Tag Archives: speaking

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

7 Steps to Increasing Active Spoken Vocabulary

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

Most students have a much larger passive than active vocabulary, but increasing active spoken vocabulary can be difficult. Though using new words in writing is lower stakes than in speaking, with only peer review partners and the teacher seeing potential … Continue reading

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

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

Posted in TESOL Blog | Tagged as , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

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

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

7 Tips for Better Classroom Discussions

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

We’ve all been there: You introduce what you think is a red-hot topic to discuss, but when you ask the first question, there’s so much silence you can hear the classroom clock ticking. Or, in a class of 30, two … Continue reading

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

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

Posted in TESOL Blog | Tagged as , , , , , , , | 6 Comments