch this video to understand all the difficulties students face with modal auxiliary verbs. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This was an extremely...  [Read more]

  There are many different types of books that are useful in ESL teaching and these fall into three main categories: book series, general teaching theory books, and activity books. The best books for a teacher will depend entirely upon the situation they find themselves in and there is no ‘one answer fits all’ solution.  [Read more]

Assessing students in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a crucial aspect of the teaching and learning process. Effective assessment practices not only help teachers gauge students' progress and understanding but also provide valuable feedback for both students and teachers to enhance the learning experience. Here are some best practices for assessing TEFL students: 1. **Use a Variety of Assessment Methods**: It's essential to employ a mix of assessment methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences. These can include traditional tests, quizzes, projects, presentations, role-plays, and group activities. By diversifying assessment techniques, teachers can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of students' language proficiency. 2. **Align Assessments with...  [Read more]

The market for ESL teaching books is very large and all the major publishers have some form of involvement in the production and selling of these resources. There are many different types of books and resources that are used in ESL teaching and we will consider three main categories. 1) Book series 2) General teaching theory books 3) Activity resources There are a number of well known book series. These are specifically written for the ESL teaching market and are generally set at the five levels most often taught. These levels are Starter or Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Upper-Intermediate. A typical book series at each level will contain three books. These are the teacher book, student book and resources book (or similar names). The teacher book gives an...  [Read more]

When considering the best TEFL course for teaching in high schools, it is essential to prioritize courses that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of older students. High school students have a higher proficiency level compared to younger learners, so the TEFL course should focus on advanced language skills, academic vocabulary, critical thinking, and preparation for standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. One of the most highly recommended TEFL courses for teaching in high schools is the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) offered by Cambridge English. The CELTA course is widely recognized and respected by high schools around the world, as it provides practical training in teaching English to older students and adults. The CELTA course...  [Read more]

  There are many different types of groups of students that you will encounter when teaching English as a foreign language. This video introduces you to the five different types of student groups. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit discussed the different forms of the past tense of English language verbs. It was pretty straightforward in addressing the past tense, discussing the past simple, the past continuous, the past perfect, and the...  [Read more]

Teaching English vocabulary effectively is crucial in helping students become proficient in the language. There are various strategies and techniques that can be employed to enhance vocabulary learning. Here are some of the best ways to teach English vocabulary: 1. **Contextual Learning**: One of the most effective ways to teach vocabulary is through contextual learning. This involves introducing new words in meaningful contexts such as sentences, paragraphs, or dialogues. By providing context, students can better understand the meaning and usage of the new words. 2. **Word Associations**: Encouraging students to create associations between new words and their meanings can aid in vocabulary retention. This can be done through mind maps, word webs, or semantic mapping exercises where...  [Read more]

  As there are many different reasons for learning the English language, there is no typical classroom environment for ESL teachers. Depending on the employer, your class could be full of five-year-old children, university students, or executives from the corporate world.  [Read more]

  "ESL teacher" can be used to describe various situations as teachers in this field work in a wide range of environments and teach vastly different groups of students. However, the common purpose of every ESL teacher is to help people to improve their ability to speak and write in English.  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, having access to a variety of resources can greatly enhance your teaching effectiveness and student engagement. Here are some of the best resources for TEFL teachers: 1. **Online TEFL Platforms**: Websites like TEFL.org and i-to-i TEFL offer a wealth of resources including lesson plans, activities, and teaching tips. These platforms often have forums where teachers can share ideas and support each other. 2. **ESL Websites**: Websites such as ESL Library and Breaking News English provide ready-made lesson plans, worksheets, and activities for all levels of English learners. These resources are often updated regularly to keep lessons fresh and relevant. 3. **Teacher Blogs**: Many experienced TEFL teachers share their insights and resources on blogs. Websites like...  [Read more]

In the same way that we would expect our surgeon, dentist or airline pilot to have undertaken some training, our students of English might also expect their teachers to be trained and competent. What does it mean that our English teacher is competent? Possibly there are two major components to the answer: 1. The teacher has adequate subject knowledge. 2. The teacher has some classroom delivery skills. First you need to find a course that offers these components. While many native English speakers have learned the rules of English grammar sub-consciously as part of their language development, this does not give them the necessary subject knowledge required to teach English. So both native English speakers (NES) and non-native English speakers (NNES) should have some background knowledge of...  [Read more]

In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in education, including TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) classrooms. Integrating technology into lessons can enhance language learning, engage students, and provide opportunities for interactive and dynamic teaching. TEFL teachers can effectively incorporate various forms of technology to create a more immersive and effective learning experience for their students. One way TEFL teachers can integrate technology into their lessons is by using interactive whiteboards or smart boards. These tools allow teachers to display multimedia content, interactive activities, and online resources to engage students visually and audibly. Teachers can use interactive whiteboards to present language exercises, videos, audio clips, and...  [Read more]

To make TEFL lessons more engaging for special needs students, it is essential to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that caters to their unique needs and abilities. Here are some strategies to consider: 1. **Differentiated Instruction**: Tailor your lessons to accommodate various learning styles and abilities. Provide multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement to cater to diverse needs in the classroom. 2. **Visual Aids and Manipulatives**: Use visual aids, such as flashcards, charts, and pictures, to support understanding and retention of new vocabulary and concepts. Incorporating hands-on activities and manipulatives can also enhance learning for students with special needs. 3. **Sensory Activities**: Engage students through sensory activities that...  [Read more]

Integrating multimedia into your TEFL lessons can greatly enhance the learning experience for your students by making the lessons more engaging, interactive, and effective. There are several ways you can incorporate multimedia into your teaching, including using videos, audio clips, online resources, and interactive activities. Here are some tips on how to effectively integrate multimedia into your TEFL lessons: 1. **Use videos:** Videos are a powerful tool for teaching English as a foreign language. You can use videos to introduce new vocabulary, demonstrate grammar rules, or spark discussions. Choose videos that are relevant to your lesson objectives and appropriate for your students' language level. Pause the video at key points to ask comprehension questions or discuss the content. 2....  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English in an alternative education setting, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you are ready to meet the unique challenges and opportunities this environment presents. First and foremost, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the specific goals and objectives of the alternative education program where you will be teaching. This may involve meeting with program administrators, reviewing curriculum materials, and observing classes to gain a better understanding of the student population and their learning needs. Next, consider the diverse range of teaching strategies and methodologies that are effective in alternative education settings. These may include project-based learning, experiential learning, and differentiated instruction to meet the...  [Read more]

  Before we move on to the planning of a lesson for speaking skills, something that we need to look at first is the idea of the accuracy versus the fluency of speaking. Accuracy relates to the correct usage of grammar and vocabulary, whereas fluency relates to our ability to continue speaking without any interruption. Now, ultimately within a whole ESA lesson or within language learning itself fluency and accuracy are equally important. Within an ESA lesson, however, depending upon which stage we're at in that lesson, then we're either focusing on accuracy or we're focusing on fluency. Remember in the ESA lesson, in the study phase, this is where we're looking at the target language where we're doing our language learning, so it's very important in this stage that we focus on the...  [Read more]

To make your TEFL classes more engaging for all age groups, it is essential to incorporate a variety of interactive activities and teaching methods. For young learners, games, songs, and hands-on activities can be highly effective in keeping them engaged and motivated. For teenagers, using multimedia resources, such as videos and music, can help maintain their interest. Adults, on the other hand, may appreciate more practical and real-life based activities that are relevant to their interests and goals. Incorporating technology into your lessons can also make them more engaging for all age groups. Utilizing online resources, interactive whiteboards, and educational apps can help create a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Additionally, incorporating a mix of individual, pair,...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in urban settings, it is important to consider a course that provides practical skills and strategies tailored to the unique challenges and dynamics of urban classrooms. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to the best TEFL course for urban settings, there are several key factors to consider when choosing the most suitable program. First and foremost, look for a TEFL course that offers specialized training in teaching English to diverse populations. Urban classrooms often consist of students from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, so having a strong foundation in cross-cultural communication and understanding is essential. Courses that include modules on multicultural education, addressing language barriers,...  [Read more]

To improve your TEFL teaching skills, there are several key areas you can focus on. First and foremost, gaining a deeper understanding of English grammar and syntax is crucial. This will enable you to explain language rules more effectively to your students and help them grasp the nuances of the language. Secondly, developing strong classroom management techniques is essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment. This includes setting clear expectations, providing engaging activities, and managing student behavior effectively. Furthermore, enhancing your knowledge of teaching methodologies and approaches will allow you to adapt your lessons to meet the diverse needs of your students. Familiarize yourself with communicative language teaching, task-based learning, and...  [Read more]

Creating engaging online TEFL lessons is essential for keeping your students motivated and interested in learning English. Below are some key strategies and tips to help you design dynamic and interactive lessons that will captivate your students and enhance their language learning experience. First and foremost, it's important to vary your lesson formats to cater to different learning styles and preferences. Incorporate a mix of activities such as videos, interactive quizzes, games, role-plays, and group discussions to keep your students engaged and interested in the lesson content. Another effective strategy is to make your lessons relevant and relatable to your students' interests and everyday lives. Incorporate real-life scenarios, topics, and materials that are meaningful to your...  [Read more]

Effective classroom management is crucial for creating a positive and productive learning environment in a TEFL classroom. Here are some common techniques that TEFL teachers can use to manage their classrooms effectively: Establishing clear expectations: Setting clear and consistent rules and expectations from the beginning helps students understand what is expected of them and reduces the likelihood of disruptions. Creating a positive classroom environment: Building a positive and supportive atmosphere where students feel safe and respected encourages active participation and engagement in the learning process. Using positive reinforcement: Acknowledging and praising good behavior can motivate students to continue behaving positively and can help build a strong rapport between the teacher...  [Read more]

  Valentina is a proud graduate of ITTT's 120-hour online TEFL course with videos and tutor support. Watch this TEFL review video to hear Valentina talk about how the course helped her to develop her teaching skills. One of the main advantages of ITTT's online TEFL courses is their flexibility, allowing you to work at your own pace in your time. This makes it easy to fit your study around your prior commitments and allowing you to gain certification without having to take time off work. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can...  [Read more]

  In this lesson Iban covers the future perfect tense. After warming the students up with a memory game, he moves onto to present the lesson. He ends the lesson with activities to give the students practice using the language point he has taught. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Prior to unit 11 and unit 12, I have always thought of Listening and Speaking as one skill set while Reading and writing as another skill set. After both these unit, it...  [Read more]

  Zeki is from Turkey and currently working as an English teacher in Mongolia. He enjoyed working through the units and especially found the grammar units very useful. He highly recommends this certification course for anyone interested in teaching abroad. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit's main focus was on ways of teaching. It specifically focused the Engage, Study and Activate approach and its different varieties. I really liked...  [Read more]

To create an effective TEFL teaching framework, you should consider including the following components: 1. **Language Skills Development**: Start by outlining how you will address the four language skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Include strategies for each skill, such as interactive activities, group discussions, and language practice exercises. 2. **Grammar and Vocabulary**: Detail how you will introduce and reinforce grammar rules and vocabulary. This can involve using games, exercises, and real-life examples to make learning more engaging and practical for students. 3. **Cultural Awareness**: Incorporate lessons or discussions on cultural aspects of the English language, such as idioms, slang, and social norms. This helps students understand the language in...  [Read more]

To improve your TEFL teaching skills, there are several strategies and techniques you can implement. Firstly, it's essential to continue your professional development by attending workshops, conferences, and training courses specifically designed for TEFL teachers. These opportunities can provide you with new teaching methods, resources, and insights into the latest trends in the field. Another effective way to enhance your skills is to seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or even your students. Constructive feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and build on your strengths as a teacher. Additionally, observing other experienced TEFL teachers in action can offer valuable insights and inspiration for your own teaching practice. Incorporating technology into your teaching...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word rhadamanthine. This word is used as an adjective and means showing inflexible judgment. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This lesson used two video examples of classes in order to show the difference between good teaching techniques and poor teaching techniques. The lesson essentially shows what would happen if you teach a class properly, and how well the students can understand what...  [Read more]

As a seasoned TEFL instructor, incorporating advanced teaching strategies can significantly enhance your classroom instruction and student engagement. Here are some advanced TEFL teaching strategies that can help you take your teaching to the next level: 1. **Differentiated Instruction**: Tailoring your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of your students is essential for effective learning. Use a variety of techniques such as group work, individual assignments, and multimedia resources to cater to different learning styles and abilities in your classroom. 2. **Task-Based Learning**: Encourage students to learn through real-life tasks and activities that require problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This approach fosters active participation and helps students develop...  [Read more]

To improve your TEFL teaching effectiveness, there are several strategies you can implement in your classroom. First and foremost, it is essential to establish a positive and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable and motivated to participate. This can be achieved through various means, such as using icebreakers, incorporating group activities, and providing constructive feedback. Another key aspect of effective TEFL teaching is lesson planning. It is crucial to have well-structured and engaging lesson plans that cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of your students. This includes setting clear learning objectives, incorporating a variety of activities and materials, and allowing for flexibility to adapt to the students' pace and understanding....  [Read more]