Tag Archives: teaching speaking online

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

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6 Tips for Successful Online Presentations

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

Few activities in the ESL speaking class are as challenging for students as presentations. Giving one can be overwhelming because it involves so many different skills—from fluency, pronunciation, and grammar to clear organization and smooth delivery. Giving a presentation online … Continue reading

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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

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3 More Easy Improv Warm-ups for Speaking Classes

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

Last month, I wrote about four simple, silly improv warmups to get students active and engaged. This month, I’d like to continue with three more: Diddy-Diddy-Dum, Energy Circle, and Five Things. All three games are low stakes and noncompetitive. There’s … Continue reading

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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

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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

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3 Online Whiteboard Speaking Games

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

Many of us are now teaching online, and it can be challenging to find ways to engage students who are sitting in front of a computer all day. How can we get students talking with the enthusiasm they have in … Continue reading

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