Tag Archives: reading

Choice – is it really that important?

Posted on April 3, 2013 by

Maybe I should put that question in context because, of course, choice is important. It empowers, it validates, it motivates, it engages.  But in the context of extensive reading, is it really that important?  Being able to choose the text you … Continue reading →

Posted in reflecting on teaching, thoughts on teaching, using literature in the ELT classroom | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

loop or lope?

Posted on February 12, 2013 by

  a new fixation continued … In my last post I wrote about the books I’ve been reading with – or rather alongside – my 10 year old son and the insights we’ve shared into how we “grow” language through reading. This … Continue reading →

Posted in pronunciation, thoughts on learning, thoughts on teaching | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Carnaval

Posted on February 16, 2012 by

It’s the Thursday before carnival weekend.  Preparations are being made throughout the town. The lights are up, the burger and hot dog stalls are in place, there are fluorescent wigs and plastic hats fluttering in the wind in the cathedral … Continue reading →

Posted in lesson ideas | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Let it snow …

Posted on December 5, 2011 by

This lesson plan is an old-favourite of mine.  It’s based on a poem by Carol Ann Duffy and is great for a winter’s morning, afternoon or evening – especially if it’s been snowing.  But it works just as well if … Continue reading →

Posted in using literature in the ELT classroom | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

There’s a first time for everything

Posted on November 9, 2011 by

Today I gave my first webinar for the first Macmillan Online Conference. And it was a fascinating experience. (Click on the image to see the links for the slideshow – I’ll be adding the recording once it’s online). I was … Continue reading →

Posted in webinars | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Reader response codes

Posted on May 12, 2011 by

This topic has come up in conversation a couple of times in the last few days, and then again during yesterday’s #eltchat on adapting coursebooks. Shortly afterwards, I was rummaging through some old papers, looking for something completely different, when … Continue reading →

Posted in lesson ideas | Tagged , , , | 20 Comments

W is for … words

Posted on February 26, 2011 by

This is a description of a class I taught a couple of weeks ago where the students took a really simple little idea and really ran with it. It started with this lesson plan, a very old favourite of mine … Continue reading →

Posted in reflecting on teaching | Tagged , , , , | 27 Comments