EVERYTHING EFL

The Lexical Approach can transform your teaching. And the good thing is, it's more of a shift of mindset than extra preparation time. All you have to do is take a little time to do some homework. Start here. In this week's installment of my  Cornerstones of Learning series of Everything EFL Podcast, I will introduce you to the Lexical Approach, why it's a good idea and how you can star...

Where do we even start? With your students, that's where? How can we encourage a little more natural, meaningful communication between them? How can we get past 'can I borrow your eraser?, Listen and find out! Join my Breathe Easy, Teacher Newsletter: http://subscribepage.io/0a49dr Contact me: ⁠erin@refreshyourteaching.com Like, share, DM me and follow me: www.instagram.com/everythingeflte...

Did you ever wonder why you were learning a certain language point in school? How is this going to help me? Exactly. Making your students see the connection between the language you teach and their immediate lives and environment is a game-changer. And it might not be as difficult as you think. In this episode, inspired by James Seymour's fabulous presentation at TESOL Spain 2023, I explain so...

Confidence is one of the keys to successful learning. It's all about that 'can do' attitude. That goes for you too, teacher! In this episode, here are a few of my favourite ways to build your students' confidence, creating a happier, more positive learning environment. Trust the process. Sign up to my Breathe Easy, Teacher newsletter: http://subscribepage.io/0a49dr Contact me: ⁠eri...

What makes a good leader? Do you give students leadership roles and tasks? Why on earth not? In the fifth installment of my Cornerstones of Learning series, I challenge you to make leaders of (some) of your students. Why? Because why should you have to do everything? There are also a huge amount of benefits for your students too, leaders or not. Listen and find out. Don't forget to take the ch...

But I’M the teacher!  I choose what to do in class!  The curriculum leaves no room for choice! Okay, but there are small ways you can give your students choice, which can be incredibly empowering. Learn how you can give your students choice and why it’s so important in the fourth installment of  my Cornerstones of Learning series.  Don’t forget to stay tuned until the end of the episode for your w...

What is this buzzword ‘community?’.  Why is it so important for students to have a space to share stuff, have their opinions heard, feel valued, feel slsafe enough to give you feedback (oh yes, that’s part of it!)? In the third installment of Cornerstones of Learning, I share the benefits of building a community in your classes and I share a bonus activity to get the ball rolling.  Remember, it’s...

How important are trust and vulnerability? How important are trust and vulnerability and sharing in class? How vulnerable are you willing to be with your students? How does this help the learning process? In this second installment of my Cornerstones of Learning series, I explore the reasons why we should all be thinking about these concepts before we even THINK about teaching our students anythin...

Welcome to the first installment of my new series, Cornerstones of Learning. Everything is a process. And I mean everything. That applies to you and your students. Want to know more and start a mindset-shifting journey with me? In each of these episodes, I will give you a small, achievable challenge to complete before the next episode. That means you have two whole weeks to do it and reflect upon...

What on earth is noticing? Well, you'll have to listen and find out but let me tell you this: it has the potential to make you really think about your approach to teaching grammar and ALSO how students learn and remember it. In this juicy-as-hell episode, I tell you:- what noticing is- how it benefits both your students AND you (because you're just as important, gorgeous teacher) - 5 easy...

Remember those intense, panic-filled, overwhelming days of your ESL teaching qualification? Those bloody assignments (I don't have time for this!), that nerve-wracking first teaching practice (I'm so nervous!) and spending 7 hours creating a one-hour lesson (where are my scissors?). In this meaty episode, I reminisce briefly about those days with Shannon Felt of TEFL Horizons. Then, we get...

Do you have beginners? Do you struggle with what to prep and how to fill the time? I had a beginner class for 2 weeks. Yes, I know it's not a long time but I managed to do quite a lot with them. Here is my story. Get ready for practical tips, reflections, digressions and lots of takeaways. If you liked this episode, try this freebie: Join my Breathe Easy, Teacher newsletter community here: htt...

Happy Birthday me! Did you know that a few years ago, in an empty classroom, two friends decided to try their hand at podcasting? They didn't have a flippin' clue what they were doing.  The sound was awful, the theme music was generic, the delivery a little, shall we say, spicy.... One of the two amateur podcasters decided they couldn't commit so the other one carried on solo.  There w...

Graphic facilitation isn't a complex idea - you're probably already doing it in some measure but if you want to know more, total legend Emily Bryson will fill you in.  Also she will give you some freebies – see Emily’s contact details below. Emily Bryson supports ELT professionals to harness the superpower of graphic facilitation. She is a guest blogger for Ellii.com and has written for a...

Teachers are hard on themselves.  We are often exhausted.  Know why? We're too bloody nice to others and not to ourselves. In this episode, I give you a jolly good talking to.  I don't have all the answers but I can give you a little advice and ask you some serious questions about how you are treating yourself and how others are treating you. So grab a cup of herbal tea, sit in the lotus p...

It's everywhere.  What is it?  How can it benefit teachers and students?  What are the pitfalls? Will it replace us? I discuss all the above questions concerning the ubiquitous (at the time of recording, anyway) Chat GPT with my wonderful guest, Gina Rodriguez.  We also throw in a few materials we've generated and how well Chat GPT did.  The jury's still out..... I'd love to know w...

My happy place is.......well, you'll have to listen and find out!  You will also discover a series of lovely no-prep activities you can do in class, which incorporates my two favourite things: mindfulness and creativity. Where's your happy place?  10 Easy Ways to Add Positivity to your Class: https://www.subscribepage.com/p5j4r6 Video and Discussion Lesson Plan Based on a YouTube Short, Ta...

Love tech?  Hate it?  Somewhere in between?  This episode has something for everyone.  I'm joined by the very knowledgeable and lovely Laura Wilkes of TESOL Pop Podcast.  We discuss all the issues including tech overwhelm, the importance of a Plan B, what to consider when selecting technology for your classroom and the delights of Inner Mongolia.  Yes, you heard me right. Enjoy! Laura has been...

Do you get your students to reflect in class?  How about those students who tend to dominate the conversation?  Are they even aware of it?  I show you a simple way to starting a reflective conversation, where students consider the amount they (feel they can) participate in a conversation in class.  This can lead to a thoughtful discussion on future interaction and turn-taking.  Remember:  this won...

Way back in Episodes 42A and 42B, I took you through the dreaded future forms.  It was, however, a little bit on the grammary (yes, that's a word) side.  In this episode, I reboot the future in a more lexical way.  So if you're still toying with idea of approaching grammar more lexically but you're not sure how, grab a pen and paper and I'll give you a lesson plan so you can dip yo...

What do you know about ADHD and Dyslexia?  How can you identify it?  How can you deal with neurodivergent students in your class? This week I am joined by the fantastic Ania Karwowska of Polca Languages.  She gives us some ideas on how to start supporting our neurodivergent students in an ESL setting.   I can't promise to solve all your issues but I can promise that by the end of this episode,...

Ah yes, the old Running Dictations. When was the last time you did it in class? How many different ways can you do it? Listen and find out! In this episode, I give you variants of the this classic EFL game but also give you some solid advice to avoid some surprisingly easy pitfalls. Did I miss anything? Let me know! Download my latest freebie: https://app.mailerlite.com/sites/preview/5551823 Do me...

This week I'm joined by the amazing Jessica Guarnieri from Dedicated Design Consulting.  She lends us her expertise as to what trauma is and how it may present itself.  This episode is also useful for any teacher experiencing negative, worrying or disruptive behaviours in class.  Enjoy. Sign up to English Teaching Unlimited Online Conference: https://englishteachingunlimited.com/ Jessica Guarn...

Okay, here it is: there are some harsh truths and realities we all have to face as teachers.  I think a lot of us have this idealized version of ourselves, where we provide inspiration in engaging, perfectly-executed, differentiated, multi-faceted lessons which .......okay, I'm gonna stop there.  Let's be real - we have a lot to live up to but I think that pressure comes mostly from oursel...

Are you a freelance teacher or thinking about freelancing? This week I'm  joined by the delightful Miranda Crowhurst of Twinkl, who is an expert on how to grow your online audience on social media.  Are you a freelancer or thinking about freelancing?    This episode will give you food for though if you're not happy working for someone else or if you're yearning to be your own boss.  Yo...