If you’re teaching English, you know that the right resources can make all the difference. Whether you’re working with beginners or advanced learners, having a wide variety of teaching tools at your fingertips is crucial for keeping lessons fresh, engaging, and effective.
But with so many resources available online and in print, where do you even begin? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the key English language teaching (ELT) resources that every teacher should know about. This page will give you a broad overview of the types of materials and tools available, while the subsequent blog posts will dive deeper into each resource, showing you how to use them in your classroom and offering tips for making the most of each one.
When it comes to English language teaching, coursebooks and textbooks are usually the starting point. These resources provide structure, outline key language points, and offer a sequence of lessons that can be followed in a logical order. They’re perfect for ensuring that your students are progressing steadily and learning all the essential skills.
– Structured Lessons: They often break down lessons into manageable chunks, which helps students digest information step-by-step.
– Grammatical Focus: Most coursebooks have a clear focus on grammar and vocabulary, making it easier for you to teach those essential elements of the language.
– Practice Activities: They usually come with exercises that allow students to practice what they’ve learned in a controlled environment.
While coursebooks are fantastic resources, you shouldn’t feel restricted to using them exclusively. They’re designed to guide, but you’re free to supplement them with other materials, such as videos or interactive activities, to keep things dynamic and engaging.
In today’s world, digital resources and apps are an indispensable part of English language teaching. Technology can bring lessons to life, provide extra practice, and allow students to learn at their own pace. The beauty of digital tools is that they can be tailored to individual needs and offer a variety of ways to engage learners.
Digital tools also help students become more independent learners. They can practice outside of the classroom and revisit lessons as often as they need. If you’re teaching remotely or in a blended classroom, these tools are even more important for maintaining student engagement and ensuring progress.
Vocabulary is at the heart of language learning, and flashcards are one of the most effective ways to help students build and retain a wide range of words. These resources are easy to use and can be adapted for all ages and proficiency levels.
A fun way to incorporate flashcards into your lessons is by turning them into a game. For example, you could play “Memory” or “Go Fish,” which are great for reviewing vocabulary in a relaxed setting.
Authentic materials—such as newspapers, podcasts, movies, songs, and advertisements—are powerful resources that help students engage with the language in a natural, real-world context. These materials expose students to authentic English, helping them improve their listening and comprehension skills while also increasing cultural awareness.
When using authentic materials, make sure to choose content that is appropriate for your students’ level. For beginners, try simpler materials like short songs or children’s books. Advanced learners can benefit from complex texts and longer podcasts.
Language learning doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Games and interactive activities are a great way to inject some fun into your lessons while still achieving your teaching goals. They also foster a supportive classroom atmosphere, where students feel more comfortable experimenting with language.
– Board Games and Card Games: Games like Scrabble, Taboo, or Pictionary are classic options for helping students with vocabulary. You can also create your own game tailored to your lesson’s focus.
– Role Plays and Simulations: These activities are perfect for practicing speaking skills. You can create real-world scenarios (like ordering at a restaurant or asking for directions) and have students act them out in pairs or small groups.
– Quiz Competitions: Create a quiz based on the lesson you’ve just covered. Students can compete in teams, which promotes both learning and friendly competition.
Interactive activities also foster teamwork and communication among students, which are key skills in language acquisition.
Not all students learn the same way, so it’s essential to use teaching aids that appeal to different learning styles. Visuals are particularly effective in helping students remember key concepts, and they’re a great tool for supporting both auditory and kinesthetic learners.
– Posters and Charts: Display posters with grammar rules, common phrases, or vocabulary words on the walls. These serve as visual reminders for students during lessons.
– Infographics: Use infographics to explain complex topics in a simple and engaging way. For example, an infographic on the rules of English tenses can make learning grammar less intimidating.
– Interactive Whiteboards: If you’re using smartboards, interactive whiteboards, or projection systems, these can help you illustrate points, display multimedia content, and engage students in a more dynamic way.
Visual aids are great because they not only support learning but also make the classroom more visually appealing. The more your students are exposed to the language in various formats, the more they’ll retain.
As a teacher, you should always be looking for ways to improve your skills and stay updated on the latest trends in ELT. There are countless online communities, conferences, and workshops where you can find new ideas, share experiences, and access free resources.
– Online Communities: Join ELT forums or Facebook groups where teachers share lesson plans, resources, and tips. Sites like TeachingEnglish and ELT Chat are great places to start.
– Professional Development: Attend workshops and conferences, either virtually or in person. These events often provide valuable networking opportunities and up-to-date teaching strategies.
– Books and Articles: Reading books and articles on ELT is another way to refine your teaching practice. Keep an eye out for publications from well-known organizations like TESOL and Cambridge English.
– Being part of a teacher network not only helps you stay on top of trends but also gives you the chance to share your successes and challenges with others who truly understand the joys and difficulties of teaching English.
