American TESOL Institute's Lexical Press Blog

Learning by Doing: The Power of TPR for Young English Learners

Let's get moving and make language learning FUN! Total Physical Response (TPR) is a fantastic method for teaching English to young children, turning vocabulary lessons into an active and memorable…

tesol March 7, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Understanding ESL Children’s Writing Development: Influences and a Culturally Sensitive Approach

Writing proficiency in a second language is a complex process, especially for children. As ESL educators, understanding the factors shaping young learners' writing helps us provide targeted support and create…

tesol March 7, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Igniting Passion and Success: Strategies to Motivate ESL Learners

Learning a new language takes dedication and persistence. As ESL educators, we have the power to ignite a passion for English within our students, helping them overcome challenges and thrive.…

tesol March 7, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Unlocking the World of ESL Teaching: A Look at 5 Popular Approaches

English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching is a dynamic field with a variety of methods designed to help students become fluent and confident communicators in English. Let's dive into…

tesol March 7, 2024

American TESOL Institute

A Multisensory English Adventure: ESL Lesson for Blind Learners

Age Level: Elementary School (6-8 years old) Ability Level: Beginner Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to introduce themselves and describe simple actions using auditory…

tesol March 7, 2024

TESOL Webinars

My Day, Step by Step! A Time-Focused ESL Lesson

Age Level: Elementary School (8-10 years old) Ability Level: Intermediate Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to describe their daily routines using appropriate time markers…

tesol March 7, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Hello, World! A Fun First English Lesson for Little Learners

Age Level: Elementary School (6-8 years old) Ability Level: Beginner Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to introduce themselves and describe simple everyday actions. Warm-up…

tesol March 7, 2024

TESOL Education News Briefs

Mission: Save the Earth! An Engaging ESL Lesson on Environmental Issues

Age Level: Elementary School (9-11 years old) Ability Level: Advanced Objective: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to discuss and debate different environmental issues. Warm-up (5…

tesol March 7, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Understanding Telegraphic Speech: A Window into Early Language Development

Telegraphic speech is a fascinating stage in young children's language acquisition, characterized by short, simple utterances resembling the clipped style of old-fashioned telegrams. For ESL teachers, understanding this phenomenon is…

tesol March 7, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Drilling: Sharpening the Tools of Language Acquisition

Drilling, a cornerstone technique in ESL instruction, involves controlled repetition of targeted language structures. Imagine it as a practice session for specific grammar points, vocabulary items, or pronunciation challenges. While…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

The Power of Repetition: Exploring Choral Repetition in the ESL Classroom

Choral repetition, a foundational technique in ESL instruction, involves the teacher modeling a language element (word, phrase, or sentence) followed by the entire class repeating it in unison. While seemingly…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

How to Teach Reading to Non-native English Speakers

Teaching reading to non-native speakers involves a careful sequence that unlocks the text, builds comprehension, and nurtures a love of reading. Here's a detailed breakdown of seven effective steps: Step…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Barriers and Solutions to English Pronunciation

For non-native English speakers, achieving clear and accurate pronunciation can feel like navigating an intricate maze. Various factors can create barriers to success, but understanding these challenges paves the way…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

More Than Just “Sounding It Out”: Nuances of Pronunciation

Pronunciation is the way words or speech are spoken. It encompasses the production of individual sounds, stress patterns within words, and intonation within phrases and sentences. It's a crucial element…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Chunk Learning: Building Blocks for Lasting Memory

Chunk learning, a cornerstone of cognitive psychology, emphasizes the memorization of information in interconnected units, rather than isolated pieces. Imagine building with Legos – individual bricks are important, but it's…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Vocabulary: The Building Blocks of Language

Introducing new vocabulary in the ESL classroom isn't just about definitions and memorization. It's about fostering an engaging and multi-faceted exploration of words that empowers learners to expand their expressive…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

The Lexical Approach

The Lexical Approach, pioneered by linguist Michael Lewis, revolutionized traditional views of language learning by placing a strong emphasis on "lexis," which encompasses not only individual words but also the…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Navigating the Labyrinth: Effective Approaches to Grammar in the ESL Classroom

For ESL learners, navigating the complexities of English grammar can feel like wandering through a labyrinth. Effective teachers act as guides, employing a variety of approaches to make the journey…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Making Grammar Meaningful for ESL Learners

Teaching grammar to non-native English speakers goes beyond rote memorization. Effective strategies focus on making grammar rules relevant and engaging, fostering understanding and practical application. One key approach is contextualization.…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Grammar, Morphology, and Syntax

Grammar, morphology, and syntax form the foundational building blocks of the English language. Understanding these linguistic structures is essential for ESL teachers, as they must be able to clearly and…

tesol March 6, 2024

Teach English with Technology

Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a dynamic student-centered instructional approach in which learners actively construct knowledge through the investigation and resolution of complex, real-world problems. Far from the traditional passive model…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

Goals and Projects to Motivate Student Achievement

Goal: Improve reading comprehension and vocabulary related to a topic of interest. Project: Create an Interest-Based Resource Book. Students choose a topic they're passionate about (sports, music, history, etc.). They…

tesol March 6, 2024

American TESOL Institute

3 Ways Computers and Mobile Devices can Revolutionize the ESL Classroom

Multimedia Immersion: Take learners on virtual adventures with online videos, interactive stories, and even virtual reality experiences. These tools offer rich visual and auditory input in various accents and dialects,…

tesol March 6, 2024