3 – Entertainment
Ask students what music, sports, TV shows or films they like – this can work with everyone, from small children to older adults. Getting them to explain the storyline of a movie can be a fun challenge for more advanced students.
If your students are slow to start talking, inspire them with some of your own photos
4 – Travel
Challenge their English by getting them to describe what they see in the pictures, and let them guess where it is. Some students will warm up by asking you questions about your travels, and in turn, you can ask about where they have traveled to, or where they’d like to go. Some students learning English are very passionate about traveling and can regale you with their stories.
Topics to Avoid
Their Opinions
Although you will find students who want to discuss their opinions – many find the
Western openness to debate refreshing and seek it out – nothing will bring uncomfortable silence like pushing a student for their opinion (especially in a group).
5 – Their Opinions
Too Much About Your Country
Although you will find students who want to discuss their opinions – many find the Western openness to debate refreshing and seek it out – nothing will bring uncomfortable silence like pushing a student for their opinion (especially in a group).
6 – Too Much About Your Country
Meaning anything that compares your learners` home country to your country and seems like you are extolling the superiority of your own country, e.g. «Well, in… people aren’t afraid to express their opinions…» Some students will be very interested in your country and will ask you questions about it; by all means, talk about it then, but remember that people can get pretty defensive if you suggest that your country is somehow better than their in any way!
Many of your students will ask you questions that seem pretty rude – «How old are you?» «Do you have a boyfriend?» or even «How much do you weigh?»
7 – Their Personal Lives
However, if you try to delve too much into your students’ personal lives, they might close up and feel uncomfortable. This completely depends on the students – some told me all about their marital problems, while others didn’t want to discuss a thing. Don’t push it, but if it comes up naturally, that’s fine!
It’s probably quite obvious, but discussing salaries and how much things cost can seem a little crude, and make some students feel uncomfortable
8 – Money
If your students happen to be economists of some kind, it’s different – you can happily chat about banking and economics for hours.
Of course, every student will have different topics that they like and dislike, but the general rule for starting out is – keep it trivial and light!
Your lessons should be light-hearted and fun, not heavy and serious. As you get to know your students, you’ll get a better idea of how to get them to talk!
Select Appropriate Materials for your Learners
Authentic-based materials as the materials which are prepared for native speakers and not designed to be used for teaching purposes.
Authentic-based materials can be motivating because they are proof that the language is used for the real-life purpose by real people. The difference is not in the language materials themselves but rather on their outcomes and their effectiveness. What is the age of the students you are planning this material for? Describe your students’ language proficiency. List the title and author. Discuss why you think this material would be appropriate for your learners.
How to Find Reading and Interest Levels for Books
Lists reading levels and interest levels of books in the AR program. Can search by keyword to find books on a topic.«Collections» tab lists awards list by state and category.
Like a paper library, they provide free access to researchers, historians, scholars, the print disabled, and the general public. Their mission is to provide Universal Access to All Knowledge.
Shift your perspective Join TED Recommends
TED is a nonpartisan nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics – from science to business to global issues – in more than 110 languages.
FUN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH ACTIVITIES!
Lesson Improvement Tips
1) Think Outside (No Box Required)
Try exploring the ways animals adapt to winter, learning about air pressure, or creating a comet. Learning outside can involve the senses in ways the classroom doesn’t, lending itself well to creative forms of expression suited for art, literature or English classes as well.
2) Start at the Test (And Work Your Way Back)
Staying on target with your objectives throughout the year is typically based on how you’re able to bring learning outcomes together along the way. In a list