Blog
Politeness and distancing
This episode covers the critical language of politeness and distancing when speaking in English. Native speakers of English are particularly susceptible to being offended if we are note careful with how we phrase a request, information and suggestions. This language is especially useful for professionals learning English as a second…
Human Potential lesson idea
This is an original lesson idea on how humanity is pushing the limits. Thanks to technological advances in apparel, equipment and food innovations people are able to accomplish feats never before thought possible. This lesson idea provides some ideas on how to get the your students speaking on this theme…
Ethical Consumption lesson idea
An ESL lesson idea for teachers on this topic should create lots of discussion, different opinions, arguments and plenty of vocabulary words. Perfect for debate scenarios and use of functional language which I discuss in this episode.
Summer Bucket list lesson idea
This episode covers a speaking lesson idea for ESL teachers, especially at the end of a school year or during summer holiday “camp” courses. It provides some great follow up lessons and ideas as well as vocabulary and speaking practice for students. Like this video? Get more videos by submitting…
Reaching a milestone
I’ve done it! 107 chin ups! 20min flat. It took about 18 months to accomplish it and I was in no rush. When I stopped the timer on my watch I raised my fist in victory because it felt like a real accomplishment. But the truth is…. I never once…
I need a break!
Episode 85 is a lesson idea for teachers who want to get their class and students speaking on a common topic but with great variety of vocabulary to encourage the sharing of different preferences and opinions. Vacation, accommodation and the different criteria we have as well as synonyms for recommending,…
Speaking: Rules of Engagement
It’s frustrating when we we feel like people aren’t listening to us, at work, at home or when socializing. This can happen regardless of what language your speaking, your native or second or third. It’s not grammar that is holding you back or necessarily your vocabulary, it helps but it’s…
Proverb series episode: Strike while the iron is hot
This proverb is hot, I mean that it’s popular to use and in so many different situations. Opportunities, opportunities! This episode(84) covers the usage, and how to incorporate it into the classroom for teachers to get their students speaking MORE! Enjoyed this video? The newsletter keeps you update with teacher…
Are you making errors when speaking? GOOD
Are you forgetting words that force you to pause? GOODAre you mispronouncing? GOODUsing the wrong tenses? GOODNot understanding everything that is said? GOODUnable to to write clear emails, in an efficient way? GOODAsked by your superiors to improve your English? GOOD Are people looking frustrated when you speak to them?…
Our expectations determine our satisfaction
Being poor is not having too little, it is wanting more.Seneca You have it and sometimes you might not even realize it. It becomes a subconscious thing but it’s there and it can wreck havoc on you if you let it. Parents have them even if they don’t speak of…