Category Archives: Uncategorized

Remote(ly) Adjusting: Endless Possibilities


Written by - Cecilia Aponte-de-Hanna
Image source: www.bigstockphoto.com

March 17, 2020 marked the beginning of a new teaching paradigm for schools all over Ontario as the province began its quarantine efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. As a result, schools had to instantly switch to 100% online delivery, which in a way also marked an acknowledgement that teachers are indeed instructional designers (and rightfully so). After all, instruction is not about technology for technology’s sake, but rather as a means to empower others to learn, to act on their learning, and to become independent, global citizens. With the shift online, it has become evident that as teachers we must embrace technology to be able to operate in a virtual world and do what we do best: Impart knowledge and awaken the desire to know more.

Continue reading →
Categories:
POST COMMENT 0

Summary of the #teslONchat’s discussion on #SelfCare with Patrice Palmer


Written by - teslontario

On August 21, 2020, we gathered on Twitter, through the #teslONchat hashtag, to discuss self-care with Patrice Palmer – @positiveupside

Patrice has 25 years of experience as an ESL teacher, trainer, and writer in Canada and spent seven amazing years in Hong Kong. She has taught students from 8 to 80 in a variety of programs. Her experience with professional burn-out in 2015 prompted her to reflect on her lack of self-care and adopt positive psychology strategies which she shares with other educators and administrators. Continue reading →

Categories:
POST COMMENT 0

Productivity Tips during Quarantine


Written by - Martina Finnegan
Daily routine. Work, family, balance, harmony.
Image source: www.bigstockphoto.com

I’m sure what’s on everyone’s mind is this: When will this whole quarantine situation end?  How will things be afterwards?  And, will things actually return to normal?

It seems as though an endless period of time has passed during quarantine, and I sometimes have to check or be reminded what day it is. Weekends aren’t as exciting as they used to be because you can’t go anywhere, and worst of all, you can’t visit your loved ones and hug them.

Continue reading →
Categories:
POST COMMENT 1

Once Upon a Time: Using Stories to Teach ESL


Written by - Keith Hunt
Image source: www.bigstockphoto.com

When I was a student in elementary school, I used to love “story time.” Some of my earliest and fondest memories as a child were sitting around in a circle and having the teacher read stories to the class. I’ll never forget the time my Kindergarten teacher cried while reading us “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. Stories are powerful. Story time was the best!

I love stories, whether they be novels, movies, or a friend’s adventure. So, naturally, as a teacher I like using stories in my classes.

Here are a few examples of how I have used stories as an ESL Teacher.

Read morE
Categories:
POST COMMENT 0

The Power of the Warm-Up


Written by - Guest Contributor
Image source: www.bigstockphoto.com

The ten to fifteen minutes at the beginning of an ESL class are so valuable to both teachers and students. That is the time when students are fresh and eager to learn. I would go so far as to say that students may even be optimistic and excited about what they are about to do (at least that’s how I like to view the students in that part of the class). In the spirit of that optimism, the warm-up is a great tool to increase students’ confidence, show them what they know and what they need to work on, and give the teacher a clear understanding of where the class needs to go that day.

Continue reading →
Categories:
POST COMMENT 5

Summer Camp – Where Learning Can Be Fun


Written by - Svjetlana Vrbanic @lanavrb

Summer Camp word cloud , education concept
image source: www.bigstockphoto.com

Over the summer, I worked as an ESL teacher at a summer camp for children and teens from abroad. This was my third-year teaching at the camp and I had a great time!

Camp Chaos

As expected, it was chaos, with students arriving every week from countries like Mexico, Brazil, Italy, South Korea, and Japan. There were lots of new faces with students coming and going.

Continue reading →
Categories:
POST COMMENT 0

Caring About Students: A Lesson About Stress


Written by - Daniela Greco-Giancola

Introduction: Caring is the First Step

Image source: www.bigstockphoto.com

For years, I have been fascinated with the work of Nel Noddings and her themes on care. In one of her (2010) articles, she presses educators to become role models who shape healthy and caring students. The students in my class were feeling stressed and overwhelmed by being constantly assessed on their performance, so I decided to create a set of lessons on the theme of stress. These lessons were prepared for a high-intermediate level and each day represents a period of 50 minutes.

Continue reading →
Categories:
POST COMMENT 17

Good Practice in teaching vocabulary


Written by - teslontario
Image containing the title of the post.

If you’re on Twitter, join the next #CdnELTchat on Tuesday, June 25th. Here is a summary of the June 4th chat compiled by Bonnie Nicholas

On June 4, 2019, the #CdnELTchat community brought their best and briefest words to talk about good practice in teaching vocabulary. We chose good practice over best practice because what is best can change and can depend on context. Agree? Disagree? Tweet your comments using the #CdnELTchat hashtag.

Continue reading →
Categories:
POST COMMENT 0

On Assignment (An ESL Interview)


Written by - Svjetlana Vrbanic @lanavrb
Image source: www.bigstockphoto.com

I recently completed an assignment as part of an interview process for an ESL teaching position. This is the first time I was asked to do something like this and I enjoyed completing the assignment immensely because it put my teaching to good use and also demonstrated my abilities. It really gave me a chance to shine.

Continue reading →
Categories:
POST COMMENT 5