ESL Directions

What’s new: Week of September 2/24

First day of class: Getting to know you

Use this video as a way to introduce your students to each other. Students will understand and respond to basic introductory questions. For more ideas, go to the “First day of class: Setting the stage” lesson plan.

What’s new: Week of Aug. 26/24

Applying for a library card

This short video reinforces key vocabulary students need to apply for a library card. The video also covers asking about other library services such as ESL classes. This video is part of the “Applying for a library card” lesson plan.

What’s new: Week of August 19/24

Talking about life events

Teach vocabulary related to life events (e.g., birth, marriage, occupation, birth of children and grandchildren, and death) through this lesson plan that uses the example of one grandmother’s history. Your students will then be able to share their own family history, focusing on their own grandmother’s life story.

What’s new: Week of August 12/24

First day of class

Starting to think about your first class of the new term? Get ideas from the “Your first class: Setting the stage” lesson plan.

Your students will understand that there are multiple ways to learn English (includes a video, “Ways to learn English,” and other activities).
Various activities help you and your students to get to know each other (includes a video, “Getting to know you“).
Choose a needs assessment to tell you what your students want to focus on over the coming term.

What’s new: Week of August 5/24

Making small talk

Do your students struggle to respond to small talk? Two new lesson plans (“Small talk topics” and “Making small talk about the weather”) help students improve their small talk skills. Lesson material includes opening and closing discussion questions, vocabulary practice exercises, audio activities, role plays, and an online board game.