English: Prepositions - In, On, At

Expand your English skills with this guide to the prepositions in, on, and at from American English at State.

Let us know what you think!

Teaching English in Japan

Interested in teaching English in Japan? Take a look at this post on gaijinpot.com to gain a good overview on whether you want to explore this career option.

http://blog.gaijinpot.com/teaching-english-japan/

Let us know what you think! Connect with us @C_LaCross

Conference: 11th Asian EFL Journal International TESOL Conference

11th Asian EFL Journal International TESOL Conference

Theme: "Trends in TESOL"

November 28-29-30, 2014

SITE Skills Training

Clark Freeport Zone

Pampanga, Philippines 2023

 

Plenary Speakers

Prof. Rod Ellis

Prof. Roger Nunn

Dr. John Adamson

Prof. Winnie Cheng

 

Please submit your abstract - 250 words and Bio by September 30th.

Let us know what you think! Connect with us @C_LaCross

ESL: Why English so hard to learn

Chris here with a quick picture I came across. This is a nice little collection of some of the inconsistencies of the English language. What other characteristics like this may may English hard to learn?

Let us know what you think! Connect with us @C_LaCross

ELT MOOC on Pronunciation

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I am thankful for online professional development. A great chance for English teachers to learn from from one another is just around the corner.

Starting in just two weeks, November 18th, and ending December 13th there are 24 different teachers are coming together to share different techniques regarding teaching pronunciation.

For example, my presentation, "Pronunciation and the Punchline" will be presenting on different ways to use jokes when teaching pronunciation and why humor (even corny humor) is a great tool to use in class.
 
The MOOC is free to attend and participants who complete at least 4 classes will receive a certificate of participation.
 
Check out the video below for more information.

For more information look into the link here and I hope to see you there.

I'd love to hear if you plan on attending or have any questions. You can tweet me @ESLCarissa, join my group on facebook or just check out my regular blog.

Halloween Body

This is an easy Halloween themed lesson that uses a game similar to battleship  but simpler.

This is designed to practice body parts students normally don't learn. You can alter it to practice easier body parts, or to cover more of the body (ankles, wrists, etc.)

Each of your students will need a dice or a coin and a piece of paper. Give them the following directions:

Roll a dice 5 times and put the results in the spaces below.

Cheeks: ___ Eyebrows: ___ Eyelids: ___  Lips:___ Nostrils: ___

Now that you know how many of each your monster will have go ahead and draw a picture of your monster (add as many arms, legs, tongues, etc. as you like!)

If they don't have a dice have them flip a coin 5 times for each body part and put the number of heads+1 they flipped as the number (or change the chart so it starts with zero and have none be an option).

Once they've draw their monster have them fill out this chart

Once they've done this (like the example below) have them find a partner (but be sure not to show their monster or chart to the partner.

 

Now the students can start playing. They should take turns asking one another, "Does your monster have three eyes?" or "Does your monster have 4 eyelids" etc. The point of the game is to guess the other students monster.

Have fun and Happy Halloween!

I'd love to hear if you use this activity (or something different). You can tweet me @ESLCarissa, join my group on facebook or just check out my regular blog.

Technology: 8 Great Online Resources for ESL/EFL Teachers

8 Great Online resources for ESL/EFL Teachers

Let us know what you think! Connect with us @C_LaCross

One week until the 34th ELT Carnival!

The 34th ELT Blog Carnival is about pronunciation and will be held here!

If we can understand it, should we still correct it?

How to participate?
There are three big ways you can participate!

1. Submit your post that you have written on pronunciation in the ELT field (EFL; ESL, ESP, EAP, etc.) send it my way.
2. Share this post so other people can get involved. The more submissions we have the more everyone can learn!  
3. Check out the finished product September 2nd and learn from all the other English Language Teachers. You can keep track of everything via #eltBlogCarnival on twitter!

To submit your blog you have three options: 

1. Fill out this form.
2. Tweet it to Carissa Peck (@eslcarissa)
3. Use the general ELT Blog Carnival submission form.

Please try to get all submissions in by August 31st!

First Day Introductions

Tomorrow the Foreign Language staff will be introduced to the incoming high school students at their orientation. We were told to make a quick introduction in the language that we teach so the students will get an idea of how this school expects them to learn different languages.

I don't just want to jump out and say, "Hi I am Carissa," but I was told that's basically what is expected (short and sweet). So I decided to change the introduction I usually give the first day of class which should still be under a minute!

 

Normally on the first day I draw a car on the board which is always fun since I am not an artist. I smile until finally someone says something, "What is that a car?"or "Why did you draw a car?" Then I smile, write car under the drawing and move on to the next word. "I am, They are, He....." someone usually shouts out is. As a last clue I usually draw a crude saw and -W. This one usually takes a bit longer, but someone will shout out, "SA." Then I underline CAR IS SA and tell them that is my name.

I made a few changes to the video above. Why? Well, I won't have a white board, or PowerPoint at the orientation so I needed something that I could use without anything else. I also knew I would be working with beginners and I didn't want to stump them all with SA. Plus, using an American flag has the bonus of letting them know where I am from. I plan on having the students who guess correctly stand up and cold the letters after so that is spells out my name at the end.

Why go through all this trouble?

• First off it is fun. 
• Secondly, it makes my name more memorable! Especially in Spanish speaking countries where Clarissa is a much more memorable name. 
• It also acts as a great ice breaker as I can usually get a few students to volunteer to give me their names this way. 
• Most importantly it gets the students used to participating and speaking in English from the first moment I start!

I'd love to know how you introduce your name the first day of class! Leave a comment!

You can read more from Carissa at http://eslcarissa.blogspot.mx/

Bunny Hop your students into knowing directions

Don't pirate! Buy the real song for $0.99!

 We all know I am a HUGE fan of a TPR to help students remember things, feel less stress and enjoy class! This is an easy song to review directions, body parts and get kids moving!

The video below is less three minutes and goes over

1. Why I think this is great for ALL beginners (including adults)
2. An example of the dance with the adapted lyrics I tend to use
3. An example of the dance with the original lyrics

The lyrics essentially are, "Put your left foot forward. Put your right foot out. Do the bunny hop. Hop hop hop." I change them to, "First put out your right foot; then put out your left. Forwards and Backwards. Hop Hop Hop."

This version is great for ANY beginners! Adults will appreciate the classic and kids love the simplicity. The teenagers may be more interested in the hip hop version as hip hop may be a bit more their thing.

In review: If you think that your students need to learn/review words like: forward, backward, hop, left, right and foot. Then this is a simple activity. Also it is an easy activity to be combined with other bunny or spring activities:

• Sweet Little Bunny with a Fly Upon its Nose is a great song to review body parts, adjectives and animals.
• The five Easter Eggs fingerplay reviews emotions
• Teach occupations by dressing up a paper doll bunny and telling a story.

 Whether you use this on its own or with some other TPR activities I am sure your students will enjoy it!

Let us know what you thought! Tweet the writer at @ESLCarissa You can also keep track of this blog with Chris' twitter: @C_LaCross

You can read more from Carissa at http://eslcarissa.blogspot.mx/

English Idioms & Phrasal Verbs with Jose Cuervo

I am not a huge song worksheet teacher. I find that they become too much of a crutch when you can do so many other things. Nonetheless sometimes inspiration strikes and you just can't ignore it!

NOTE: The worksheet and song both include references to alcohol. Please DO NOT use this unless your EFL students are old enough and your school is OK with it.

I repeat THIS SONG MENTIONS ALCOHOL! Please use your best judgement.

This is a simple worksheet where I copied the lyrics and then changed any phrasal verb, idiom, or other word I thought my students wouldn't know. Then I put the words I took out in a word bank. The students need to match the synonym with the original word. I would treat this as a reading exercise and then put the song on to double check their answers.

Next the worksheet checks comprehension by having the students put the events that happen in the song in order.

Finally students are given two different options as a final production task (drawing or writing).

The song is an awesome song for these types of phrases because it is filled with figurative language (can't carry a tune in a bucket, left feet, drown your sorrows, etc). It is country song and I tend to prefer this genre with EFL students. I find the narratives are easier to follow the rhythm slower and the the pronunciation clearer.

Here's a music video you could use in class, or just to listen to the song quickly:

This worksheet (which is just one page, but also includes a one page answer sheet) is available for free on Teachers Pay Teachers. If you don't already have a membership it is FREE just sign up here. If you do download the worksheet please leave a review to tell me what you thought or comment here.

What's your favorite song to use with idioms?  Let us know what you think! Connect with us @C_LaCross or @ESLcarissa


You can read more from Carissa at http://eslcarissa.blogspot.mx/

Balloons? Yes please!

Who doesn't love balloons? Well, my sister is actually afraid of them (Random fact: globophobia is the fear of balloons) 

Other than my sister though balloons are fun! They make us think of parties and other get-togethers. How can you bring the excitement of balloons into the class?

Games

• My college courses often play a review game where they blow up balloons and then divide the class into two groups. The students each take turns coming to the class and popping balloons different randomly selected ways. "Pop the balloon with your butt, against someone else, with your chest, with your hands, etc" Once they did that, they could run to the board and answer a question. If they answer the question correctly their team gets a point. As a teacher I thought it was a waste of time (all the balloon popping really doesn't have much of an educational aspect), but my students loved it! They got SO involved in the class I think it was worth it. I added another aspect, if anyone spoke any language other than English their team lost a 1 point.
• There's a great game on reviewing categories with balloons here Essentially balloons are treated as whiteboards and students have to fill them with different vocabulary words. There's a similar game involving balloons without helium here (it is essentially a volleyball game).

Visuals

• If you are reading from a book or having them listen to a tape script where students may be confused about who says what use balloons to distinguish. Write the names on the different colored balloons and hold the appropriate balloon up when the appropriate person is talking.
• Learning emotions? Draw faces on balloons! Students LOVE it :-)
• Add some fun to group work! When checking multiple choice quizzes have students review their answers in a group and then hold up a colored balloon to indicate their choice (A-red, B-yellow, C-orange, D-white)

Review Game! Have your students review with a snow fight!

I remember in high school one teacher, who I can't remember exactly...either an English or History teacher, had us push the desk and chairs to each side of the class making two "trenches." We balled up old quizzes, tests, and homework, and for about five minutes threw the paper balls back and forth at each other. I can't remember the point of the lesson, but I do remember it was lots of fun! So when Lee Adams told me about a review activity he played involving balled up paper I was hooked. He thinks he got it from The Accelerated Learning Handbook.

1. Basically each student gets a piece of scratch paper (be it homework that you accidentally photocopied with a typo and it thus is trash or any other one side free page). I often tell them they can use old math or chemistry assignments to get more of a cathartic relief. 
2. On the paper they legibly write a question in English from something that we covered (or that I have told them will be on the test). 
3. They each ball up the piece of paper and wait.
4. Once everyone is ready set a timer for 30 seconds (if you have an IWB or projector I suggest the bomb countdown). 
5. Let chaos break out as the students have 30 seconds to pelt the "snowballs" at one another (and probably the teacher too).
6. When the timer goes off they have to grab the "snowball" closest to them. 
7. The teacher takes turns calling on volunteers to read their question and come up with the answer.

 As always, I can think of a few alternatives

• Make the snowballs yourself. Now this is one less step for the students, but if you have specific things you want covered it may be better. Hand out the paper as though it were a one page quiz and then tell the students to ball it up! That will make them happy :-)
• Make it a competition. My teenagers LOVE competing against one another. So do like my high school teacher did. Divide the class into two groups. At the end if they answer their review question right, their team gets 10 points. If they don't get it right, let their team help them out and if as a team they are correct they get 5 points. (Let the other team steal after that for 5 points i f you wish)
• Code it! Give each student a different color paper (or save the planet and use scratch paper that you've put different symbols onto). Tell them that a blue (or smiley face) paper is vocabulary, a green (or star) is relative clauses, a red (or circle) is short story, etc. That way they are still writing the questions, but you can promise a variety of categories at least. 
• Use it for new vocabulary or grammar. Have them write a sentence with a blank for the voab word (or draw a picture of the vocabulary word) OR have them write an example of the new grammar and the student has to guess the grammar (or vice versa, they write the grammar topic and the student would need to give a sample sentence).

So there we go, a great way to get the blood pumping in your class!

If you are looking for another easy, no prep and fun game like Flyswatter.

Would you use this in your class? Would you change it first? What other ideas does it give you?

Video Games, better than teachers?

I often frequent sites such as 9gag for funny graphics and comics to use in class. Recently I came across this gem which states, "Video Games Teach English since 1980's better than English Teachers..."

First of all, I feel like it should be "the 1980's2 but that may just be being picky.

There is some truth to the fact that people tend to learn language very well through video games. I have a friend who went to a very good school, but claims she really learned all her English from World of Warcraft.

Do I think that video games are better than teachers? No! Of course not. However, they are fun, engaging, repetitive, and a great way to pick up fluency. 

Second Life has great success with some free learning opportunities. Check out some here

For example there's the British Isle here:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BritishCouncil%20Isle/226/126/40

Cyprus which has English speaking volunteers http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wellston/166/87/23

The Learning Expereince: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Makani%20Cove/145/36/22

Jobs: English Teacher at Clark University

Clark University seeks an outstanding teacher-scholar with successful experience teaching urban youth, a commitment to research that creates useable knowledge in and for practice, thorough knowledge of literacy development, academic literacy, and related practice at the secondary level, and knowledge of English language learning. A strong candidate also will be a proven collaborator, expected to work closely with colleagues from the Adam Institute for Urban Teaching and School Practice and the Hiatt Center for Urban Education and with teachers from longstanding partner schools, including the award-winning University Park Campus School. Responsibilities will include teaching courses in the areas of literacy development, English language learning, and urban teaching to both pre-service and in-service teachers, and conducting research relevant to urban teaching and learning.  Additional interest or expertise would be valued in areas such as: National Writing Project, critical pedagogies, and culturally-informed teaching and curriculum. Appointment as an assistant professor requires a doctorate in education or a related field prior to August 31, 2013.

This tenure-line position is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to Clark’s focused effort to combine research and practice in urban education (see http://www.clarku.edu/departments/education/). Send cover letter, CV, and letters of recommendation from at least three references to Education Literacy Search, Human Resources, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610 or email resumes@clarku.edu. Application review will begin on December 3, 2012 and continue until the position is filled.

Jobs: Assistant Professor at Southern Methodist University

The Department of Teaching and Learning in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development of Southern Methodist University invites applications for a tenure-earning position at the Assistant Professor level to begin in the fall of 2013. Responsibilities include teaching, research, and service, with a reduced teaching assignment and correspondingly high expectations for research.  While an appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor tenure track is anticipated, extraordinary candidates at all levels will be considered.

Qualifications include a commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching and a strong potential for developing an externally funded research program. Candidates should have an earned doctorate in education or a related field.  Teaching experience at the elementary or secondary level is desirable.  Interested applicants should submit their application package through the online system: https://secure.interfolio.com/apply/17748 <https://secure.interfolio.com/apply/17748> .

Requests for more information should be addressed to the search committee chair, Dr. Paige Ware, at pware@smu.edu. If necessary, an application may be sent via mail to the search committee chair at P.O. Box 750455, Dallas, Texas, 75275-0455.

Application: The application package should include the following: 1) a letter of application detailing interest and qualifications for the position; 2) a current vita; 3) unofficial graduate transcripts; 4) 2 writing samples in the form of published articles or manuscripts submitted for publication; and 5) three letters of recommendation.  Letters of recommendation can be sent from the author directly to pware@smu.edu   or via mail to the address above.

To ensure full consideration for the position (#53464), applicants should submit their application package by December 15.  The committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

News: Chinese parents spend more each year on learning English

Increasingly, Chinese parents are investing in English education for their children, with some even spending more than $1,500 a year on lessons. Several of these programs use American textbooks and curricula as well as some which hire native English speakers from other countries to teach students. "It is expensive, but worth it," parent Zhang Xue said. You can read more about this increasing trend via the article linked below:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2012-11/03/content_15871639.htm

EFL: Weather lesson videos

Chris here again with some additional video clips featuring our teachers demonstrating parts of their new and improved lesson on weather. We noticed a large improvement in the teachers' abilities to plan lessons implement effective and enjoyable lessons in a very short amount of time. Presentations were followed with class discussion and feedback sessions.

Family Members with Pumpkins

Looking for an easy activity to bring Halloween to the class? Try this classic poem about five little pumpkins. If you have any students who aren't allowed to study holidays change witches to leaves and "Boo, It's Halloween YAY" to "It's time to play!
 

A family of pumpkins sitting on a gate.
The mommy said, "Oh, my it's late!"
The daddy said, "I don't care!"
The sister said, "There are witches in the air!"
The brother said, "Let's run away!"
And the baby said, "Boo! It's Halloween. Yay!"
Then Whoooooosh... went the wind,
And out went the light!
And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.

For sample worksheets along with a lesson look here

EFL: Role-play videos

Chris here again. We have uploaded a couple of videos of our teachers using a role-play activity as part of their lesson plan preparation. This group in particular really enjoyed this type of activity and successfully used it later on during their lesson demonstration.

How do you use role-plays in your classroom?