A Teachable Year

A Teachable Year

Sharing educational resources for teaching English and Spanish as a Foreign Language.

03/05/2024

🍏It’s time for another TPT Sale ! The sale starts Tuesday, May 7th and goes through Wednesday, May 8th.
🍏 Make sure to use code THANKYOU24 to get up to 25% off during the sale.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/A-Teachable-Year
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..

08/03/2024

"Green Shamrocks" by Eve Bunting is a lovely book that can be used to teach ESL students various language skills and cultural aspects. Here you have one idea:

Shamrock Craft and Story Retelling:
Begin by reading "Green Shamrocks" to the class, ensuring students understand the story and its themes.
After reading, provide materials such as green construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers.
Instruct students to create their own shamrocks, either by drawing and cutting them out or by using pre-cut shamrock templates.
Once they have their shamrocks, have students decorate them with symbols or drawings representing key elements of the story, such as pots of gold, rainbows, or leprechauns.
After decorating their shamrocks, encourage students to retell the story using their creations as visual aids. They can describe the main events, characters, and settings of the story, incorporating their shamrocks into the retelling.

Happy Teaching!~ Ana

08/03/2024

Teaching your ESL students the alphabet is really important. Although phonics can be tricky because there are so many different ways of making certain sounds in the English language, it remains essential to cover it regularly. Continue reading in my blog for five fun ways to teach the letters to your class.
https://ateachableyear.blogspot.com/2021/05/five-fun-ways-to-teach-letter-in-your.html
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana....

06/03/2024

What can you do with counting cards? Here's an idea to teach counting in an ESL class using counting cards with a bunny theme:

Bunny Hop Counting Game:
Materials Needed:

Bunny-themed counting cards (you can create or print cards with bunnies numbered from 1 to 10)
Large mat or floor space marked with numbers (1 to 10) or hopscotch-style squares
Basket or container to hold the cards
Instructions:
Begin by introducing the counting cards to the class. Show them each card with the corresponding number of bunnies.
Review the numbers with the students, ensuring they understand the number-word association.
Place the large mat or mark the floor with numbers from 1 to 10, spaced apart to allow room for hopping between them.
Scatter the bunny counting cards around the room.
Explain to the students that they will take turns picking up a bunny card, counting the number of bunnies on the card, and then hopping that many spaces on the mat or floor.
Encourage students to say the number aloud as they hop to reinforce number pronunciation.
Once they reach the number they hopped to, they can place the bunny card in the corresponding spot on the mat.
Continue taking turns until all the bunny cards have been collected and placed on the mat.
To add variation, you can introduce simple addition or subtraction by asking students to hop forward or backward a certain number of spaces based on a math equation.
This activity not only teaches counting but also incorporates movement and interaction, making it engaging and memorable for ESL students. Plus, the bunny theme adds a fun and relatable element to the learning experience.
Happy Teaching!~ Ana..

04/03/2024

"If You Take a Mouse to School" by Laura Numeroff is a delightful book that lends itself well to interactive activities for ESL students. Here are two fun activities:

1-Sequencing Story Events with Flashcards:
Create a set of flashcards, each depicting a different event from the story (e.g., taking the mouse to school, making a friend, painting a picture).
Divide the class into small groups and distribute the flashcards.
Ask each group to arrange the flashcards in the correct sequence of events from the story.
Afterward, have each group present their sequence to the class, discussing why they placed the events in that order.

2-Mouse Craft and Writing Activity:
Provide students with materials such as construction paper, markers, glue, and scissors.
Instruct students to create their own paper mouse based on the character in the book.
Once they have finished crafting their mice, have them write a short story or paragraph about what adventures their mouse would have if it went to school.
Encourage creativity and imagination in their writing, and provide support as needed with vocabulary and sentence structure.
These activities engage students in hands-on learning while reinforcing comprehension of the story and allowing them to express themselves creatively.

Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..
#времянаанглийском #материалыпонизкимценам
#материалыдляучителей

04/03/2024

"If You Take a Mouse to School" by Laura Numeroff is a delightful children's book that lends itself well to ESL lessons. Here are two ideas to teach this book in an ESL class:
1-Sequencing Activity:
Begin by reading the book aloud to the class, pausing to discuss key vocabulary and concepts.
After reading, provide students with a set of picture cards depicting scenes from the story.
Have students work in pairs or small groups to sequence the events in the story using the picture cards. Encourage them to discuss the sequence of events in English and justify their choices.
As a follow-up activity, students can create their own storyboard or comic strip illustrating the events of the story in the correct sequence. This reinforces comprehension and storytelling skills while also providing an opportunity for creative expression.

2-Vocabulary Exploration:
Introduce students to new vocabulary words from the book, such as "classroom," "chalkboard," "lunchbox," etc.
Create flashcards or word cards for each vocabulary word, along with corresponding pictures.
Engage students in vocabulary games and activities such as matching games, charades, or Pictionary, where they can practice using the new words in context.
Encourage students to incorporate the new vocabulary into sentences or short paragraphs describing their own experiences in school or imagining what might happen if they took a mouse to school.
These activities provide engaging ways to explore the themes, vocabulary, and language structures present in "If You Take a Mouse to School" while fostering comprehension, creativity, and language development in ESL students.
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana.

02/03/2024

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01/03/2024

Incorporating back-to-school jokes into an ESL (English as a Second Language) class can be a fun and engaging way to lighten the mood, build vocabulary, and practice language skills. Here are two ideas:
1-Joke of the Day: Start each class session with a "Joke of the Day" related to going back to school. Have students take turns reading the joke aloud and then discuss the humor and any new vocabulary.
2-Joke Telling Contest: Have students prepare their favorite back-to-school joke to tell to the class. Encourage creativity and expression in their delivery. After each student tells their joke, the class can vote on the funniest one.
By incorporating back-to-school jokes into your ESL class in these creative ways, you can make language learning enjoyable and memorable for your students.
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..

26/02/2024

Teaching "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class can be a heartwarming and meaningful experience for students. Here are two ideas to effectively teach the story:
1- Read-Aloud with Visual Support:
Start by reading the book aloud to the class, using engaging intonation and facial expressions to convey the emotions of the characters.
Utilize visual aids such as pictures, drawings, or props to support comprehension, especially for ESL learners who may benefit from visual cues.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask questions, make predictions, or clarify vocabulary. Encourage students to participate actively by discussing their thoughts and feelings about the story.

2-Role-Playing and Dramatization:

Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a scene from the story to act out.
Encourage students to take on the roles of the characters and use gestures, facial expressions, and body language to convey emotions.
After each group performs their scene, facilitate a discussion about the characters' feelings and actions, helping students connect to the story on a deeper level.
Consider incorporating simple props or costumes to enhance the role-playing experience and make it more immersive for the students.

These activities not only help ESL students engage with the story linguistically but also emotionally and creatively, fostering language acquisition and personal growth in a supportive classroom environment.
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..
#времянаанглийском #материалыпонизкимценам
#материалыдляучителей

23/02/2024

Teaching vocabulary related to classroom items in ESL classes can be engaging and practical for students. Here you have two simple ideas:

1-Interactive Classroom Scavenger Hunt:
Prepare a list of classroom items vocabulary words (e.g., desk, chair, whiteboard, pencil, notebook, etc.).
Divide the class into small groups and give each group a list of the vocabulary words.
Set a timer and have the groups search around the classroom for the items on their list.
Encourage students to say the name of each item aloud when they find it.
After the scavenger hunt, reconvene as a class and review the vocabulary words together.

2-Classroom Objects Flashcards Game:
Create flashcards with pictures of different classroom items on one side and their corresponding names on the other side.
Divide the class into two teams and designate a team captain for each team.
Show a flashcard to the first team captain, who must quickly say the name of the item in English.
If the team captain answers correctly, their team earns a point.
Continue with each team taking turns until all the flashcards have been used.
The team with the most points at the end wins the game.

Visit my blog for more ideas and freebies https://ateachableyear.blogspot.com/2020/08/five-fantastic-back-to-school-activities.html
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..

19/02/2024

Using pop it games, which are sensory toys that are popular for their tactile popping sounds and feel, can add an interactive and engaging element to ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate pop it games to ask questions and facilitate language learning:

1-Vocabulary Review: Write various vocabulary words on the pop it bubbles. Each time a student pops a bubble, they have to say a sentence using the word written on the bubble. For example, if the word is "apple," they could say, "I like to eat apples."

2-Grammar Practice: Write different sentence structures on the pop it bubbles, such as affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences. When students pop a bubble, they have to form a sentence using the given structure. For instance, if the bubble says "Do you like pizza?" the student might respond with "Yes, I do" or "No, I don't."

3-Conversation Starters: Write conversation starters on the pop it bubbles to encourage speaking practice. Students can take turns popping a bubble and then initiating a conversation based on the prompt. This can help them practice speaking spontaneously and engaging in dialogue.

Visit my blog for more ideas https://ateachableyear.blogspot.com/2021/07/fun-ways-to-use-pop-it-games-in.html
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..

16/02/2024

"Click, Clack, Quack to School" by Doreen Cronin is a delightful story about farm animals getting ready for their first day of school. Here are some ideas to do at school:
1-Story Retelling: Start by reading the book aloud to the class. Encourage students to retell the story in their own words, either orally or through drawings. This can help them practice sequencing events and understanding story structure.
2-Character Analysis: Discuss the different characters in the story (e.g., Farmer Brown, Duck, Cow, Pig, etc.). Have students describe each character's personality traits and role in the story. They can also compare and contrast the characters to identify similarities and differences.
3-Setting Exploration: Explore the farm setting depicted in the story. Create a farm-themed dramatic play area in the classroom where students can act out scenes from the book. Encourage them to use props and costumes to enhance their play.

These ideas should provide a variety of engaging activities to teach "Click, Clack, Quack to School" in a fun and interactive way. Adapt them based on the age and interests of your students to ensure an enriching learning experience.
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..

12/02/2024

Are you with me?..

09/02/2024

Do you use puppets at school? I think puppets are engaging and help students interact, use their imagination, and improve their language skills.
Here are some innovative ways to incorporate puppet play into ESL classrooms:
1. Character Conversations
Introduce puppets as characters with distinct personalities. Engage students in dialogues with these puppets, fostering conversational skills. Encourage students to interact, pose questions, and respond in English, thereby boosting their language proficiency in a comfortable, playful setting.

2. Storytelling Spectacle
Bring stories to life by narrating tales through puppetry. Utilize puppets to enact scenes from stories, folktales, or create original narratives. Encourage students to participate by narrating or acting out parts of the story, enhancing vocabulary and comprehension skills.

3. Puppet Interviews
Enhance speaking and listening skills by conducting mock interviews with puppets. Students can take turns interviewing puppets on various topics, asking questions, and practicing language structures while responding to puppet-generated answers.
More ideas? Visit my blog https://ateachableyear.blogspot.com/2022/07/puppets-in-esl-classroom-we-have-ideas.html
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..

07/02/2024

The Color Monster by Anna Llenas is a great book to use in the ESL classroom. It is a story about a monster who is trying to figure out his emotions. The book is very colorful and the illustrations are very helpful. The book can be used to help teach emotions, colors, as well as reading comprehension and fluency.
Here are some ideas on how to use The Color Monster in the ESL classroom:

-Read the book aloud to the class and discuss the different emotions that the monster is feeling.
-Have the students draw pictures of the different emotions that they feel.
-Read the story together and discuss the different emotions that the monster is feeling.
-Make a class book by having each student illustrate one of the emotions from the story.
-Use the story as a springboard for discussion about emotions.
-Make a chart with the different emotions and their corresponding colors.
-Have the students write sentences about the different emotions using the chart as a guide.
-Have students act out scenes from the book using puppets or props.
-Create a classroom Monster book where each student draws a picture of their feelings.
More ideas? Visit my blog https://ateachableyear.blogspot.com/2018/02/easy-and-fun-ways-to-teach-color.html
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana...
#времянаанглийском #материалыпонизкимценам
#материалыдляучителей

03/02/2024

It’s time to get ready for TPT’s next sitewide sale, which will run from Tuesday, February 6 at 12:01am ET through Wednesday, February 7, at 11:59pm ET. You can save up to 25% on resources sitewide using code FEBSALE24. Find out more about the sale here:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/A-Teachable-Year

01/02/2024

Yes!🩷

31/01/2024

Teaching about Valentine's Day in an ESL class can be a fun and engaging way to explore cultural traditions and practice language skills. Here are some ideas:
❤️ Role-Playing:
Set up role-playing scenarios related to Valentine's Day. This could include buying flowers, going on a date, or exchanging gifts. Encourage students to use the vocabulary they've learned in a practical context.

❤️ Valentine's Day Poems:
Introduce famous love poems or short romantic verses. Analyze the language and expressions used in the poems. Then, have students create their own Valentine's Day poems or short messages.
❤️ Remember to adapt these ideas based on the language proficiency and age level of your students. Making the activities interactive and relevant to their lives will enhance engagement and language learning.

❤️ More ideas? Visit my blog. Link in bio
Happy Teaching!~ Ana..

30/01/2024

Teaching about Valentine's Day in an ESL class can be a fun and engaging way to explore cultural traditions and practice language skills. Here are some ideas:

❤️Cultural Comparisons:
Compare how Valentine's Day is celebrated in different countries. Discuss traditions, customs, and variations. This can be an excellent way to broaden students' cultural awareness and understanding.

❤️Recipe and Cooking Activity:
If possible, incorporate a cooking activity where students can make simple Valentine's Day treats, like heart-shaped cookies. This hands-on activity allows them to follow instructions, practice cooking-related vocabulary, and share their creations.

❤️Cupid's Arrow Game:
Create a game where students practice vocabulary or answer questions related to Valentine's Day. Use a cardboard cutout of Cupid's arrow and have students try to "hit" the correct answer on the board.

❤️ More ideas? Visit my blog. Link in bio
Happy Teaching!~ Ana..

29/01/2024

Teaching about Valentine's Day in an ESL class can be a fun and engaging way to explore cultural traditions and practice language skills. Here are some ideas:
❤️Vocabulary Building:
Start by introducing Valentine's Day-related vocabulary. Include words such as "love," "heart," "cupid," "flowers," "chocolates," "cards," and "romance." Use flashcards or visual aids to help reinforce the new words.
❤️Reading and Comprehension:
Provide short texts or stories related to Valentine's Day. This could include the history of the holiday, traditions, or romantic stories. Have students read the texts and discuss them in pairs or small groups, encouraging comprehension questions and discussions.
❤️Valentine's Day Cards:
Engage students in a creative writing activity where they make Valentine's Day cards for each other. This allows them to practice writing expressions of affection and using appropriate vocabulary.
❤️ More ideas? Visit my blog. Link in bio
Happy Teaching!~ Ana..

25/01/2024

Teaching about Australia Day in an ESL classroom can be both educational and engaging. Here are some ideas:

~Introduction to Australia Day: Begin by providing some background information about Australia Day. Explain its significance, history, and how it's celebrated across Australia. You can use visual aids such as pictures, maps, or short videos to make the topic more accessible.

~Vocabulary Building: Introduce or review relevant vocabulary related to Australia Day. This can include words like "celebration," "colonization," "heritage," "indigenous," "flag," "national holiday," etc. You can use flashcards, word games, or vocabulary worksheets to reinforce understanding.

~Field Trips or Virtual Tours: If possible, arrange a virtual tour of Australian landmarks or museums related to Indigenous culture. Alternatively, you can show virtual tours or videos of past Australia Day celebrations to give students a sense of the atmosphere and activities.

Tailor these ideas to suit the language proficiency level and cultural background of your ESL students, and you'll create a meaningful and enriching learning experience about Australia Day.
More ideas? Visit my blog. Link in bio.
https://ateachableyear.blogspot.com/2018/12/celebrate-australia-day-with-esl.html

Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..

24/01/2024

Chinese New Year is a festive and colorful celebration that kids can enjoy. Here are some ideas to make Chinese New Year fun for kids:
🐉
-Traditional Chinese Clothing Dress-Up:
Provide traditional Chinese clothing items like qipao (cheongsam) or kung fu outfits for dress-up. Kids can enjoy pretending to be part of the celebration.
-Storytelling Sessions:
Share traditional Chinese New Year stories with the kids. Stories about the Chinese zodiac, the legend of Nian, or the importance of family during the festival can be engaging.
-Dragon and Lion Dance Parade:
Organize a mini-parade with children dressing up as dragons and lions. Use vibrant colors and play festive music to create a lively atmosphere.
🐉
Remember to explain the significance of each activity and its connection to Chinese New Year, making it both entertaining and educational for the children.
Visit my blog and get more ideas.
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..

23/01/2024

Chinese New Year is a festive and colorful celebration that kids can enjoy. Here are some ideas to make Chinese New Year fun for kids:

~Crafts and Decorations:
Create Chinese lanterns: Kids can make simple paper lanterns using red and gold paper. Hang them around the house for decoration.

Craft paper dragons: Help children create their own dragon crafts using paper plates, construction paper, and googly eyes.

Red envelope decorations: Make decorative envelopes (hongbao) using red paper and gold accents. Kids can use them to store small items or give to family and friends.

~Chinese New Year Games:
Plan games like a "Lucky Orange Relay" where kids use chopsticks to transfer oranges from one bowl to another. Incorporate traditional games with a Chinese New Year twist.

Remember to explain the significance of each activity and its connection to Chinese New Year, making it both entertaining and educational for the children.

Visit my blog and get some ideas.
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..

22/01/2024

Using music is a great way to make language learning engaging for ESL students. Here's a list of songs related to Chinese New Year that can help students learn about the traditions and culture:

1-"Chinese Zodiac Song" by Tumble Tots
This song introduces the Chinese zodiac animals in a fun and educational way. The repetition in the lyrics helps reinforce the names of the animals.
2-"Happy New Year" by ABBA (Chinese Version)
The famous ABBA song "Happy New Year" has been translated into Mandarin. It's a good way to expose students to English-language music with a Chinese New Year theme.
3-"Dragon Dance" by Splash'N Boots
This song is a fun and energetic way to introduce the concept of the dragon dance, a traditional performance during Chinese New Year.
4-"Five Little Dragons"
A variation of the classic "Five Little Ducks" song, this version features dragons and is a playful way to teach numbers and counting.

These songs cover a range of themes related to Chinese New Year, from traditional customs to the zodiac animals. Incorporating music into your ESL lessons can enhance vocabulary retention and make learning enjoyable for students.

Visit my blog and get more ideas.
Happy Teaching! ~ Ana..

Videos (show all)

Young children can be enthusiastic and active learners. The 4 Corners is an ESL game for kids that is fun and engaging y...