After reviewing the ESL course books Language to Go, New Cutting Edge and New Headway, I found it very interesting how each text offered creativity in their approach that I can see would benefit different learning styles and goals. However, from a teacher’s perspective and in prioritising student learning, New Cutting Edge is the preferred text. […]
For grammar or vocab practise, any level. 1-1 tutoring, tutor can play with the S. T prepared list of questions, or a dice with grammar cues. T briefly revises the grammar point to be practised, with the Ss. Draw a 4x4 grid on the board, mark the rows A-D and the columns 1-4. […]
Tic Tac Toe Resources: whiteboard, prepared questions Level: Any Level Teacher's instructions: Draw a grid of nine squares on the whiteboard and write a number on each square (1 to 9). Prepare the questions and set one question for each number relating to the grammar point to be taught. Divide the class into two […]
Linking Q&A Teacher comments: This is a whole class interactive grammar activity with question and answer cards. Everyone will have a go at identifying correct answers, reading answers and questions out loud. Make sure you use up all cards to link the thread. This means that all students receive at least one card […]
This is a great way to review vocabulary or material from previous classes. You must split the students into 2 teams. Then, choose number (6) to be the BOMB! Ask one student at a time from each team to do a pre-designated task (like saying a sentence with a vocabulary word, spelling a word, etc.). […]
Verb Review Game
Level: Any Level
This game can be played in teams or individually, depending on the size end knowledge of the students.
Step 1:The teacher gives the students 5 minutes to review a list of both regular and irregular verbs. Step 2:Then the teacher writes something like this on the board : "things we do with our feet" Step 3:The students then have exactly one minute to write all the verbs related to this topic, such as: walk, kick, dance, run, jump, etc. Step 4:After the time is up, the teacher checks the students' lists of verbs. Each verb counts for one point. Any verbs appearing in more than one list are eliminated. Then the teacher writes another topic on the board, "things we do with our mouth", for instance. The student or team with the most points is the winner.
NOTE:This game can be used to review verbs, adjectives, nouns, tense etc.
Here is an enjoyable activity for any grammar points or vocabulary words. It can be used to energize a bored class or review a lesson. This activity (Football) is suitable for any student level to enhance their skills. It provides lots of opportunities for listening and speaking. Materials: 1. Whiteboard/blank sheet 2. Whiteboard markers/pens 3. […]
'What Is The Cat Doing?' is suitable for one on one, small group and even large groups. Resources: Either a toy cat or a picture of a cat on a card (will have to printed onto at least an A4 piece of card so that it is easily seen by students). Have objects or […]
Resources: 1. Cards for individual words to be written on. 2. Paper clips to keep groups of words per sentence together. 3. Envelopes 4. Red and Black Pens and A4 lined paper 5. White board and Black and Red whiteboard marker Sample Sentences eg a) […]
I have to say that after reviewing Language to Go, New Cutting Edge and New Headway, I could see the merit in using any of them with each one possessing certain attributes that would be fun to use in a lesson. However, the book that stood out for me was New Cutting Edge. I really like the layout, the use of colour and I found the illustrations fun and engaging, modern and culturally inclusive. Trying to see it from my students point of view, opening a work book that is text heavy and looks very academic may for some, be off putting. I think each module has a relevant theme and enough material to keep students interested. The lessons encourage group and pair work to keep the students conversing but also allows for nt work. To encourage motivation, there is ample opportunity to practice and consolidate their learning with the 'Study, Practice, Remember, section and mini checks so they can monitor their progress. Unlike New Headway, the readings are not too long and I think that the different learning styles and skills are incorporated within each module. I like the inclusion of the mini dictionary, language summary, irregular verb list and the tape script at the back of the book. All in all I think this book provides adequate support for both teacher and student.