Tag Archives: speaking activities

Online Answering Machines for Speaking and Listening: Leave a Message After the Beep!

Brent Warner
Brent Warner

It’s always fun to explore shiny new tech with your students, but we should always remember that the classics never go out of style. Over the years, I’ve fretted over the best ways to get students’ voices recorded and put … Continue reading

Posted in TESOL Blog | Tagged as , , , , , , | 2 Comments

5 No-Prep Activities Using Photo Apps

Brent Warner
Brent Warner

We’ve all had those moments in class: We need to fill a few minutes, break the ice with newly formed groups, personalize the lesson, or just plain change pace when things aren’t working. A lot of teachers keep a handful … Continue reading

Posted in TESOL Blog | Tagged as , , , , | Leave a comment

5 Things to Talk About in ESL Class

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

Sometimes the biggest challenge in a speaking class is running out of things to talk about! This month, I’d like to share some ideas that get the conversation going. These activities are all appropriate for online or in-person classes.

Posted in TESOL Blog | Tagged as , , , | 1 Comment

4 Activities to Practice Simple Past and Present Perfect

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

English has 12 tenses: the simple, progressive, perfect, and perfect progressive forms of past, present, and future. Fortunately, the students in my intermediate speaking classes can communicate their ideas clearly with only seven: three simple, three progressive, and present perfect. … Continue reading

Posted in TESOL Blog | Tagged as , , , , , | 9 Comments

6 Tips for Teaching Impromptu Speaking

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

ELs are often called on to speak extemporaneously in content classes. They might be asked to outline a scientific process, explain a literary term, or compare two historical events. Having to speak without preparation can be stressful, even in your … Continue reading

Posted in TESOL Blog | Tagged as , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Polar Challenge Game for EL Collaboration

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

You may have played the “desert island” game before: You’re put in a group and asked to work together to choose a limited number of items you’d want to have with you if you were stuck on a desert island … Continue reading

Posted in TESOL Blog | Tagged as , , , , , , | Leave a comment

4 Easy Improv Warm-ups for Speaking Classes

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

It can be tough to get students excited about learning, and in this time of online classes, with students sitting in front of a screen all day, it’s even tougher. However, a fun warm-up activity can raise energy and interest … Continue reading

Posted in TESOL Blog | Tagged as , , , , , | Leave a comment

3 Speaking Skills for the First Day of Class: Hit the Ground Running

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

For many of us, the first day of school is fast approaching. The first class is crucial because it sets the tone for the rest of the semester. Therefore, we focus on creating a friendly, low-stress environment, setting clear expectations, … Continue reading

Posted in TESOL Blog | Tagged as , , , , , | 1 Comment