In my low-beginner listening class students learn how to recognize numbers in different contexts. One of the contexts is time. In addition to the practice provided by the textbook (“Skillful Listening & Speaking”), I use a map of world times zones to practice telling the time. << https://www.worldtimezone.com/ >> It is a world map which shows current times in major cities. I simply zoom and scroll around the map while asking the class to tell […]
Author: eortiz
Phrasal Verbs
One of the most challenging but interesting skills in teaching English vocabulary is phrasal verbs. I like to use pictures when teaching phrasal verbs (see examples attached) – otherwise, they become a long list of pretty word combinations which mean nothing to students. I simply browse the web for the most representative and/or peculiar/funny/memorable image to represent a phrasal verb. For example, I illustrate “get along” with a picture of tiger cubs playing with rabbits. […]
Forming Adjectives
As part of my low beginner listening course I teach adjectives derived from nouns with the -y suffix. In addition to the material provided by “Skillful Listening & Speaking”, I made a list of such adjectives to expand the vocabulary and also review the alphabet and spelling (which is never a bad idea with beginner students). I spell the original noun; students write it down. Student read the noun and then say the corresponding adjective. […]
Idioms
One of the skills I teach in my listening class at the low beginner level is how to recognize and interpret idioms. It is also a good opportunity to review clarification questions which the students learned at the beginning of the course. For example: “I’ve got a lot on my plate!” – “What exactly do you mean?” It is always helpful to introduce idioms related to a topic – for example, “food” idioms. I particularly […]
Teaching Diphthongs
This is the last class on American English vowels. Previously, we covered all vowels. Below are a few simple steps I take to introduce diphthongs to my students: Explain the meaning of the word “diphthong”. Present the list of words with the five diphthongs. Students listen and repeat after me. Students read the words out loud as I walk around the classroom, listen and correct them if necessary. Diphthongs are not the most difficult sounds […]