In today’s digital age, YouTube and video-based learning have become essential resources for TESOL teachers. By incorporating videos into lessons, you can motivate language learners to practice English in an engaging way that fits their interests and learning styles. From vocabulary to grammar and pronunciation, videos offer interactive and diverse ways to boost language acquisition. This article introduces 18 fantastic web tools and sites that enhance video learning for English, along with resources for video-based lesson plans.
For more teaching tips, check out the American TESOL YouTube channel, where over 100 video recordings cover innovative methods and tools for language teaching. You can also join our webinars to explore technology integration for English language learners.
Recommended Web Tools for Learning English Through Video
- English Central – A dynamic platform where students can practice pronunciation, compete with others, and interact with videos to improve their English skills.
- Simple English Videos – Fun, educational videos created by author Vicki Hollett, covering vocabulary, grammar, and real-life language use.
- Blubbr.TV – Turn any YouTube video into a quiz for an interactive way to test comprehension and vocabulary.
- ESL Video – This tool provides a variety of video-based quizzes, allowing students to test their English skills through engaging content.
- LangVideo – With over a million YouTube videos in 11 languages, LangVideo offers subtitles and tracks learned phrases and vocabulary.
- ESOL Courses – Created by Sue Lyon Jones, this site provides YouTube videos with gap fills, quizzes, and comprehension exercises tailored for English learners.
- Fun Easy English – Videos designed to help language learners practice pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar concepts.
- Steve Peppy’s YouTube Channel – Energetic videos that address language learners’ questions, making practice interactive and responsive.
- Lyrics Training – This tool uses popular music videos to teach English through song lyrics, an engaging way for students to learn language in context.
- PlayPhrase.Me – Learn English phrases through YouTube videos that highlight the phrase in context for better understanding and retention.
- Cullen’s ABCs – Free video lessons that teach children English through songs, chants, and finger plays, making learning playful and memorable.
- Real English – Videos that feature real-life conversations and exercises designed to showcase authentic spoken English.
- Videonot.es – An excellent tool that lets students take notes while watching videos, with notes saved directly to their Google Drive.
- Vidtionary – Short videos that define vocabulary words, giving students a visual and contextual understanding of new terms.
Free Video Lesson Plans for Language Teachers
Looking for ways to structure lessons around videos? These resources offer ready-made lesson plans based on videos and films, ideal for integrating YouTube and other video content into your classroom.
- Lesson Stream – Created by Jamie Keddie, this site offers free lesson plans paired with YouTube videos, covering a wide range of topics and themes.
- Viral ELT Videos – Lesson plans based on viral videos created by Ian James, perfect for engaging students with current, popular content.
- TED Ed Lessons – Download free transcripts and lesson plans based on TED Talks. Teachers can also create custom lessons, adding comprehension and discussion questions for students.
- Film English – Created by Kieran Donaghy, this site provides lesson plans based on short films, allowing students to explore language through cinematic storytelling.
- Designer Lessons – Video-based lesson plans tailored specifically for language teachers, providing relevant content to encourage student engagement.
- Movie Segments to Assess Grammar – A blog dedicated to using movie segments for teaching grammar, providing free, ready-to-use grammar lessons.
Engaging Students with Videos
For TESOL teachers, using video-based resources allows for flexibility, creativity, and the chance to cater to students’ varied learning preferences. Video content offers natural language in context, making it an ideal tool for developing listening skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. From lyric-based lessons to quizzes and interactive note-taking, these tools and resources empower students to learn English in a fun and immersive way.
Explore Further: Try incorporating some of these tools into your lessons, and invite your students to practice with videos outside the classroom. Engaging students with digital tools can make English language learning more dynamic and enjoyable, opening new ways to connect with language and culture.
