Does grammar matter? - Andreea S. Calude Spoken language has been neglected and marginalized for much of our history on account of its perceived inferiority in comparison to written language. Written language was historically regarded as the language of the ‘learned,’ given that few people could read or write. It also had permanence (written records can be preserved for hundreds of years, and it is only recently that speech recordings became an achievable technology for most of us), and it was thought to be of a higher standard and quality (often summed up as having “better” or more “correct” grammar). We all know that languages differ with respect to their grammar – we have all tried to learn another language only to be baffled not just by new vocabulary but also by the order and other quirks of how that language organizes its vocabulary – but what can and what does actually vary? The person who pioneered the idea of a ‘language universal’ is Joseph Greenberg.
Teaching Tips: Summer School for English Language Learners The summer is a great time to work with English language learners! During summer school, you can focus on individual student needs, help students catch up, and prepare them for the following school year. The time is short, though, so it's important that students spend as much time as possible in meaningful and engaging activities. Here are some ideas to get you started, as well as tips for differentiating instruction since you are likely to work with students at varying levels. Most strategies are geared towards elementary ELLs, although many can be adapted for older students. Student Age/Level Before jumping into assessment and instruction, it's important to remember that lessons during the summer may need to be adjusted to the age/grade level of students. Develop a shortened version of a schedule that mimics one at their grade level(s). Informal Assessment Next, I do some quick informal assessments to gauge student ability in the following areas: Academic Skills Writing Math Books Fiction
Word Booster. Un générateur d’exercices en anglais – Les Outils Tice Word Booster est un étonnant outil tice qui devrait intéresser tous les enseignants d’Anglais ainsi que leurs élèves et étudiants. Il s’agit d’une étrange moulinette automatique qui va générer une liste de mots et des exercices associés à partir de n’importe quelle page web. WordBooster demande assez peu d’efforts pour obtenir en trente secondes montre en main à partir d’un texte en anglais trois fichiers PDF prêts à servir pour élargir votre vocabulaire d’anglais et le mémoriser. Il suffit pour cela de fournir une url qui conduit à votre texte source. Le premier fichier contient le texte intégral soumis à la moulinette. Le troisième fichier offre lui un quiz complet sous le forme d’un texte à trous et de questions où il va falloir utiliser à bon escient les mots de la liste. Un petit utilitaire sympa qui aide ainsi à la création automatique de listes de vocabulaire et d’exercices associés. WordBooster est un outil gratuit. Lien: WordBooster.
100 English Synonyms to Expand Your Vocabulary – Espresso English A synonym is a word with the same or a similar meaning as another word. For example, the words big and large are synonyms. Buy and purchase are also synonyms – although we tend to use “buy” in a more informal context, and “purchase” in a more formal context. Keep in mind that some synonyms in the list below might not be “perfect” synonyms – there may be slight differences in meaning and connotation. Synonyms are often used in different collocations, too. Powerful, potent, and firm are synonyms for strong. If you’re not sure how to use the synonyms below – or if you want to see example sentences – check this dictionary and this sample sentence search! Synonyms for SMART Audio Playerbrightsharpbrilliantastutewise Synonyms for STUPID Audio Playerdumbidioticdimwittedslowdense Synonyms for ESSENTIAL Audio Playercrucialcriticalvitalintegralindispensable Synonyms for IRRELEVANT Audio Playerinconsequentialuselessmeaninglesstrivialinsigificant Synonyms for EXCELLENT Synonyms for ACCEPTABLE Synonyms for NEW
Food and recipes - some activities to improve English using digital tools Talking about food and recipes can help ESL learners improve their: food related vocabularyoral skills (brainstorming, discussion, giving instructions)written skills (describing and giving instructions)knowledge of different cultures (learning foreign recipes, food and traditions)healthy habits Here's a great site with exercises and activities about cooking and kitchens: Some printables: Cooking worksheets: Vocabulary about cooking: Some British recipes: Recipes and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner): Cuisines by country: Students' task Choose one recipe and prepare it at home. Recipe calculator to calculate the nutritional information of a recipe: Healthy food to prevent heart disease (British Heart Foundation): What do you do to keep yourself fit? You have a lot of information about food and cooking, now. Click on the image to open Create your own web magazine with Glossi!
Teaching Unplugged - Activities The subject you choose can literally be anything in the world but to start off think about the following: Chewing the fat! This is the true Dogme ELT approach. You don’t go in with your idea of the subject of the lesson but you take your lead from your group of students. Don’t be afraid to simply ask your students what they did at the weekend or how their journey was to class. A task in which students need to work together to come to a conclusion (task-based learning) If a shop or restaurant has closed down nearby ask students to decide what they think should replace it. You’re thinking of watching a film in English in class. Opinions and debates Start students off on any controversial topic you think will create discussion. Create an experience Walk in silence round a nearby park or round the building where the lesson takes place. Topics that may spark anecdotes My scar. Was it because you were interested?
10 Best Grammar Resources for Students - Grammarly Blog Something great happened on March 4, 2008. Martha Brockenbrough, through The Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar, established National Grammar Day in the United States. It’s a day to celebrate all that grammar does. 1 Apps English grammar—yes, there’s an app for that too. 2 Movies Actors can make you laugh, cry, and master challenging parts of speech! 3 Media There’s good news for English language learners. 4 Video Visual learners will benefit most from video lectures. 5 Podcasts and Radio Broadcasts Smartphones make it possible to take your learning on the go. 6 Games Games are useful resources for learners who have a short attention span. 7 Music Have you ever caught yourself humming a song that you don’t particularly like? 8 Online Courses If you prefer the systematic approach, consider an online course. 9 Websites What can’t you find online? 10 Books Sure, you can read a grammar guidebook. March fourth is quickly approaching.
9 mistakes you need to stop making with your teaching | TESOL Having been a teacher trainer for a few years now, I’ve had opportunities to observe and reflect on the good and bad things teachers do in the classroom (including my own teaching skills!) while looking back on those first terrifying (and exhilarating) teaching years with a more experienced eye, and maintaining an understanding of that first foray into teaching and identifying common mistakes teachers make. I’ve asked my fellow trainers what they’ve observed and here’s a list we’ve come up with. 1. The best-planned lessons often come from a clear understanding of target language, with a strong context for its use. An example of a good lesson aim would be: By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to use the present perfect simple tense, related to travel experiences, and to speak for fluency by extending answers in a conversation. 2. That feeling of stepping into the classroom can often evoke two different reactions, with the same result. 3. 4. 5. Are my main and sub aims clear? 6.