Category ESL trailblazer videos

Academic writing: being cautious

Academic writing in English

Freshen Up Fridays newsletter signup: If you don’t want your claims to be dismissed you need the appropriate language to express them. In academic writing specifically, it’s crucial to allow for open interpretation of data as well as on…

English fluency – Being diplomatic

hedging language

Freshen Up Fridays newsletter signup: Being diplomatic is a skill, some may say an art. And one that is increasingly valuable in our world today. Whether you’re having a conversation with friends or with coworkers, it’s incredibly valuable to…

TOP Teacher DONT’S

adivce for ESL teachers and thigns they should avoid

This episode focuses on teacher development and improvement by avoiding some bad habits or easy traps when teaching in a classroom. However, I highlight how these DONT’S can also be applied to online learning especially now with COVID and more…

Negotiating for REAL

Negotiating for real ESL

This topic is incredibly pertinent for English learning adults and professionals. If you’re speaking English as a second language regardless of age or profession you will find the vocabulary practical and useful. Here’s a supplementary lesson idea with tips and…

Resolving Conflict part 2

resolving conflict ESL lesson

The second part of the resolving conflict episode with 4 functional language categories plus a fifth bonus category for ‘Paraphrasing and Active listening’. This functional language should be helpful for professionals who speak English as a second language and want…

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…

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…

Summer Bucket list lesson idea

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…

I need a break!

ESL travel lesson idea

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…

Too many cooks spoil the broth

Too many cooks spoil the broth

This proverb series episode(83) is on the famous ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’ proverb and how it can be easily incorporated into topic lessons or as a conversation starter for English language learners. Teachers will find this to be…

No accounting for taste

There is no accounting for taste

This episode(82) is on a proverb that can help teachers prepare a topic and/or conversation lesson for their class. It covers the definition as well as ideas on how to incorporate it into your class. Versatile and flexible for many…