Reading aloud in class is a topic that sparks plenty of debate among language teachers. While some see it as a cornerstone of developing fluency, others view it as unnecessary or even counterproductive for many learners. Personally, I believe reading aloud can be a valuable tool when used purposefully and with the right students, particularly […]
For B1-level students, the challenge lies in striking the right balance: ensuring the vocabulary is accessible but still engaging and new. Vocabulary activities should help students make connections between the text and their own language use, while also deepening their understanding of the story. Here are some ideas I’ve used to build vocabulary activities for […]
My students are all private clients with busy lives, so I prefer to make homework optional. This way, when it is completed, it’s a pleasant surprise. For this course, since students are already tasked with reading chapters and occasionally writing summaries, it’s even more important to keep additional homework optional.
When studying a text, it can be challenging to decide which grammatical structures to focus on. This often depends on the level of the course. Some teachers I’ve spoken to feel it’s reductionist to tackle grammar in texts, arguing for a more ‘Language Arts’ approach. I disagree. The beauty of using texts with students lies […]
Key to working with chapter books as a class is ensuring that everyone keeps up with the reading. It sounds simple, but in practice, it’s not! However enthusiastic students might be, there’s always someone who hasn’t managed to do the homework or has missed a class.
I’ve twice been asked to design a short online course based on Harry Potter for B1 and A2 teenage learners. However, with no graded reader available and parental expectations focused on the “real book,” I’m unsure how advisable a course would be.
This year, I have participated in several Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses. While these courses have been beneficial in numerous ways—such as networking with other teachers, acquiring new strategies, and boosting my confidence—the most significant benefit has been experiencing the classroom from a student’s perspective. Key Reflections from a Student’s Perspective Engaging in CPD courses […]
English spelling is notoriously complex because it is influenced by multiple systems. Understanding these systems can help teachers explain spelling patterns and irregularities more effectively.
What is hedging?
Formatting references and citations correctly is a crucial skill for EAP students, yet many find it challenging to remember the proper formats. In this post, we will explore common issues students face with referencing and citations and provide an outline for a lesson activity designed to help reinforce these skills using multi-modal strategies.