Humour lowers anxiety, sparks speaking, and makes language stick. Short ESL jokes introduce new vocabulary, highlight wordplay, and train students to use context. Use this guide to add jokes to lessons with purpose. Why Use Jokes in ESL Lessons? How to Use Jokes Effectively 1) Match Jokes to Your Lesson Aim Choose jokes that support…
Pronunciation often gets overlooked in language classes, but it’s one of the key factors that determines whether learners are understood. Good pronunciation boosts intelligibility, listening skills, confidence and natural rhythm. The right classroom activities make pronunciation practice varied, meaningful and enjoyable — not just repetitive drilling. Below are six practical pronunciation activities you can use…
A demo lesson is your moment to stand out as a teacher. In just 20–30 minutes, you need to grab attention, engage students, and prove your teaching methods are effective. This can feel like a lot of pressure, especially for second language (ESL) teachers, but with careful planning and the right techniques, you can turn…
Dreaming of a job where you can work from anywhere, connect with people worldwide, and help others master English? Teaching ESL online is now one of the most flexible and rewarding career paths out there. Whether you want to earn extra cash, start a new profession, or travel while working, there’s an online teaching platform…
Reading is the bedrock of language learning and a powerful tool for developing critical skills in any ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom. While there are countless techniques for nurturing reading abilities, reading aloud stands out as one of the simplest yet most effective strategies for language growth. Still, it’s not without debate. Some…
Why Fun Matters in Adult ESL Learning It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that adults only learn best through serious, textbook-driven lessons. Many language learners and even some teachers think games are just for kids. But this couldn’t be further from the truth—fun and engaging activities are essential for adult learners too….
Why Look Beyond Books for Student Reading? Reading is a major part of learning any language or subject, but not every student gets excited about picking up a thick novel or a standard coursebook. Traditional textbooks and storybooks have their place, but they don’t always match the interests, needs, or daily realities of all learners—especially…
Mastering a new language isn’t just about passing tests or memorizing lists—it’s about being able to communicate, share ideas, and connect with others in real life. Most learners want to speak fluently, not just understand grammar. However, for many, the leap from silent learning to confident conversation is the biggest challenge. Speaking clubs, when run…
Teaching is a great job, but sometimes it can feel boring or too hard. Maybe you’re tired, not excited anymore, or don’t know what to do next. If you’re starting to wonder if you should do something else, you’re not alone. There are many simple ways to feel better and enjoy teaching again. Here are…