American TESOL Institute's Lexical Press Blog

Qualities of an Effective Teacher

Beyond kindness, caring, creativity, and consistency, effective teachers embody a range of essential qualities that make a classroom conducive to learning. Here are a few vital ones: Adaptability: Great teachers understand…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell August 8, 2017

Tool of the month

Tool of the Month for Language Learners: CommonLit

Welcome to a new series where we feature our favorite free web tools and apps for language learners and teachers. This month we are highlighting CommonLit, a website with free reading…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell August 7, 2017

TESOL Webinars

TESOL Webinar: Citizen Science Projects for ESL

Discover tips and resources for teaching English language learners with citizen science projects. Click here for the recording! To learn more about integrating technology to support English language learners attend…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell August 4, 2017

TESOL Webinars

TESOL Webinar: Project Based Learning with ELLs

Discover tips and resources for teaching English language learners with project based learning. To learn more about integrating technology to support English language learners, attend our TESOL webinars

Shelly Sanchez Terrell August 4, 2017

Go Teach Abroad

Teaching English and Exploring Culture: The Edinburgh International Festival

For TESOL teachers, traveling and teaching English abroad offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences. One event that stands out as a must-see for educators and…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell August 2, 2017

Book of the Month

50 Activities for the 1st Day of School

Jump into a new year of learning with 50 Activities for the First Day of School. We caught up with author, Walton Burns, who shared these thoughts about the book:…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 31, 2017

TESOL Webinars

Documenting ELL Growth with Digital Portfolios: TESOL Webinar

Discover tips and resources to help your English language learners keep track of their learning growth in a digital portfolio. To learn more about integrating technology to support English language…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 29, 2017

TESOL Webinars

Engaging Activities for Learning with Novels: TESOL Webinar

Discover tips and resources to use when teaching with a novel. To learn more about integrating technology to support English language learners, attend our TESOL webinars.

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 28, 2017

Go Teach Abroad

Celebrate Barbados’ Culture at the Crop Over Festival

One of the most colorful events of the summer is the Crop Over Festival in Barbados. This festival began in the late 1700s, and celebrates the end of the sugar…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 26, 2017

TESOL Webinars

Motivating Students in the ESL Classroom

Motivating students in an ESL classroom goes beyond simply making English lessons interesting. It's about igniting a passion for language acquisition, fostering a sense of accomplishment, and creating a learning…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 26, 2017

TESOL Webinars

Learning Strategies for TESOL

Metacognitive Strategies: Example: Before reading a challenging article, a TESOL student might preview the headings, scan for keywords, and write down questions they hope to answer. This activates prior knowledge…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 26, 2017

Teach English with Technology

10 Websites for Teens and Adults to Improve Their English Daily

Our English language learners need to practice English continuously in different contexts with other speakers in order to attain fluency. We need to motivate our students to practice English outside of class.…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 24, 2017

TESOL Webinars

Tips and Web Tools for ESL Students: TESOL 2025

As technology continues to evolve, TESOL teachers have a wealth of tools at their disposal to create engaging and effective learning experiences for ESL students. In 2025, integrating web tools…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 23, 2017

Go Teach Abroad

Exploring Culture Through Music: Teaching English and Attending WOMAD Festival in England

As TESOL educators, immersing yourself in diverse cultural experiences is an invaluable way to enrich your teaching and foster global awareness in your students. One exceptional cultural event to explore…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 19, 2017

Infographic of the Month

Infographic: Tips for Writing in Plain English

Writing in English is complicated. The writing in emails is often formal and students may not know the simplest way to communicate what they want to say. Below is a…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 17, 2017

Go Teach Abroad

Teaching English in Turkey: Experience Culture Through Kirkpinar and Beyond

As a TESOL educator, immersing yourself in a country’s culture is not only enriching but also an essential part of teaching English abroad. One of the most culturally significant events…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 12, 2017

Book of the Month

Rubric and Guide for Educators Teaching Immigrants

American schools are becoming increasingly diverse, with a growing number of immigrant students. These students bring with them a wealth of cultural experiences and perspectives that can enrich the learning…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 10, 2017

Go Teach Abroad

Experience The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain

Every year, from July 6th to 14th, you can witness The Encierro, "The Running of the Bulls," in Pamplona, Spain. The Running of the Bulls is part of the celebration…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 5, 2017

Tool of the month

Tool of the Month for Language Learners: mysimpleshow

Welcome to a new series where we feature our awesome free web tools and apps to support language learners and teachers. This month we are highlighting mysimpleshow, which is a web tool…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell July 3, 2017

Go Teach Abroad

The Wife-Carrying Competition in Sonkajärvi, Finland

Finland, also know as the Land of the Thousand Lakes, is a beautiful place where friendly people find friendly people. Finland also has one of the most fun and unique…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell June 28, 2017

Teach English with Technology

19 Web Tools and Apps for Students to Create Games

Students enjoy learning with games. Games are motivating for language learners. They add a context to vocabulary and conversation. Games are also ways to drill and memorize. Students learn even…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell June 26, 2017

Go Teach Abroad

Inti Raymi, The Fabulous Incan Festival of the Sun in Peru

Peru is an incredible place to teach English and travel, especially during June. Enjoy the sun, culture, natural beauty, and rich history. In South America, the winter solstice takes place in…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell June 21, 2017

Infographic of the Month

Infographic: Commonly Misspelled English Words

Spelling is difficult for most English language learners. Many words sound similar. Many words are similar in spelling except for one or two letters. Below is a useful infographic to…

Shelly Sanchez Terrell June 19, 2017