Planning effective ESL lessons for the upcoming year: Tips and ideas for teachers

Sam Colley
Teacher and primary school students colouring
Reading time: 4 minutes

As the new year approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on our teaching practices and plan engaging, effective lessons for our English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Thoughtfully crafted lesson plans can make a significant difference in the learning outcomes and engagement levels of your students. Whether you're teaching young children, teenagers, or adults, the principles of effective lesson planning remain consistent. Here are some ideas, hints and tips to help you create dynamic and successful ESL lessons for students of all ages.

Start with clear learning objectives

Begin each lesson with clear, achievable objectives. What do you want your students to learn by the end of the lesson? Objectives provide a roadmap for both you and your students, ensuring that everyone is focused and aware of the goals. For example, an objective might be "Students will be able to use past tense verbs to describe their weekend activities." Clear objectives provide direction and help you measure student progress.

Incorporate a variety of activities

To cater to different learning styles and keep students engaged, incorporate a mix of teaching methods and activities. Here are a few ideas:

  • Listening: Use audio recordings, songs, or podcasts to improve listening skills.
  • Speaking: Organize pair or group discussions, role-plays, or presentations to enhance speaking abilities.
  • Reading: Provide a variety of texts such as articles, short stories, or dialogues.
  • Writing: Assign tasks like journal entries, essays, or creative writing exercises.
  • Homework activities: For something outside of the classroom, a nature walk or a recipe can be used to help learn specific vocabulary.

Use authentic materials

Authentic materials—such as newspapers, menus, brochures and videos—expose students to real-world language and contexts. These materials can make lessons more interesting and relevant, helping students see the practical application of their language skills. Even better, they’re everywhere, so easy to find. Here are some more suggestions for how to select and use authentic materials in your English language teaching.

Integrate technology

Teachers are already used to leveraging technology to enhance lessons utilizing online resources, language learning apps and interactive platforms to create a dynamic learning environment. Why not take this a step further by using AI to create your own resources. Take a look at our blog on How to make the most of AI in the classroom for some more ideas.
Ìý

Tips for planning effective ESL lessons
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ɫèAV can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Foster a supportive learning environment

Create a classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable making mistakes and taking risks. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, so ensure that your students are comfortable experimenting with the language. Encourage participation and praise effort, not just accuracy. A supportive environment boosts confidence and motivates students to practice their language skills.

Differentiate instruction

Recognize that your students have diverse needs and proficiency levels. Differentiate your instruction by providing varied tasks and materials that cater to different abilities. For instance, while advanced students work on a challenging reading comprehension task, beginners might focus on foundational vocabulary building.

Incorporate cultural elements

Language learning is intertwined with cultural understanding. Introduce cultural elements into your lessons to provide context, enrich the learning experience and deepen understanding. Celebrate cultural diversity by discussing traditions, holidays and customs from English-speaking countries as well as your students' home countries. This approach fosters cultural awareness and appreciation.

Use games and interactive activities

Games and interactive activities are excellent for making learning fun and memorable. Consider incorporating language games like Bingo, Pictionary, or Jeopardy. These activities not only reinforce language skills but also promote teamwork and communication.

TV game shows like the British program Countdown, are a great source of ideas for ESL games. In Countdown, players take turns selecting a consonant or a vowel to produce nine random letters. They then use these letters to make the longest word they can in a set time. It can be a bit of a challenge, so it’s best played with higher levels.

Provide regular feedback

Regular feedback is essential for student development. Offer constructive feedback on assignments and in-class activities, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Encourage self-assessment and peer feedback to help students become more reflective and autonomous learners.

Plan for continuous assessment

Continuous assessment allows you to monitor student progress and adapt your teaching strategies accordingly. Use a variety of assessment methods, including quizzes, oral presentations, written assignments and informal observations. This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded understanding of each student's progress.

Reflect and adjust

At the end of each lesson, take a moment to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Gather feedback from your students and use it to adjust your future lesson plans. Continuous reflection and adaptation are key to effective teaching.

Conclusion

Planning effective ESL lessons requires creativity, flexibility and a deep understanding of your students' needs. By setting clear objectives, incorporating diverse activities, using authentic materials, integrating technology, fostering a supportive environment, differentiating instruction, incorporating cultural elements, using games, providing regular feedback and planning for continuous assessment, you can create engaging and effective lessons for students of all ages.

As you plan for the upcoming year, remember that your enthusiasm and dedication are key to your students' success. Here's to a year of inspiring and impactful teaching.

If you're looking for some more ideas on lesson planning and keeping your students engaged, why not take a look at our blogs onÌýDesigning new learning experiences for your English language learners andÌýMind the gap in your English lesson planning.

More blogs from ɫèAV

  • A teacher sat at the front of the class holding a book reading it to a class of young children who are sat on the floor

    Romantic Readers and classroom ideas to celebrate Valentine’s day

    By Iram Ahmed
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Love is in the air on February 14th, with hearts, red roses and boxes of chocolates everywhere. We’re all set for the big day, and to help you prepare as well, here are six of our favorite love stories for learners of all ages and levels. There are also plenty of fun ideas for your classroom.

    1.ÌýCinderellaÌý(Level 1)

    Poor Cinderella lives with her stepmother and two horrible stepsisters. They treat her badly, making her cook and clean, while they relax and wear beautiful clothes. However, one night, Cinderella gets the chance to sneak away and attend a fabulous ball. She meets a handsome prince…but must run away before he discovers her true identity. With only a glass shoe to help him, will the prince ever find Cinderella?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    It’s no surprise that the story has a happy ending. After reading the story, have the learners draw a picture and write about Cinderella’s new life in the castle, with her loving new family.

    2.ÌýLady and the TrampÌý(Level 3)

    This classic Disney story tells the tale of two young dogs who come from different backgrounds. Lady lives in a house while Tramp lives on the street. However, one day, Lady is forced to leave the house and the life she knows. Tramp teaches her about life on the streets and the two dogs fall in love… but with the dog-catcher always chasing them, will the story have a happy ending?

    How to use this reader in class:

    After reading the story, why not watch the animated version with your students? They can choose their favorite character from the movie and write a description of them.

    Looking for more romantic Readers for young learners? How aboutÌýThe Little MermaidÌý(Level 2) orÌýAladdinÌý(Level 5)? There’s something for everyoneÌýin our catalog.

    3.ÌýPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black PearlÌý(Level 2)

    If your teenagers are looking for more adventure than romance, this Reader has both. Follow crazy Jack Sparrow, handsome Will and brave Elizabeth as they fight pirates and uncover the curse of the Black Pearl. But will Elizabeth and Will survive the dangerous life on the seven seas?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    After reading the story, why not ask your students to write a review of it? It’s a great way for them to summarize the plot and share their opinion.

    4.ÌýPride and PrejudiceÌý(Level 5)

    A timeless classic,ÌýPride and PrejudiceÌýtells the story of young Elizabeth Bennett. As the oldest daughters in a family of five, she and her sister Jane are both expected to find good husbands and marry soon. But will Elizabeth find love, or will no man be good enough for her?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    While reading the story, learners can keep a diary, writing entries in the voice of Elizabeth Bennett. This helps them to demonstrate their understanding of the novel and encourages them to have a more empathetic reaction to the story’s heroine. They can either write the diary entries using typical language from Jane Austen’s day, or updating it to more modern language.

    Here’s an example:

    I had the ‘pleasure’ of meeting Mr Darcy today and found him rather rude and reserved. I imagine he feels this country life is inferior and that the locals are uncultured simpletons!

    or

    Met Mr Darcy today – what a stuck-up dork! He just stood there, looking down his nose at everyone… you can see he thinks he’s better than us locals.

    If you think your teenage learners would enjoy a different modern or classic tale of romance, check out our readersÌý. There are plenty to choose from, includingÌýRomeo and JulietÌý(Level 3),ÌýLove ActuallyÌý(Level 4) andÌýMadame BovaryÌý(Level 6).

    5.ÌýTales from the Arabian NightsÌý(Level 2)Ìý

    What would you do if you needed to fascinate a king to save your life? This is the problem Sheherezade faces when she marries a king who has killed all his previous wives. So she tells her new husband exciting, mesmerizing stories every night and always ends the tale with the king wanting to hear more. She tells him stories of adventure, love and mystery… and you can read her stories too in this Level 2 Reader.

    How to use this reader in class:

    After reading the book, have students vote on their favorite story from Sheherezade. They can then work in groups to present a short play of one of the stories, working together to write a short script.

    6.ÌýWuthering HeightsÌý(Level 5)Ìý

    Unfortunately, the path of true love isn’t always easy. Set in 19th Century Yorkshire, this tragic romance follows the story of Catherine and Heathcliff. The two childhood friends grow up together very closely. However, although she loves him deeply, Catherine can’t marry Heathcliff because of his lower social status. Instead, she marries another man, Edgar. How will Heathcliff react to this news? Will Catherine and Edgar be happy together?

    How to use this reader in class:

    At one point inÌýWuthering Heights, Heathcliff runs away from home because he thinks Catherine is embarrassed by him and doesn’t love him. Have the learners write a letter from Catherine to Heathcliff at that point, expressing her regrets about why they can’t be together. It provides students with the opportunity to use phrases such asÌýIf only…,ÌýI wish…ÌýandÌýI should have…Ìýwhilst demonstrating their understanding of the novel so far.

    If Yorkshire moors and Arabian nights aren’t quite what your students are looking for, there are more tales of romance on our site. Choose from modern-day love stories such asÌýNotting HillÌý(Level 3) andÌýLisa in LondonÌý(Level 1) or classics likeÌýAnna KareninaÌý(Level 6) andÌýPersuasionÌý(Level 2).

    If you enjoyed this post here are some more practical posts to get your students engaged in reading, 'How to bring Shakespeare to life in the classroom'Ìýand 'How to motivate reluctant readers'.

  • Two people playing video games on the sofa together

    How video games help language learning

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    The evolution of video games and global connectivity

    Video games have come a long way since their inception in the late 20th century. From the simple pixelated screens of 'Pong' and 'Space Invaders', we've entered an era where video games are complex, immersive and incredibly detailed. The evolution of video games has not only been technological but also cultural.

    With the rise of the internet and online gaming, players from different corners of the world can now connect, collaborate and compete in real-time. This global connectivity has transformed video games into a social platform, where language barriers are often encountered and interestingly, overcome.

  • Understand your English level

    By Sam Colley
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Learning English as a second language is a journey that can be fun and tough. A key part of this journey is knowing your current skill level. The Global Scale of English (GSE) helps learners check their skills. The GSE is a scale from 10 to 90 that measures English ability. It gives clear information about what learners can do at each level. In this blog, we’ll look at how to find out your English level using GSE scores, levels, and "I can..." statements.

    Why understanding your English level matters

    You may wonder, ‘Why is it important for me to know my language level’? If you start studying without knowing your skill level, you might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or find learning too easy and be put off or not make any learning progress.
    Knowing your English level helps you in many ways, such as to:

    1. Set realistic goals: Tailor your learning objectives to your current abilities.
    2. Choose appropriate materials: Select books, courses, and resources that match your proficiency.
    3. Track progress: Measure improvement over time and stay motivated.

    GSE levels and what they mean

    The GSE levels range from Starter to Expert, each with specific "I can..." statements that describe what you should be able to do at that level. Here’s a breakdown of each level, along with some practical examples: