From the category archives:

Learning a Second Language

Help for ESL Tutors

by annie

Tutoring Newly Arrived Students in English can be fun and challenging. Here are some resources to help.

Australian Sites

WRITING FUN – uses text organisers to help students with writing

MATHS DICTIONARY – an animated, interactive dictionary for students which explains over 600 common mathematical terms in simple language

MATHS WORKSHEETS @ BARGO PRIMARY SCHOOL – hundreds of worksheets for primary students

MY FUTURE – Australian career information service which takes the student on an interactive and personalised tour. A joint initiative of Australian, State and Territory governments.

From Around the World

BRITISH COUNCIL: LEARN ENGLISH KIDS – Learn English online – games, print and do, songs, stories, writing topics. Designed for younger students.

BBC SKILLWISE – factsheets, worksheets, quizzes and games to help improve your skills in grammar, reading, writing, maths and much more.

FACT MONSTER - offers help on topics like geography, maths, science, history, language and social studies. It also has a Skills area that helps with writing, studying and revision techniques.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC - has a search engine that will bring up information on nearly everything you type in. You can decide whether you need images, written information, maps, and there is also a help wizard if you get stuck.

BJ PINCHBECK’S HOMEWORK HELPER - provides resources and information to help users with homework and research. The site has more than 500 links to information on the Internet covering subjects such as math, science, social studies, languages, history, music, art, and computers.

BBC – SOS TEACHER - answers your homework, coursework and revision questions. Look through the archive of questions that have been answered.

{ 0 comments }

Learn English for Free

by annie

If you are looking to improve your English in a fun and interesting way then you need to take a look at The Australia Network.

They have a range of programs including

  • Passport to English where you experience what it’s like to sit a formal English Language interview for assessment purposes. You will experience a simulation of the IELTS speaking test. For more information on IELTS click here.
  • Nexus is a collection of stories about Australian life and culture. Be sure to check out the  archives which give  transcripts of each video and  learning notes including vocabulary building and grammar.
  • English Bites is an informative and entertaining way to improve your knowledge of the English language. It also includes a multiple choice quiz, story spotlight as well as transcripts and story notes.
  • The Business of English is a 15 part series for intermediate to advanced English language learners which looks at the language used in every day business situations such as meetings, presentations and negotiations.
  • Study English – IELTS preparation, for intermediate to advanced learners draws on authentic material that you can watch, read, listen to plus study notes, tips and activities for practice and consolidation.
  • Living English is for the English language beginner. The 42 part series looks at the English language used in everyday situations such as checking into a hotel or describing people.

Find them on   You Tube here.

The Australia Network broadcasts Learning English programs around the world for free.

{ 0 comments }

Action Songs

by annie

Here’s three action songs for kids. Today they will be used as transition activities with my Year 1 class.


Hokey Pokey


Happy and You Know It


Incy Wincey Spider

{ 0 comments }

Ask Annie: ESL Teacher Training

by annie

Ask Annie OliveriQUESTION:
I’ve been a primary, classroom teacher in Central Queensland and I”ve now taken on the role of ESL Co-ordinator. Where can I get training?

ANNIE ANSWERS:
As ESL Co-ordinator in a primary school, your role may include not only to teach those students from non-English speaking backgrounds but to advise your fellow teachers on how to best support ESL learners in their classrooms.

When I was ESL Advisory Teacher on the Sunshine Coast, I did a 4 day training called ESL in the Mainstream that was both up-to-date in theory and gave practical strategies that I could implement immediately into my classroom.

The aims of the program are to: [click to continue…]

{ 1 comment }

Best English Language Learning Websites

by annie

Here’s some of my favourite websites with excellent English Language Learning Resources

Dave’s ESL Cafe One of the best comprehensive sites with interactive resources, bookstore, teaching ideas, links to ESL sites, job information and a discussion centre.

English Club Very comprehensive British site for teachers and learners. Provides lesson plans, teacher forum, job centre, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation activities.

Vocabulary Incorporates 40 topics with over 1500 English words and phrases along with audio. Requires Flash version 7 and Java script

English Zone Skills based lesson ideas and worksheets

You may also like to read this article on Second Language Acquisition

{ 0 comments }

← Previous Entries