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StoryLearning

Learn A Language Through Stories

11 ESL Homework Ideas To Engage Your Learners & Simplify Lesson Planning 

Are you looking for ESL homework ideas for your classes? If you’re thinking about setting homework you’re onto a good thing. Learning a language requires a lot of exposure and practice. And much of that happens outside of class. 

The more students make contact with English outside the classroom, the faster they’ll progress. And if you can connect their homework assignments to what you’re teaching in class, you’ll make lesson planning a lot easier for yourself. 

So, without further ado, here are 11 ESL homework ideas for adults that you can use with groups, individuals, in-person or online.

If you want to become a qualified online language teacher and earn a living from home, I recommend checking out CeOLT (Certificate of Online Language Teaching).

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How To Make Homework Work For You &Your Students 

Many ESL teachers are wary of setting homework because students often don’t do it! You may remember being set useless homework in language classes that you weren't motivated to do, such as learning lists of words for a test. 

The problem is, if ESL learners rely too much on you or on coming to lessons, they will make slow progress because so much language learning takes place outside of the classroom. 

The trick then is to integrate homework assignments into what happens in class so that it becomes non-negotiable. In the list of ESL homework ideas below, you’ll find tasks that are fun and motivating to do as well as ways to fit them into your class time. 

1.Read A Short Story Or Short Book Chapter 

Reading is the foundation of the StoryLearning method and makes for the perfect ESL homework idea.

Instead of spending time reading in class, get the students to do it between classes. 

They can find a quiet time to read the story or chapter as many times as they like.

In my short story books , they’ll find tools to help them understand the material such as glossaries and comprehension questions. 

In class, students can then discuss the chapter or story together. If you’re teaching 1:1, you can ask them to present a summary and show you new words they learned from the chapter. You can then discuss it together.  

For more ideas on how to use my short story books for teaching check out my Short Stories teacher’s Guide .

2. Listen To A Short Podcast Episode 

Many ESL students struggle with English listening skills so they need as much practice as possible. 

If you teach conversation classes then this activity will also mean fewer lesson planning headaches. And you won’t waste any class time on listening. 

Tell your student to listen to a short ESL podcast such as the BBC’s 6-Minute English podcast. Ask them to prepare a summary of it to present to you in class. If the episode includes show notes, they can compare their summary with those notes. 

You can also adapt this homework activity for groups and ask them to discuss the podcast in pairs in class. This is also a great opportunity to use class time to clarify and new words, or structures that came up in the episode. 

If you’re feeling ambitious or your students have a high level, you could plan a whole series of lessons or a semester around a particular podcast such as a true crime or other investigative journalism show. 

3. Presentation About A Passion 

Not everyone is passionate about learning English and many ESL students come to class because they have to. But even if they’re not interested in English, they must be interested in something, right? 

You can harness their hobbies and passions and generate some excitement for the English language by asking them to present a special object to the rest of the class. 

This can also work well in a 1:1 online lesson. You can ask your student to prepare a short talk about an object that they hold up to the webcam to show you. 

You can use time in class to work on presentation and storytelling skills. You can model this type of presentation by telling them about your own significant object so they know what to aim for.

4. Write A Review 

Who doesn’t love sharing their opinion whether it’s about the latest movie they’ve seen or the hot new restaurant they had dinner at? 

You can harness this desire and get your student to practice useful language by getting them to write reviews as homework. These could be movie reviews, product reviews, restaurant reviews etc. 

In class, you can take a look at the structure of reviews in English plus the language used such as colourful adjectives or phrases for giving opinions. 

That way, your students will have a model they can use to write their own reviews at home. Back in class, students can share their reviews with each other and discuss them – would they see this movie, buy this product etc or not based on the review. 

You can also give feedback both about the content of the reviews as well as any language points to improve. 

5. Get Creative 

Creativity requires constraints and there’s no greater one than writing a story in your second, third or fourth language. 

You can challenge students to write a short story based on words they’ve learned recently in class or on a particular topic you’ve been discussing. Give them a word count to respect as well. 

Again, you can use class time to read stories together and analyse their structure so that they know what to aim for. 

After they’ve written a short story at home, they can come back to class to read and discuss each others’ stories. 

6. Share Amazing Anecdotes 

Telling an interesting anecdote is a real skill in any language, especially in a new one that you're learning. But it's a great way to work on your speaking skills. 

You can use your class time to read or listen to anecdotes in English. You could even tell your learners a funny or sad story about yourself. Once they’ve understood what makes a great anecdote, it’s time to create their own one for homework. 

At home, learners can write their anecdotes, or even better, can prepare and rehearse them orally, so they’re ready to tell them in class. 

During the lesson, you and the other students can react to the anecdotes and ask follow-up questions. 

7. Blogs And Blogging 

Did you know that blogs are an incredibly rich resource for language learning and teaching? You can use blogs in many ways both inside and outside of the classroom. 

As a homework activity you could ask students to read a blog post of their choice and leave a comment for the writer. 

If your students prefer watching YouTube videos, they can watch videos and leave comments underneath them. 

In both cases, in class time, students can report back on the blog they read, why they chose it and what comment they left and why. 

If you and your students are feeling really ambitious, you could start a class blog or they could start writing their own individual blogs about their English learning journeys. 

For even more inspiration for your teaching, check out these best ESL bloggers .

8. Start A Podcast 

This one is a bit more ambitious, but as well as listening to podcasts, learners can also consider starting their own! 

In fact, English learner Daniel Goodson from Switzerland started his podcast, My Fluent Podcast , to develop his speaking skills and gain confidence. He interviews other learners who have similar projects. 

Of course, your students don’t have to make the podcast public. It can simply be a project between you and the members of the class. They could interview each other or otherwise upload short episodes on a topic of their choice. 

Again, if they do this outside of class as homework you can use time in class to give them feedback on their work. Their episodes can also be a springboard for further discussion as well as a listening comprehension activity for the other students. 

9. Class WhatsApp Group 

Another way for students to use English outside the classroom thanks to digital tools is to create a class WhatsApp group.

Other chat apps like Telegram or Voxer would work just as well. 

In this group, you can ask your students questions or share material for them to discuss.

Their homework in this case could be as simple as sending at least one message per week in the group. For more ideas about using apps check out this post about English teaching apps.

10. Write A Letter 

Do you remember writing letters to a pen friend when you were learning languages at school? 

Instead of writing letters to someone else, your students can try some creative writing activities that involve writing letters to themselves. 

That’s right, you can ask them to write a letter to their younger self with advice or to their future self about goals and dreams. There’s even a website where you can write and schedule a letter to your future self called FutureMe . 

This activity is quite a personal one so you’d need to be willing to get vulnerable yourself and share your letter before encouraging your students to talk to each other about the content of their letters. 

11. The Student Becomes The Teacher 

Here’s an interesting reversal of classroom roles that works well with groups. For homework, you can ask your students to teach the rest of the class some new vocabulary or a spelling or grammar rule. 

You won’t expect them to give a whole class on the topic. But they could do a short presentation of the topic in the format they prefer – through song or story or in a more traditional way.

As long as you keep expectations clear, they’ll benefit from peer teaching this way. After all, you can only teach what you’ve understood well yourself. 

11 ESL Homework Ideas 

So there you have it – 11 engaging ESL homework ideas that your students will actually want to do outside of class! 

As you can see, these ESL homework ideas are a million miles away from the types of boring worksheets that you had to fill in for language classes at school. 

Thanks to these engaging ideas, you’ll make your lesson planning easier and your students will be excited to do their homework. And they’ll start to become more independent learners who make faster progress. 

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Free Printable English Worksheets For ESL Teachers

Browse our archive of completely free quality English worksheets and lessons (PDF and Word documents). Download, customize and print the resources, incorporate them in your lessons or assign them as homework to your students.

A Massive Library of Free ESL Worksheets by Category

If you are looking for ESL worksheets for different learning areas, select the matching category. You’ll find assorted lists of worksheets and other materials there, for all levels from beginner to advanced, for all ages from kids to adults.

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Below, you’ll find all our worksheets sorted by student level.

ESL Worksheets for Adults and Teens (Intermediate to Advanced Students)

These are our available worksheets on different topics for higher-level students, like adults and teens. You can download, edit and print them all for free. When you open the worksheets, there is an option to download PDF and Word files.

Intermediate Level (B1-B2)

Esl writing worksheet: opinion essay about video games (intermediate), esl lesson plan: nature & environment (intermediate), esl listening comprehension worksheet: in the kitchen (intermediate), esl listening comprehension worksheet: travel and transportation (intermediate), esl lesson plan: summer activities (intermediate), esl reading comprehension worksheet: studies (intermediate), esl reading comprehension worksheet: global warming (intermediate), esl reading comprehension worksheet: at the workplace (intermediate), esl reading comprehension worksheet: job interview (intermediate), esl reading comprehension worksheet: holiday (intermediate), esl listening comprehension worksheet: school lunch (intermediate), intermediate-advanced level (b2-c1), dialogue/debate worksheet: fast fashion – the true cost of clothes (intermediate-advanced), esl listening comprehension worksheet: technology and relationships (intermediate-advanced), esl vocabulary & conversation worksheet: job interview (intermediate-advanced), esl grammar worksheet, future tenses: traveling (intermediate-advanced), esl writing practice worksheet: newspaper articles (intermediate-advanced), esl writing practice worksheet: creating concise sentences (intermediate-advanced), esl writing exercise: creating complex sentences: las vegas (intermediate-advanced), esl everyday idioms vocabulary exercises (intermediate-advanced), esl vocabulary worksheet: food idioms (intermediate-advanced), esl vocabulary worksheet: idioms & slang (intermediate-advanced), esl reading comprehension worksheet: raising children (intermediate-advanced), esl reading comprehension worksheet: dreams (intermediate-advanced), esl reading comprehension worksheet: giving advice (intermediate-advanced), esl grammar worksheet: phrasal verbs: office & business (intermediate-advanced), esl grammar worksheet: phrasal verbs: dating (intermediate-advanced), esl grammar worksheet: phrasal verbs: sports (intermediate-advanced), illustrated esl lesson packages for kids.

Exclusively available from JIMMYESL: The following bundles include illustrated vocabulary worksheets for various exercises, flashcards, and a certificate of achievement. They’re great to help young learners memorize new vocabulary with fun!

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Esl reading comprehension worksheet: in the restaurant (beginner-elementary), esl reading comprehension worksheet: france (beginner-elementary), esl reading comprehension worksheet: zoo animals (beginner-elementary), esl reading comprehension worksheet: playing football (beginner-elementary), listening comprehension worksheet: the pet competition (elementary), esl vocabulary worksheet: sports activities, action words (elementary), esl reading comprehension worksheet: the world of dinosaurs (elementary), list: prepositions of place: at, in & on (elementary), elementary-intermediate level (a2-b1), esl vocabulary worksheet: weather report & forecast (elementary-intermediate), esl vocabulary worksheet: let’s go shopping (elementary-intermediate), esl grammar worksheet: using articles (elementary-intermediate), esl grammar worksheet: -ed & -ing adjectives: describing feelings & situations (elementary-intermediate), esl vocabulary worksheet: describing people (elementary-intermediate), ideas to create your own esl lesson plans.

Check these ideas for engaging and fun ESL lesson activities, which you can use to create customized worksheets easily. Or browse our full list of activity ideas to find tons of inspiration and materials.

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Discover a treasure trove of esl worksheets at jimmyesl.

Welcome to the ESL Worksheets section of JIMMYESL, where you’ll find an extensive collection of high-quality, printable worksheets designed to enhance your English language teaching experience. Our worksheets cater for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced, and cover a wide range of topics and skills essential for language acquisition.

Comprehensive Categories for Targeted Learning

At JIMMYESL, we understand the importance of targeted learning, which is why we’ve organized our worksheets into comprehensive categories. Whether you’re focusing on grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, or speaking, you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to your specific needs. Our categories also include worksheets for different age groups, such as kids, teens, and adults, ensuring that you can find materials appropriate for your students’ developmental stages.

Engaging and Interactive Worksheets

Our worksheets are designed to be engaging and interactive, promoting active learning and fostering a love for the English language. From colorful illustrations and fun activities to thought-provoking exercises and real-life scenarios, our worksheets aim to capture your students’ attention and keep them motivated throughout their learning journey. We believe that learning should be enjoyable, and our worksheets reflect that philosophy.

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We offer our worksheets in both PDF and Word formats, allowing you the flexibility to use them in a way that best suits your teaching style and your students’ needs. The PDF format allows you to print the worksheets as they are, ready to be distributed in your classroom. The Word format, on the other hand, enables you to customize the content, adapt it to your specific teaching context, and create personalized learning materials for your students.

Exclusive Lesson Packages for Young Learners

In addition to our regular worksheets, JIMMYESL offers exclusive lesson packages designed specifically for young learners. These packages include illustrated vocabulary worksheets, flashcards, and certificates of achievement, making it easier for you to create fun and engaging lessons that help children memorize new words and concepts. Our lesson packages are a great way to introduce young learners to the English language in a playful and supportive environment.

A Growing Library of Resources

At JIMMYESL, we are committed to continuously expanding our library of ESL worksheets to meet the evolving needs of our teachers and students. We regularly add new materials to our collection, ensuring that you always have access to fresh and relevant content. Our team of experienced educators and language experts works tirelessly to create worksheets that are not only academically sound but also visually appealing and user-friendly.

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Homework for ESL Students – 10 Ideas for Teachers

Meet  David De’ Ath , founder, editor, and writer at Wonderful World English. With his extensive background as an English teacher, David provides valuable insights and practical tips on ESL for students and teachers alike.

Learning English as a Second Language (ESL) is an enriching venture and offers students the ability to access global opportunities.

Homework in ESL is crucial, serving as a bridge between classroom theory and practical language use.

It’s essential for reinforcing learned concepts and enhancing general language proficiency.

To make this learning journey both effective and enjoyable, it’s important to craft homework tasks that are engaging and tailored to diverse learning styles.

This approach helps to maintain students’ interest and motivation, which are key to successful language acquisition.

These ESL homework ideas are designed to enhance language learning and engage students both in and out of the classroom: Daily journaling, vocabulary flashcards, reading comprehension, listening to podcasts/songs, video diaries, role-play scenarios, grammar worksheets, online games, book club discussions, and a pen pal program.

I am an experienced ESL teacher, and I can attest first-hand to the importance of self-study, homework, and review.

Our carefully selected ten homework ideas aim to transform routine learning into an exciting adventure.

These activities are more than just assignments; they’re interactive experiences designed to deepen students’ understanding of English.

From creative writing to practical exercises, these tasks are intended to make learning English a dynamic and enjoyable process, paving the way for a richer, more confident use of the language.

Homework Ideas for ESL Students

ESL students need more than just traditional classroom lessons.

Homework is a vital part of their language development and serves as a bridge between acquired knowledge and practical application.

The following homework ideas are designed to captivate students’ interest, deepen their understanding, and enhance their fluency in English in the classroom and real-life situations.

Let’s dive into these creative and effective homework strategies that promise a richer, more interactive language learning experience:

1. Daily Journaling

This is a great idea to engage students by embracing the habit of maintaining a daily journal.

Writing about their daily experiences, emotions, thoughts, or selected topics can sharpen their writing skills while learning to articulate their feelings and ideas in English.

This journaling process serves a dual purpose: it strengthens their grasp of the language and provides a personal space for self-expression.

As they regularly engage with this practice, English becomes an integral part of their daily routine and will facilitate a more natural and fluent use of the language in their everyday lives.

This activity bolsters their linguistic abilities and fosters a deeper connection with English as a medium of personal reflection and expression.

Writing is a huge aspect of mastering a language.

For a guide on how to improve writing skills for yourself or your students, click the link below!

Related Article: How to Sharpen Writing Skills – Full Guide

2. Making Flashcards

Students can develop their vocabulary skills through the classic and effective method of creating flashcards.

This exercise involves students writing down new words and their meanings on individual cards.

They can add illustrations or use words in sentences to make the learning process more engaging and impactful.

This visual and contextual approach helps better retain and understand new vocabulary.

By regularly reviewing these flashcards, students can gradually build a robust vocabulary base, which is essential for fluency in English.

This method will reinforce their word knowledge and encourage active engagement with the language, making vocabulary learning a more interactive and enjoyable experience.

Flashcards are suitable for students of all ages and can be fun.

For some great insights on effectively teaching ESL students vocabulary, the guide below is for you!

Related Article: How to Teach Vocabulary to ESL Students – The Guide

3. Reading Comprehension Exercises

Immerse more advanced students in the world of English reading by assigning short stories or articles complemented by comprehension questions.

This exercise is pivotal in enhancing their reading skills and deepening their understanding of various contexts in English.

Students encounter different writing styles, vocabularies, and themes by engaging with diverse texts, enriching their language experience.

The follow-up questions serve to test their understanding and encourage critical thinking about the content.

This approach bolsters their ability to comprehend English texts and stimulates their analytical skills, making them more adept at interpreting and engaging with the language in its written form.

Such reading exercises are fundamental in helping students gain confidence and proficiency in navigating English literature and media.

4. Podcasts and Songs

Teachers can offer listening exercises in their curriculums by using English podcasts and songs.

This method exposes students to a variety of accents, speaking speeds, and vocabulary in a natural context.

After listening, students can engage in activities like writing summaries or answering questions about what they heard.

These post-listening tasks are crucial for enhancing their comprehension and retention.

This approach is great at improving listening skills while making the learning process more enjoyable and relatable.

By regularly interacting with authentic English content, students develop a better ear for the language and learn to appreciate its rhythm and nuances in different forms of media.

This not only aids in language acquisition but also connects them culturally to the English-speaking world.

Check out the guide below for a list of the BEST English podcasts!

Related Article: Best Podcasts to Learn the English Language in 2024 (Top 10)

5. Video Diaries

This one encourages students to create short video diaries as a regular assignment.

This task provides them with a platform to practice speaking about a variety of topics in English.

Whether they choose to talk about their daily life, share opinions on current events, or discuss their hobbies, these video diaries offer a unique opportunity for students to engage actively with the language.

This activity not only improves their spoken English skills but also significantly boosts their confidence in using the language.

It helps them to overcome any hesitation or fear of speaking by providing a safe, personal space to express themselves.

The process of recording and watching their own videos can also be a powerful tool for self-evaluation and progress tracking.

This innovative approach to language learning empowers students to become more fluent and self-assured English speakers.

6. Role-play in Real-world Scenarios

Ask your students to prepare role-plays that mimic real-world scenarios, such as shopping, ordering food, or making appointments.

This practical approach to learning takes them beyond the confines of traditional classroom exercises and immerses them in everyday situations. T

Through role-playing, students get to practice conversational English in a structured yet dynamic context.

It allows them to apply their language skills in practical situations, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in real-life settings.

This method is particularly effective in familiarizing them with common phrases and vocabulary used in daily interactions.

Additionally, role-playing can be a fun and interactive way to learn, helping to reduce the anxiety often associated with speaking a new language.

By engaging in these simulated experiences, students gain confidence and fluency, which are crucial for their overall language development.

7. Grammar Worksheets

This is a classic form of homework for ESL students, to offer them worksheets that concentrate on specific grammar points, such as verb tenses, sentence structure, or prepositions.

Regular practice with these worksheets is instrumental in solidifying their understanding of English grammar.

This methodical approach allows students to focus on one aspect of grammar at a time, ensuring a thorough grasp of each concept.

Such targeted exercises help correct common mistakes and deepen their comprehension of the language’s structure.

By consistently working through these grammar worksheets, students build a strong grammatical foundation, which is vital for effective English communication.

This foundational knowledge enhances their writing and speaking skills and boosts their confidence in correctly using the language in various contexts.

For some tips on how to teach grammar to ESL students, we’ve put together a guide to help teachers everywhere!

Related Article: How to Teach Grammar to ESL Students – Teacher’s Guide

8. Online Games

Motivate your students to engage with educational language games available online.

These games offer a fun, interactive way to learn and practice English.

Students can improve various language skills through game-based learning, including vocabulary, grammar, reading, and even listening comprehension.

The interactive nature of these games makes the learning process more enjoyable and less intimidating, especially for younger learners or beginners.

As students play, they receive immediate feedback on their performance, which helps reinforce correct usage and understanding.

This approach enhances their language skills and keeps them motivated and engaged in their learning.

Online language games provide a dynamic and enjoyable way to supplement traditional learning methods, making language practice an activity that students can look forward to.

For some ideas of classroom games, both traditional and digital, check out the guide below!

Related Article: Fun Classroom Games to Play – Teacher’s Guide

9. Book Club

Another great idea is to start a book club in your class, where students can read and discuss a common book.

This collaborative activity enhances their reading skills and promotes critical thinking and group discussion skills in English.

Choosing books that are appropriate for their language level, the book club encourages students to dive into stories and themes, expanding their vocabulary and comprehension.

Discussing the book with their peers allows them to share perspectives, articulate their thoughts, and engage in meaningful conversations in English.

This interactive and social approach to learning also builds a sense of community among the students, making English learning a shared and enjoyable experience.

The book club thus becomes a platform for growth, not just in language proficiency but also in cognitive and social skills.

10. Pen Pal Program

The tenth great homework idea for ESL students is to start a pen pal program with English-speaking individuals from different parts of the world.

This initiative provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in regular written communication with native English speakers.

Through exchanging letters or emails, students practice their writing skills in a real-world context, learning to express their thoughts and ideas clearly in English.

This regular interaction not only improves their language proficiency but also offers valuable insights into different cultures and lifestyles, enhancing their cultural understanding and global awareness.

The pen pal program is more than just a language exercise; it’s a bridge that connects students across cultures, promoting international friendships and broadening their perspectives.

This kind of cultural exchange can be a highly rewarding and motivating experience, encouraging students to apply their language skills in meaningful and authentic interactions.

You can reach out to other teachers on platforms like LinkedIn and see if they would be willing to start a pen pal initiative for both them and your students.

The homework ideas presented for ESL students transcend the traditional concept of assignments.

They are designed as interactive learning experiences that not only build language skills but do so in a way that is practical, enjoyable, and highly effective.

Integrating these varied activities into the ESL curriculum allows teachers to cultivate a dynamic and nurturing learning environment.

Such an approach encourages students to actively engage with the English language, not just within the confines of the classroom but in their everyday lives as well.

Promoting this kind of immersive learning experience makes students more likely to develop a lasting proficiency and a genuine appreciation for the language.

These activities, therefore, play a crucial role in shaping confident, competent English speakers who are prepared to navigate the global landscape.

We hope you find value in this article; let us know if you require any assistance.

Have a wonderful day!

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English Homework

✔︎ free homework PDFs ✔︎ for teachers to use with ESL classes ✔︎ printer-friendly ✔︎ answers provided

Level: pre-intermediate

Grammar homework.

• Homework: Present Continuous I am doing, I am not doing...
• Homework: Present Simple I am, I am not, I have, I don't have...
• Homework: Future Simple I will do, I won't do...
• Homework: SHOULD/SHOULDN'T you should do, you shouldn't do...
• Homework: Past Continuous I was doing, we were doing, they were doing...
• Homework: MUST vs HAVE TO must do, mustn't do, have to do, don't have to do...
• Homework: Comparative Adjectives colder, better, easier, more expensive...
• Homework: Superlative Adjectives the smallest, the worst, the most expensive...
• Homework: Definite or Indefinite Article a, at, the
• Homework: Demonstrative Determiners this, that, these, those
• Homework: Zero Conditional If I don't get exercise, I get fat
• Homework: First Conditional If you go to bed late, you’ll be tired tomorrow
• Homework: Second Conditional If I saw a snake, I would scream
• Homework: GOING TO it is going to rain...
• Homework: Prepositions of Place at, in, above, below...
• Homework: Prepositions of Time at, in, on

Level: intermediate

• Grading Adverbs slightly, rather, very, extremely...
• Non-Gradable Adjectives freezing, tiny, filthy, boiling, furious...
• Homework: Reported Speech Tom said he was bored, I asked where he was...
• Homework: Countable vs Uncountable Nouns job/work, suitcase/luggage...
• Homework: Tag Questions It's cold, isn't it?...
• Homework: Phrasal Verbs put up, turn off, break down...
• Homework: Future Continuous I will be doing, I won't be doing...
• Homework: Future Perfect I will have done, I won't have done...
• Homework: Past Perfect Continuous I had been doing, I hadn't been doing...
• Homework: Past Perfect I had seen, he had seen...
• Homework: Reflexive Pronouns myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself...
• Homework: Adverbs of Place where, here, there, downstairs, everywhere...
• Homework: Adverbs of Degree fairly, pretty, quite, extremely, totally...
• Homework: Adverbs of Manner badly, well, slowly, easily, loudly...
• Homework: Adverbs of Time now, then, yesterday, tomorrow, earlier...
• Homework: BE USED TO vs USED TO I’m used to waking up early / I used to wake up early...
• Homework: Third Conditional If I had known it was your birthday, I would have sent you a card
• Homework: Coordinating Conjunctions for, and, but, or, yet...
• Homework: Subordinating Conjunctions although, despite, while, because, since...
• Homework: Indefinite Pronouns somebody, anybody, nothing, everything, anywhere...
• Homework: Infinitive or -ing to be/being, to do/doing, to eat/eating...
• Homework: Passive Voice is made, are used, was born, was invented, were stolen...
• Homework: Past Simple vs Present Perfect Simple I did vs I have done...
• Homework: Present Perfect Simple vs Continuous I have done vs I have been doing...
• Homework: Quantifiers a few, a little, much, many, a lot of...
• Homework: Possessive Pronouns mine, yours, his...
• Homework: Relative Pronouns who, whom, which, that...

Vocabulary Homework

• Homework: Resume Vocabulary skill, bilingual, reference, cover letter, career...
• Homework: Numbers Vocabulary plus, subtract, kilo, zero, billion...
• Homework: Negotiation Vocabulary haggle, dispute, deadlock, compromise, low-ball...
• Homework: Marketing Vocabulary brand, trademark, launch, product, digital marketing...
• Homework: Newspaper Vocabulary editor, tabloid, journalist, sensationalist, headline...
• Homework: Insurance Vocabulary premium, policy, claim, goods in transit, liability...
• Homework: Pollution Vocabulary sewage, smog, industrialised, fossil fuels, pollution...
• Homework: Advertising Vocabulary billboard, target, ad, promote, commercial...
• Homework: Property Vocabulary tenant, rent, estate agent, freehold, landlord...
• Homework: Law Vocabulary jury, barrister, sentence, sue, attorney...
• Homework: Money Vocabulary invest, hard currency, transaction, cashier...
• Homework: Animal Vocabulary herd, kitten, lioness, calf, peacock...
• Homework: Medical Vocabulary pain, swollen, allergic, side-effects...
• Homework: Air Travel Vocabulary baggage claim, board, jet-lag, runway...
• Homework: Body Vocabulary calf, cheeks, liver, thumb, wrist...
• Homework: Rooms, Furniture, Appliances Vocabulary attic, counter, freezer, hallway...
• Homework: Telephone Vocabulary hang up, pay phone, missed call, receiver...
• Homework: Employment Vocabulary dismiss, interview, recruit, salary, staff...
• Homework: Criminals Vocabulary arsonist, bigamist, burglar, murderer, thief...
• Homework: Computer Vocabulary app, email, modem, external drive, ebook...
• Homework: Weather Vocabulary chilly, flood, hail, drought, temperature...
• Homework: Music Vocabulary band, beat, verse, genre, artist...
• Homework: Movies Vocabulary sci-fi, director, cast, genre, comedy...
• Homework: Sports Vocabulary score, compete, cheer on, beat, train...
• Homework: Cooking Verbs boil, grate, whisk, fry, stir...
• Homework: Confusing Words accept/except, bring/take, raise/rise...
• Homework: Homophones bear/bare, fare/fair, desert/dessert...
• Homework: Interjections hmm, shh, yuck, aah, wow...
• Homework: CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO I can run, I could run, I will be able to run...
• Homework: Modal Verbs of Deduction can't be, must be, could have been...
• Homework: Prefixes re-, mis-, over-, under-, ex-...
• Homework: Opposite Prefixes INappropriate, IRregular, IMpolite...
• Homework: Adjective Suffixes -ing, -ous, -able, -ive, -ful...
• Homework: Noun Suffixes -al, -er, -ment, -ness, -tion, -y...

See also: Talking Point Homework and Discussion

• The Cult of Homework
• Who Invented Homework?
• The pros and cons of homework for English language learners

Make your own worksheets using the FREE EnglishClub.com Worksheet Maker !

• Professional development
• Managing resources

Homework is fundamental for learners to make effective progress. Learning a language takes time and time is something we don’t always have in the classroom.

Below we look at some of the benefits of giving your children homework and we try to answer some homework related questions. In general primary children enjoy doing homework so it’s important to exploit this to their advantage. Why set homework

•   Time is an issue mentioned above. By setting homework you are effectively extending the children’s study time.
• It provides an invaluable link between you, the teacher, and the parents. Through the homework you set the parents can see what their children are learning and can hopefully guide them in the learning process.
• It’s important for children to see the relevance of what they do in class and to have some sort of continuity to the lessons they have with you.
• It is also an excellent way for young children to develop their autonomy and start taking responsibility for their own learning.

How do I set homework?

The key is to fully explain what you what them to do through demonstration. Keep it simple and short. With very young children write a simple sentence which explains the homework like ‘Draw a picture of the story’. Photocopy this sentence prior to the class and help them to stick it into their books. Where exactly you they stick it will depend on what system you have going with the work you give them. They may have a general book for homework but with the smaller ones this is unlikely. The sentence should be simple and clear as they will need lots of guidance from their parents who don’t necessarily speak English. With older children you can write the homework onto the board for them to copy. Again you should prepare the wording to make it clear and short so you don’t waste too much time writing down homework. How much homework should I set?

• There are already many demands on young children so you shouldn’t expect them to spend hours on a homework task. Not only would they be discouraged, they would be very unlikely to complete the task effectively. Check with the teacher first to get an idea of how much time is reasonable.
• Don’t forget either that you don’t have much time with them in class. Giving homework also implies marking homework or at least going through it in class. This is not about creating more work for you but making the work you do easier. Homework provides continuity to your lessons and gives you and the children a sense of direction. Keep it short and make sure it fits logically into what you’re doing. Don’t just give homework for the sake of giving it.

What different types of homework are there?

• Collecting things With very young learners you can base your class work around topics like food, toys and clothes. These topics lend themselves particularly well to collecting objects at home to bring into class. If you’re doing a lesson on food get the children to collect food labels to make a class poster in the next lesson. If you’re doing clothes and/or colours they can look in magazines and collect different types of clothes again for making a class poster next lesson.
• Re-telling the story If your class was based on a story you can ask the children to tell someone at home about the story. This will encourage them to think again about what you did in class. If they can’t remember it all or tell it differently it isn’t important. The objective is for them to simply evoke the lesson at home.
• Pictures Again if you’ve been working on a story they can draw a picture of their favourite character or scene. Or you can ask them to draw a picture ‘from the story’. This leaves it open for them to interpret what they’ve heard and use their imagination. Make sure you ask them to tell you about their pictures the next time.
• Writing With slightly older children you can take the previous story-based idea and extend it. They could write a summary of the story in three sentences. They could draw a picture and label it with as many words as they can remember from the story. 
• Exercises They could also do more traditional exercises based on grammar points you’ve looked at in class. Lots of workbooks provide ready-made exercises you can use or adapt for your students. It’s certainly not as fun as other types of homework but, taking into account different types of learners, you can use this approach from time to time to help them learn more effectively.

When do I mark the homework?

  It’s vital that you go through their work in the following class. Primary children will have spent a lot of time and effort on the task you set them and it would be unfair not to give it the feedback and attention it deserves.

• You can create a routine which encompasses going through homework at the beginning of every class.
• If you have very short classes then the tasks you set should be of an appropriate length so as not to take up the next class marking their homework.
• With small classes you can ask everyone to open their books at the page of their homework. Show the younger ones an example at the same time so they quickly find the page you need to check. Then move round the class marking their work. The advantage here is that you are sure to see everyone’s books. The problem is with large classes the children will get bored while you move around the class. To solve this problem either have a first activity that the class can get on with without needing your help or simply limit this approach to your small classes.
• Alternatively during the lesson make sure you see everyone’s books and make you comments as and when you see a child. The only inconvenience here could be that you leave a child out and forget to mark their homework. To solve this problem leave a couple of minutes at the end of the class and ask if there is anybody whose work you haven’t marked.

How do I mark the homework?

• With very young learners I find drawing a happy face next to their work when they’ve obviously put a lot of effort into it is always well received and encourages them to take pride in their work.
• I use some standard expressions such as ‘excellent work’ ‘well done’ ‘great drawing’ ‘very good work’ and I use their names as much as possible.
• Be positive whenever you can.
• However, there’s no point in saying that something is excellent if the child has clearly demolished his book and has forgotten to actually do the homework! Be realistic as well. You could simply draw a sad face next to the offending scribbles or scissor cuts to show you’re not happy.
• Don’t be too hard on children who don’t do their homework. It may not be their fault and it’s not as if they’re studying for their finals. Speak to the teacher about individual children. They may be able to tell you if they are always unlikely to do a task you set and ask what approach he or she takes where homework is concerned and the child in question.

Internet links

This site has loads of photocopiable homework worksheets that you can get ideas from on lots of different primary topics. http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/english/englishhome.htm

Have a look at publishers websites for free resources you can use for homework. Here’s the link to Longman ELT. http://www.longman.com/young_learners/teachers/resources.html

Here is an example of a downloadable worksheet for the Longman site. http://www.longman.com/young_learners/pdfs/FoodnDrink.pdf This site is provided by Macmillan Heinemann ELT. Some great free resources. http://www.the-bus-stop.net/free.html

The British Council's LearnEnglish Kids site has lots of fun online activities which could be set for homework. http://www.learnenglish.org.uk/kids/

By Jo Bertrand

Research and insight

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Article Contents

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• Appendix 1 Homework activity questionnaire
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Qualities of good homework activities: teachers’ perceptions

• Article contents
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Benjamin Luke Moorhouse, Qualities of good homework activities: teachers’ perceptions, ELT Journal , Volume 75, Issue 3, July 2021, Pages 300–310, https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccaa069

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Assigning homework is a common practice of teachers internationally. However, we know little about teachers’ perceptions of the qualities of good homework. This article reports on the findings of a study that investigated teachers’ perceptions of good homework activities and their beliefs about homework’s effectiveness as a teaching and learning tool. Data were collected in two stages: a survey of 279 primary-school teachers; and follow-up interviews with 11 of the participants who completed the survey, including collecting samples of homework they assign. The first data source focused on teachers’ practices and beliefs about homework, while the second source provided more in-depth understanding of teachers’ beliefs in relation to their practices. The article presents the salient findings related to teachers’ perceptions of the qualities of good homework activities, as well as contextual factors that limit teachers’ ability to assign good homework. It includes practical implications for English-language teachers.

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Pointers to setting effective homework

Guest Blog by  Crista Hazell (Head of Department and ALL Council member)

• How to get more from the homework you set?
• What specific activities can be given as homework which will be effective?

Homework or out of school learning, gets a bad reputation. I’ve always seen homework as an extension and reinforcement of the learning that has taken place in the classroom; chance indeed for students to independently practise their language skills or revisit the learning in class to see if their knowledge can be applied. In February in the Guardian newspaper, there was an article entitled ‘Homework: is it worth the hassle?’   I’ll be honest I think it absolutely is, and not just because I set it for my learners and completed lots of it throughout my own school years!

Homework, like the learning journeys carefully crafted for each lesson, needs to be appropriate for learners and most definitely differentiated.  Setting homework because it’s policy or because you have to, is of course ineffective, but choosing purposeful homework tasks that are appropriate for the stage of learning can pay dividends. Evidence from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) states this is dependent upon stage. The EEF is clear that setting homework for primary learners has minimal impact. This has been gleaned from numerous studies, reviews and meta-analysis across a range of schools.

However at secondary, the impact of homework, set appropriately, has an increasing impact for students and beyond and can add between five and eight months’ progress!  See the following report from the EEF .

I’m not sure that anyone will argue that this is negligible so we have to ascertain what type of homework will reap the biggest rewards.  Which type of homework will  enable  the maximum gains, so that our language learners truly benefit and can evidence the impact in the language classroom?

According to EEF, short and focused intervention such as a short project task based upon a very specific learning target or closing the assessment loop and learning specific vocabulary, can have up to eight months’  positive impact on attainment. So what type of tasks are we talking about? The following are some of my absolute favourites which have had superb impact:

Grammar knowledge organisers

Vocabulary learning

Surprise me homework

These made an appearance across our department from Year 9 to Year 11 two years ago and feature key grammatical structures, the non-negotiables that we want students to know, use and build upon.  They are presented and translated, and upon first glance do not look exciting, but they are clear and students take the time to learn 10 structures at a time, rather like vocabulary. Students are quizzed on this key grammatical knowledge repeatedly, just like vocabulary, and funnily enough their grammatical usage has become increasingly accurate and more complex. Application of these phrases is increasingly precise and students confidence in using them in spoken and written activities has risen sharply.  They are able to use a wide and varied range of grammatical structures which pleases both themselves and their language teachers.

Language teachers have always set this homework, yet this fell from grace some time ago because it was deemed ‘old hat’, with teachers preferring to ask students to work at sentence rather than word level. Understandable, with the increased demands of GCSE and A level.  However, a short focused homework will prove highly effective if the vocabulary is remixed and repeatedly recalled across contexts, supporting good and wide understanding. Vocab tests are very much in vogue again and always have visible impact.

We teach phonics to allow students to decode the language and make connections rather than read in anglicised target language. Often students like to practice reading in the privacy of their own space so they can apply the graphemes to the phonemes.  Flipping reading will allow students to read and practice at home, so when reading takes place in class there is less anxiety about meeting the text for the first time. High participation and high impact is evident.

The success of ‘ surprise me homework’ has been incredible with 100% uptake in our department and across the school transcending subjects and key stages- and no, I’m not kidding!  Allowing students to apply their learning in a homework project of their choosing allows creative passions to come to the fore and cross-curricular links to be formed, deepening the learning experience. Surprise me homework has been around for a few years now and many excellent ideas have been showcased on Twitter and at TeachMeets. You never know what you are going to get and that is just so exciting!  It’s wonderful to see the awesome ingenuity of students and the connections they have made to their hobbies, passions and free time activities linking this with MFL.  We have had games, comic strips, grammar trees, music videos, dance routines, plays, songs, models (including a small working guillotine!), mini-books, banners, word walls, poems, tongue twisters and edible treats including lots and lots of cake! ‘Surprise me homework’ is a triumph and allows students to share with you and their peers their most creative selves. Be gone boring worksheet, hello creativity! Please see a colleague’s experience of setting ‘surprise me homework’ here .

DIRT for homework? Why not? Departmentally we set DIRT (Dedicated Improvement Reflective Time) where students reflect upon their work using key criteria, seeking out errors or indeed correcting highlighted errors following the feedback and assessment process, before redrafting their work. Students can work at their own pace and apply their knowledge to improve the task, but be aware that for less able students this may prove extremely challenging and DIRT should be a positive confidence building activity.

How long should homework be you might be asking?  One to two hours is the optimum time for maximum engagement and efficacy. Too long and students struggle to start, feeling it’s an unsurmountable task, yet too short and the task could be completed half-heartedly.

Ultimately most learners will complete homework if it is valued and is not a one off activity to tick a box, so despite pressures on classroom time, please do not discard students’ work. Do make time to go through the task set; it adds kudos and importance.  Doing this acknowledges the time, effort and hard work that students have put in to complete your homework task.  It provides another opportunity for learning and reinforcement through retrieval of key aspects in their learning through ABC (Add, Build or Challenge starter tasks) and challenging misconceptions.

I hope this gives you food for thought and ‘happy homeworking’!

Further reading:

Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)

Mark Creasy – Unhomework Crown House Publishing

Jackie Beere – DIRT

The Learning Scientists

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How to Become an ESL Teacher

Thinking of making a change? Considering becoming an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher?

This career, also known as EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teaching, can be a deeply fulfilling and enriching life experience.

You’ll be in a position to help students achieve their dreams by learning English. You’ll likely get to travel to some far-off places, too.

Like any career, though, ESL teaching requires forethought and planning, as well as specific certifications.

So before you do anything, read this guide for how to become an ESL teacher in four steps , plus useful tips for how to teach ESL once you get your first teaching gig.

1. Consider the career carefully.

2. decide what type of esl teaching you want to do., 3. obtain any necessary certifications., 4. check out the job market and schools you’re interested in., tips for esl teachers, utilize your unique experiences, know what language skills to focus on, learn how to plan lessons well, make class easy and homework challenging, use available resources, be honest, encouraging and fun, diversify your income.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

The first step in deciding to leave your present life for a new career is making sure you’re clear on what exactly that new career entails.

As with any job, teaching English isn’t for everyone. Before investing your time and money in this endeavor, have a long think about the realities of this job.

While the exact requirements can change depending on your location and school, you’ll want to consider the following points before you pursue this career:

• Native or non-native English speaker:  Native speakers are in higher demand and are often paid more money. However, you do not necessarily need to be a native speaker to teach ESL.
• English grammar: If you’re worried about your grammar level, there are plenty of ways to learn or brush up on such concepts. Additionally, most certification courses will make sure you know enough grammar to be successful.
• Speaking the local language: While some positions may ask for bilingual EFL teachers, in many cases you will only be required to teach in English. In fact, plenty of English teachers use the opportunity to learn the language of their host country.
• ESL classrooms: As with any classroom learning environment, the class will only be as good as the teacher and their materials. Typically, if you are prepared with an informative, fun, interactive lesson, then that is what your classroom will feel like too.
• Teaching children or adults: Most TEFL certification courses will offer guided, in-class teaching hours toward the end of the course so you can gain experience with an age group. While there are definitely opportunities to teach English to adults (especially if you have a business background), be aware that most ESL openings are for teaching children. 

The second big thing to consider before making the switch is: Do I have the qualities of a great ESL teacher?

You’ll need to be confident and able to adapt quickly to new situations. You’ll also need to be organized, detail-oriented and ready to create engaging and practical lessons for your students. You also need to be willing to study the English language so you can teach it properly.

Finally, make sure that becoming an EFL teacher is something you really want to do.

Are you ready to…

• open yourself to new cultures and experiences?
• meet new and interesting people from around the world?
• potentially spend a year or longer away from home?
• be the best version of yourself for your students?
• work a meaningful and life-changing job?

Did you say “yes” to all of those? Great! You’re on the right track to becoming an ESL teacher.

The next step is to consider whether you’d like to teach in your home country or abroad. Are you hungry for adventure, or are you looking to make an impact in your local community?

Teaching ESL at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Often this means working with refugees and immigrants trying to make a new home in a place you know well. You’ll be an invaluable resource for your students.

You’ll likely find opportunities in:

• cities and towns with large foreign communities
• grassroots, non-profit, state or federal organizations
• preschools and kindergartens
• universities

Some perks of staying in your home country include not needing a passport or visa and not leaving behind family and friends. You won’t have to adjust to a new country and culture, and often the pay is quite nice. However, there may be much higher requirements for becoming a teacher.

Teaching English abroad, on the other hand, gives you opportunities to:

• immerse yourself in a new country
• meet a wide variety of people
• learn another language
• travel to neighboring countries

The international ESL market can be easier to break into, too. But, with the exception of a few countries , teaching abroad doesn’t always pay well. There’s also a higher potential for cross-cultural communication issues.

Teaching abroad typically also means adapting to a different way of life. This can be especially challenging if you don’t speak the language of your host country. However, you will also gain incredible cultural experiences and broaden your global perspective.

Typically, teaching at home or abroad will mean teaching English in a classroom setting. You’ll get to truly connect with your students, emulate the teachers you admired, create fun group lesson plans, meet students’ friends and families and so much more.

However, while in-person class sizes can vary, they often lean towards “overcrowded.” Sometimes dealing with parents can be tricky or challenging, if you end up in a role where you have to communicate with them directly.

The other option, then, is teaching online ESL classes. Connecting with students virtually helps you reach more learners, and can be cost effective for both you and them. It also means you may have the option to work from anywhere you’d like.

Of course, it can be more difficult to really connect with your students online and engage them in the lesson. While you can share articles and digital games, you lose the physical interaction of classroom activities. You’ll also need to ensure that you have quick and reliable Internet access no matter where you are.

It may seem like there are an infinite number of acronyms to refer to English teaching and certifications, so let’s break it down!

Here are the different types of teaching qualifications:

• TEFL  (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is for working abroad. Certification usually takes 120 hours and can be done fully online, in a classroom course or a combination. Note that “TEFL” is often used as a catch-all term for ESL teaching certifications.
• TESL  (Teaching English as a Second Language) is generally for those who want to teach English in a native English-speaking country. You might earn this certification if you hope to teach immigrants or refugees, for instance.
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is very similar to TEFL and may be used interchangeably. However, TESOL is generally recommended for those hoping to teach English in their home country, though it may also be used to teach internationally.
• TEAL  (Teaching English as an Additional Language) is a new acronym that emerged as a response to the TESL. Many English learners aren’t learning English as their second language, but rather, their third, fourth or even fifth! A TEAL certification course will be similar to a TESL one.
• CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is sort of like a fancy TEFL specifically for teaching adult students. It’s a highly regarded certificate that takes about a month to complete. It’s more expensive than other options but opens up a world of opportunities (literally) for the keen teacher.
• DELTA  (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a higher-level form of accreditation which is only open to teachers who’ve taught for a period of at least one year. It’s recommended for those looking to turn their passion for ESL into a career.

Psst… I’ll let you in on a little secret: Some jobs don’t even ask for a teaching certificate at all! However, this is fairly uncommon. These days most English schools will require their teachers to be accredited by one of the above programs and hold a college degree (in any field).

Now you’ll want to consider which of the EFL qualifications fits your needs the best. Here are some resources to help you figure out how and where to get certified:

• Tefl.net has a search function which shows you the various institutions offering these degrees in your country.
• GoAbroad is a great resource for finding accredited institutions to undertake your ESL studies.
• Cambridge English has incredibly useful information regarding higher-level qualifications, as well as fantastic resources related to the ESL world as a whole.
• OnTESOL is a top-notch resource for comprehensive training and information on the TESOL and TEFL certifications.
• Teach for America can help US citizens who have a college degree in something other than teaching who are looking to teach EFL in their home country.
• International TEFL Academy is chock-full of information about teaching abroad and offers online, in-person and specialty courses alongside one-on-one guidance and job search assistance.

You can also research local colleges and training centers to see if there are any available ESL certification courses near you.

Whatever path you choose, always be sure to read the reviews of the institution and ensure that the certifying institute is accredited.  If possible, try to contact some former students to ask about their opinions of the course.

Once you have your EFL qualifications and are ready to get into your new classroom, it’s time to search the market.

Finding the right gig can be stressful, though, especially if you’re planning to go abroad to a country you’ve never been to before.

It’s all about using the right tools. Here are some of the most popular job boards to check out:

• Dave’s ESL Cafe is the gold standard blog in the English teaching world. There are daily updated job postings and endless materials, resources and information at your disposal.
• ESLbase is very comprehensive and includes a handy scam guide . (It’s also where I found my first job teaching in Spain!)
• TEFL.com allows you to search for jobs within very specific parameters, such as location or length of contract.
• /r/TEFL , the TEFL forum on Reddit, is another option for crowd-sourced info and potential leads for teaching positions.

If you’re looking for positions at home, you can browse local job postings and the job boards of nearby schools.

Once you’ve found some open positions you’re interested in, make sure to do your due diligence and research the schools, especially if you’re going to be moving abroad.

As in any industry, there are certainly cases of dodgy dealings, scams and teachers having horrible experiences on their ESL journey. Luckily there are a few steps to overcome this.

First, look at the school’s online presence. What does the website look like? Is it on any social media platforms? Informing yourself about the school won’t only help you avoid scams, it’ll also make you a more attractive job candidate.

Next, talk to as many people as you can, including your potential boss and co-workers. If possible, contact some ex-teachers too—people who are no longer beholden to a contract for their visa are often willing to be more candid.

You can check out this Facebook group full of EFL teachers and employers, or better, find a forum specifically for your target city.

There’s also a few places designed to help job candidates research potential employers—the TEFL blacklist on Reddit is a helpful resource to read about negative experiences and potential places to avoid. Workplace review sites such as Glassdoor may also give you valuable insight to a company.

Once you’re confident in the locations and schools, send in your application materials, prepare for your interviews and get excited to begin your new career as an English teacher! Spend some time researching common ESL teacher job interview questions and ways to answer them correctly , too. 

Once you land your first ESL teaching job, how do you set yourself up for success?

Follow these tips for a smoother transition into your new job, whether abroad or at home.

Finding your specialty within ESL can benefit you and your students.

Your foundation may be simply teaching wherever the jobs take you, but you will likely soon find that you enjoy teaching a specific type of class to a specific group of students.

Here are a few sought-after specialties that could be useful for your ESL teaching career:

This may depend upon your school and any required curriculum you are asked to teach.

Whether this is the case or you have some more freedom over your ESL class content, it’s important to be aware of the four major language skills:

• Listening is the second passive language skill. As novices, students need to become familiar with the sounds of English. Next, they progress to listening comprehension, in which they listen for content and understanding.
• Writing is an active skill where the learner must produce the language. Any variety of writing practice may be utilized according to students’ needs: essay writing , report writing, email writing , etc. With writing, it’s important to note differences between professional and casual correspondence.

You will get a crash course on lesson planning during your certification training, and you will also discover what works best for you as you teach more classes.

One of the most common language lesson plan structures, however, is called PPP—that stands for Presentation, Practice and Production . Here’s a breakdown of each section:

• Presentation is the first stage, where you deliver the new lesson material to your students. It’s vital to get their attention and ensure they are understanding the content before moving onto the next stage.
• Practice is the second stage, in which your students will slowly begin practicing the new material they just learned. You can employ pair and group activities, but you guide them through the work and the new content’s proper usage.
• Production is the final stage, and usually the most fun for students. You’ll give them exercises they can do on their own, in a group or with a partner while you float around the class answering questions. Here, your students develop an understanding of the new material in their own unique way.

To create a successful PPP lesson plan, you’ll need to know the overall focus of your lesson —what exactly will your students learn by the end of the class?

Then, you’ll create and/or designate activities to fulfill each section of PPP. Make sure to exercise the most relevant English skills throughout your lesson: reading, listening, writing, speaking, vocabulary, grammar and so on.

Lastly, always have a backup lesson! Maybe the flu is going around and only eight of your 20 students show up. Maybe the power went out five minutes before class started and it’s still not back.

Your backup doesn’t have to be complex: It could be as simple as a game of “Jeopardy ,” a word puzzle activity or a lesson based on a short story .

Many ESL teachers find that the time allotted for teaching a lesson is often not enough to cover all of the required or desired content. You can remedy this by making class time easier—for your students and yourself.

For instance, one of the biggest time sucks in class is simply waiting for students to speak. There’s nothing wrong with giving a struggling learner a few extra moments to compose their sentence, but if everyone is doing this every time they’re asked to speak, it can take up precious in-class learning time.

So set your students up for success!  If you’re following a PPP lesson plan, this is very simple to do.

Your Presentation should clearly explain the grammar point (or whatever it is) and provide examples. The Practice stage lets the students get a feel for how the grammar point works. And in the Production stage, they have the opportunity to produce their own version of what they just practiced.

This has the added bonus of building up students’ confidence. Which means you can let them know that their homework is meant to be a challenge. They’re not meant to complete it perfectly—just to the best of their abilities.

Completing the more challenging tasks at home allows for extra time to be used there instead of in class. Just don’t forget to review the homework with your students the next day!

There are many incredible books, podcasts, videos, lesson plans and other ESL materials online. Use them!

For instance, “Complete English Grammar Rules” by Farlex International is a high-quality, reliable reference book for ESL teachers and students alike. It has tons of explanations, examples and exercises in its 520 pages, ensuring you can find the answer to just about any English grammar question.

For visual content, you can try FluentU . This language learning program takes authentic English videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language lessons, complete with interactive subtitles, quizzes and other learning tools.

Authentic videos help introduce your students to English-speaking cultures and familiarize them with native accents and ways of speaking. With a  FluentU school account , you can create custom flashcard decks, assign homework and track student progress.

For more resources you can use in your EFL lessons, check out the various textbooks , apps and software that are available.

If you aren’t 100% sure about the answer to a student’s question, be upfront with them. For example, if a student asks, “Do they say soda  or  pop  in New Jersey?” and you don’t know off the top of your head, just be honest.

I recommend responding with something along the lines of, “What a great question! You know, I’m not sure. Let me get back to you during our next class.” Just remember to actually follow up with them next time.

Similarly, remember to keep a positive attitude and be encouraging, even when your students are struggling or making you frustrated.

Constructive feedback sprinkled with encouragement helps students grow and learn, and it creates a safe and positive learning environment.

Having fun also fosters a positive classroom rapport! Play games and laugh with your students, but also ensure you know where to draw the line. You want to keep your classes lively and interesting, but you never want to lose their respect.

Being an ESL teacher often comes with the benefits of frequent travel and some level of control over your own schedule.

Often, the salary for an ESL teacher abroad is just enough to cover what you need to live and eat (unless you land a more coveted teaching position). One way that many teachers vary their income while they teach abroad is to teach both in a classroom setting and online.  

Similarly, most teachers (no matter their location) can do other online work —things like running an Etsy store, freelance article writing or even offering translation services.

In general, it’s important to note that ESL teachers abroad typically find that adding one or two additional income streams will allow them to make more money while fully enjoying their experience (without eating cheap or living in a hostel for months at a time).

Sold on becoming an ESL teacher? Then get ready for the exciting adventure of a lifetime!

As long as you’ve done all your research and prepared accordingly, teaching English as a second language can be a highly rewarding career choice. So be thorough, ask questions and enjoy every minute!

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8 amazing companies that let you teach English online from home

To be honest, I LOVE to teach English online .

Sure, there are some small challenges with working from home.

There are the occasional feelings of loneliness and I may never wear non-stretchy pants again ( OK, that part I’m good with! ).

But the downsides are easy to overcome.  Teaching is beyond worth it !

Want to know the best part?

Flexibility! Which means more time for myself.

It gives me the freedom to take time off or travel when and where I want.  And it saves me from the dreaded morning commute.

Plus, the extra money in my pocket doesn’t hurt either.

I’m hooked! Check out this video where I share my experience teaching online for a living:

How you can land a job teaching English online (Webinar)

Sounds great, right?

It gets even better:

The demand for ESL teachers is super high! There has never been a better time to search for online teaching jobs you can do from home .

And I know from experience it can also feel overwhelming sifting through so many online ESL teaching opportunities.

That’s why to make it easier, we put together this roundup of some of our favorite online English teaching companies that are hiring!

Before we jump into the list of companies hiring, let’s have a look at two crucial things you’ll need to have/do before you send your application in.

How to find remote teaching jobs in 2024

Remote teaching jobs offer a lucrative opportunity to earn a side income while enjoying the comfort of working from home. With the increasing demand for online education, educators can leverage their expertise to teach students globally, diversifying their income streams.

Online teachers are particularly in high demand and many teachers, professionals and subject matter experts are turning to online teaching as a flexible teaching career option.

Online teachers instruct students from around the country, as well as around the world, and include the following roles:

• College-level online teaching faculty
• K12 online teachers
• Adult education online teachers
• Online English teachers
• Online tutors
• Course developers
• Instructional designers (ID)
• Subject matter experts

Teach Away connects amazing teachers with top schools and language academies around the world. Check out our online teaching jobs board to find remote teaching jobs like the ones listed above, and start earning ASAP!

How can I become an English teacher online?

2 things to do before you apply for an online English teaching job:

1. Be fluent in English and hold a bachelor’s degree

There are a select number of online English teaching companies that don’t require a degree  but for the most part, you need proficient English language skills to teach and a college degree (which doesn’t have to be in education).

2. Make a list of online English teaching job must-haves

Before you start looking for an online teaching position, ask yourself:

What do YOU really want from an online English teaching job? For me, personally, it was the following three non-negotiables:

• A flexible online teaching schedule (without set hours)
• The freedom to travel while I worked
• Good pay rate! (here’s a salary calculator to see how much you can make)

So, as promised, here’s our roundup of the best online teaching opportunities: the best websites for teaching English online.

Do keep in mind, since the news of new tutoring regulations in China there are a few online tutoring companies on this list taking a step back and preparing for a pivot, yet TBD.

Scroll down to the bottom for a list of bonus companies hiring in 2024.

8 of the best online teaching companies to work for

• iTutorGroup
• BEILS Turkey
• Whales English
• English Hunt

Working with Skooli at a glance:

• Hiring fluent English speaking applicants with a bachelor’s degree in English or a related field
• Teaching English online to a range of students at the middle school, high school and university level
• Pay is competitive and varies based on qualifications/teaching experience

Skooli is a leading online tutoring platform with students from all over the world.

They’re looking for people who want to take their passion for education and combine it with either a full or part-time work-from-home teaching gig.

If you’re a former or retired teacher , or even a working teacher looking to supplement their income, teaching English language learners online with Skooli might fit the bill.

Looking for a rewarding work-from-home job that offers flexible working hours and a highly competitive salary?

Then it’s time to join Skooli’s fast-growing team of online teachers.

Learn more about teaching English online with Skooli today >

VIPKid Global Platform Update:

Is VIPKid still in business? Yes! VIPKid now offers online English classes for kids ages 4-15, taught by certified teachers from the US and Canada.

Beijing-based VIPKid recently announced the official release of its newly expanded global education platform . This teaching platform update means that it will now be accessible to international students all over the world! Join the VIPKid Teacher Network to stay up-to-date.

Working with VIPKID at a glance:

• Hiring fluent English speaking US/Canadian applicants with a bachelor’s degree
• Teaching English online to Chinese students  (kindergarten to grade 9)

How much can I get paid teaching English online with VIPKID?

• Pays up to $22 USD/hour

Are you interested in teaching? (Check)

Do you live in Canada or the United States? (Check!)

Do you have an irregular schedule (i.e., studying or working full/part-time) and want maximum flexibility to choose your work hours AND change your availability week to week? (Double-check!)

Then VIPKID might be a great option for you. The hours are flexible. You can start teaching and build your own schedule as you wish.

They also pay really well. Teachers make between $14–22 USD/hour (teachers are given a base salary of $7–9 per 25-minute lesson).

Your base salary depends on your performance in your interview and demo lesson.

On top of the base salary, there are many participation incentives and bonus opportunities.

For example, you can earn cash with referrals and enjoy perks with partners like Amazon, ClassPass, and TurboTax.

Learn more about teaching with VIPKID today >

Working with Preply at a glance:

• Hiring fluent English speakers who hold a high school diploma, a teaching credential/license, and at least 2 years of teaching experience
• Teaching English as a foreign language one-to-one with students at all levels, up to university
• Receive payment right after class and withdraw anytime

How much can I get paid teaching English online with Preply?

• You choose your own rates!

Preply provides you with tutor support, a teaching platform, and the freedom to set your own schedule, price ($!) and working location. Also, Preply is one of the few companies in which tutors can receive payment immediately following class and withdraw anytime. Companies typically pay tutors at the end of the month or on specific pay dates.

With access to over 200,000 students from all over the world, Preply allows you to grow your own online language tutoring business. Leverage Preply’s resources and work as many or as few hours as you choose. Perfect for anyone who’s looking to make extra money on the side, or teach online remote full-time.

Learn more about teaching with Preply today >

Working with Qkids at a glance:

• Hiring fluent English speaking US/Canadian applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree and hold a teaching certification/license or ESL certificate (such as TEFL)
• Teaching English as a foreign language to Chinese students (Kindergarten to grade 6)
• Pays up to $20 USD/hour

All teachers receive a base pay of $16 per hour with a $1 attendance bonus for being on time and other performance bonuses.

Qkids teachers are required to commit to a minimum of 6 hours per week.

Just log onto the teachers’ app to check your schedule, which will be released weekly on Sunday evenings.

You can even make changes to your schedule if you notify the Qkids coordination team 24 hours in advance.

Learn more about teaching with Qkids today >

5. iTutorGroup

Working with iTutorGroup at a glance:

• Hiring fluent English speaking applicants with a bachelor’s degree
• Applicants must have a TESOL or equivalent/willing to obtain certification
• Teaching English as a second language to Taiwanese children/adults

How much can I get paid teaching English online with iTutor Group?

• Pays up to $24 USD/hour

Do you want to teach adults? Do you want to teach children? Do you want to make a bunch of money? (You know you do!)

iTutorGroup teachers are paid $18–24 USD/hour, along with the chance to earn bonuses based upon the number of students in their class and the ratings awarded by students in their online classroom feedback.

Teachers must teach at least 10 peak hours per week (within the 10 hours, at least four hours need to be during the weekend).

This should still leave plenty of time for you to study, run errands or play with your dog. (Or cat. I like cat people, too!)

Learn more about teaching with iTutorGroup today >

6. BEILS Turkey

Working with BEILS Turkey at a glance:

• Hiring TESL/TEFL certified ESL Instructors with previous teaching experience.
• Opportunities for remote teaching and paid professional training and development.
• Online platform content and lesson plans are provided.
• You can create a flexible schedule for yourself (many lessons are held later afternoon and on weekends).

How much can I get paid teaching English online with BEILS Turkey?

• Monthly salary up to $1200 USD.

BEILS, also known as the Burlington English International Online Language School, is a unique education platform that offers online English learning for students all over Turkey.

English is taught by experienced teachers, who engage students in their learning process.

With BEILS, you can have a direct impact on students all over Turkey while working from home.

Learn more about teaching with BEILS Turkey >

7. Whales English

Working with Whales English at a glance:

• Hiring fluent English speaking applicants
• Teaching English as a foreign language to students from elementary to high school levels

How much can I get paid teaching English online with Whales English?

• Hourly rate up to $26 per 50 minutes of classes + bonuses

With an hourly pay of up to $26 an hour, Whales English is one of the highest paying online teaching jobs. Plus, the performance bonus is a nice cherry on top!

And, how does a 50-minute class sound instead of working a full 60 minutes? You could take a quick break and brew up another pot of coffee in between your online classes.

With Whales English, you’ll get to teach full immersion language classes, so feel free to be your chatty self to help your learners pick up the language.

The best part about working with Whales English:

You’ll get a lot of support from the company. How about some professional development and additional career opportunities?

They’ll also offer you a host of teaching tips and tricks to up-level your online teaching game.

Whales English has two peak working hours for teachers to choose from:

• 6 am to 9 am EST, Monday to Friday
• 9 pm to 9 am EST, Saturday and Sunday

Just remember that with Whales, parents select teachers, so be sure to make a memorable first impression and bring your A-game to every class!

Learn more about teaching with Whales English today >

8.  English Hunt

Working with English Hunt at a glance:

• Hiring applicants from the United States with 48 college credit hours or ESL certificate
• Teaching English as a second language on the phone to adult students in South Korea

How much can I get paid teaching English online with English Hunt?

• Around $20/hour

Do you love to chat on the phone? Now you can get paid to do it!

With so many adults eager to learn English in Korea, English Hunt wants to provide them with opportunities to practice their conversational English skills by speaking about their daily lives and culture.

English Hunt has two shifts for teachers to choose from:

• 6 pm to 12 am EST, Saturday and Sunday

AM teachers need to be available for the entire shift, but those taking the evening shift can be more flexible.

So make sure you have a solid internet connection to avoid any interruptions.

Heads up, digital nomads!

While English Hunt only hires US applicants with a US bank account, you can live anywhere in the world while working for them.

Just make sure you have access to PC technology because their software is not compatible with Apple products.

Learn more about teaching with English Hunt today >

Updated! MORE noteworthy additions hiring in 2024. Teach English from home with these remote teaching jobs and online teaching companies. 

The new tutoring regulations in China may have temporarily closed some doors.

But when one door closes another opens.

Take a look into these noteworthy online tutoring companies, as well as these 7 Non-Chinese ESL Companies currently hiring online English teachers.

• Blabla EdTech
• Turito Inc.

Working with Cambly at a glance:

• Teaching adults to kids

How much can I get paid teaching English online with Cambly?

• Earn $0.17 USD/min ($10.20 USD/hour) on Cambly and $0.20 USD/min ($12.00 USD/hour) on Cambly Kids

With Cambly, you can help people from 130+ countries around the world build their English language skills with 1-on-1 lessons.

This is a great opportunity for new teachers, or people looking to earn extra income on the side, as you don’t need any teaching experience to get started. There’s no minimum education requirement either.

There’s also no preparation, lesson planning, homework assignment or homework correction necessary.

You can start tutoring at any time of the day based on your own schedule. Work as little or as much as you want. No minimum hours, ever!

Learn more about teaching with Cambly today >

2. BlaBla EdTech

Working with BlaBla Tech at a glance:

• Hiring fluent English speakers with ESL teaching experience.
• Teach young adults (ages 12 to 35) in China and worldwide.
• Create online English learning videos and host English audio chat rooms.

How much can I get paid teaching English online with BlaBla EdTech?

• Get paid by the total number of published videos.

Learn more about teaching with BlaBla EdTech today >

3. Turito Inc.

Working with Turito at a glance:

• Hiring online SAT tutor applicants who speak English fluently, have a TEFL course certificate, bachelor’s degree, teaching license/credential, and at least 1 year of teaching experience.
• Experienced in teaching SAT, ACT, PSAT, and SSATs; experience teaching online; experience guiding students to Ivy League schools is a bonus.
• Students in middle school, high school, and all levels

How much can I get paid teaching English online with Turito Inc.?

• Earn $USD 20-30/hr

If you’re confident in test-prep for major exams, this teaching job may be for you.

An online learning platform based in Alpharetta, Georgia, Turito specializes in helping students prepare for their SATs, ACTs, PSATs, and SSATs.

Turito caters to students with 1:1 online English tutoring by experienced professionals.

Work remotely and teach students based in the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Europe, the Middle East, and India.

Apply to become an SAT Online Tutor with Turito Inc. >

Online teaching companies that are NOT hiring – but worth keeping an eye out for future opportunities

Whether they’re due to hire soon or on pause due to the updated 2021 regulations in China, these online companies are currently not hiring but worth keeping an eye out for.

ZebraEnglish

Working with ZebraEnglish at a glance:

• Hiring fluent English speakers that are legally allowed to work in the US or Canada
• Teaching English online to Chinese students aged from 3 to 8
• Earn $16-$26 USD/hour

Funded by Tencent and produced by Yuanfudao, the leading online education company in China, ZebraEnglish is a popular English education platform in China.

As a ZebraEnglish teacher, you will provide one-to-one live classes for Chinese students through a unique online platform.

ZebraEnglish’s advanced technology and education tools do the heavy lifting in terms of teaching grammar, vocabulary and more.

You will also have the opportunity to attend a free workshop and participate in a referral program that offers $100 USD for any recommended teachers who are hired.

This is a job best suited for teachers who want to enjoy a long-term and stable schedule, that still has room for flexibility.

Working with Magic Ears at a glance:

• Hiring fluent English speakers who hold bachelor’s degrees or current university students
• Teaching students aged from 4 to 12
• Make up to $26 USD/hour

With Magic Ears, you will provide a unique 1-on-4 virtual classroom for group classes that creates a fun and effective learning environment.

They provide you with a state-of-the-art curriculum and user-friendly platform that makes teaching fun.

You will automatically become part of a supportive community culture that allows you to work as part of a warm and happy family.

No prior teaching experience is required, so this is a great opportunity for university students seeking part-time work or a new online teacher who wants to build up their experience.

DaDa ABC Tutoring Update

As of August 2021, DaDa announced they will no longer sign or renew any new contracts for domestic students in China. Impacted by China’s tutoring regulations, DaDa has put a pause on hiring new, foreign English-speaking teachers.

Working with DaDa at a glance:

• Teaching English online to Chinese students (kindergarten to grade 9)
• Hourly rate up to $25 USD/hour

Do you have a set routine and are looking for a consistent weekly work schedule? Do you have some empty spots in your Google calendar?

DaDa is one of the highest paying online teaching companies, so if you like money and routine, this might be the company for you!

DaDa teachers make between $15–25 USD/hour, depending on their TPR (Total Physical Response) performance in their interview.

So make sure you prepare and practice so you can nail your interview and make the big bucks.

Unlike some of the other major companies, you don’t have to be North American to work for DaDa. They are open to fluent English speakers from all over the world.

How are lessons scheduled?

All you have to do is provide your weekly availability (minimum of two hours, two days/week) and DaDa will assign students to you.

DaDa does require 30 days of notice if you want to change your schedule. However, if your available time slot does not get filled and your standing time is greater than 30 minutes, you will still receive half payment for this period.

It’s as easy as A, B, C, DaDa!

Gogokid Tutoring Update

As of Aug. 2021, Gogokid has paused hiring due to the new regulations in China which affected foreign-based online tutors .

Working with Gogokid at a glance:

• Teaching English online to Chinese students (kindergarten to grade 6)

Gogokid is another one of the highest paying online English teaching companies, paying their teachers $14–25 per hour.

Teachers can choose their consistent availability during the following times (EST):

• Monday – Friday, from 6–10 am
• Saturday – Sunday, from 9 pm–10 am

So there you have it: eight (plus!) of the best online English teaching companies that let you work from home!

Before we sign off for the day, let’s take a quick look at some guidelines and questions that you can ask a potential online English teaching employer.

Of course, you can always Google around to find the answers for yourself – there are lots of reviews on company Facebook pages, YouTube , Reddit , chatter on various Facebook and LinkedIn groups dedicated to teaching English online , and of course, company reviews on Glassdoor !

Of course, you can always Google around to find the answers for yourself – there are lots of reviews on company Facebook pages, YouTube , Reddit , chatter on various Facebook and LinkedIn groups dedicated to teaching English online , and of course, company reviews on Glassdoor !

Questions to ask before you apply

Requirements:

• Do I need a degree to apply?
• Do they accept applicants from my home country?
• Do I need a TEFL certificate to apply?

Teaching schedules:

• Is there a minimum number of hours I have to work?
• What are the peak teaching hours? (Remember to convert to your time zone if necessary!)
• How often can I make changes to my availability?
• Can I make last-minute changes to my schedule?
• Is it OK to work from anywhere in the world?
• Who are my students? What is their age? Where are they from?
• Is there anything I need to prepare for my lessons?
• Do I need to buy any technology or props to teach?
• Do I need to buy a headset or webcam?
• What are the Internet requirements?
• Can lessons be done over Skype?
• What’s the base pay like?
• Am I paid by the hour or lessons taught?
• Are there any bonuses?

Cancellations:

• Do I get paid if a student cancels the day before or within 24 hours?
• What happens if my student is a no-show?
• What happens if I get sick?

Recommended reading

• Resume tips for online English teachers
• All you need to know to nail that online English teaching interview
• Can I teach English online with no degree?
• Complete guide on how to find students to teach online

Get started and teach English online from home today!

So you’ve (hopefully) pulled together a shortlist of your top online English teaching companies and are ready to start applying for jobs.

Just remember: it’s essential to make sure you get a solid grip on whether you’re really ready to teach online .

While you’re at it, check out our earlier blogs on what teaching online is like and what a typical day is like as a home-based online English teacher .

Oh, and don’t forget to get your Teach Away profile in top shape so you can apply with just a click and land that dream home-based online teaching job faster.

Enjoyed this article? Don't forget to share.

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How Can Customized Reading Classes Boost Your Child's Academic Performance

C ustomized reading classes offer a tailored approach to your child’s literacy development, focusing on their strengths and areas that need improvement.

By adapting to your child’s unique learning pace and style, these personalized programs can significantly impact their academic performance.

Reading is a fundamental skill that underpins all areas of education, and by ensuring that your child is proficient and confident in reading, you are setting the foundation for their overall success in school.

Parents play a crucial role in their child’s education, and engaging with best reading classes for kids in New Jersey is a proactive step towards strengthening the home-school connection.

These classes can provide the resources and support your child needs to excel in reading, enhancing their ability to understand and process the information across all subjects.

As literacy is closely linked with educational achievements, investing in specialized reading instruction could translate into better grades and a more positive attitude toward learning.

Key Takeaways

• Customized reading classes adapt to individual learning styles.
• Literacy skills are foundational to overall academic success.
• Parental involvement is key to maximizing educational outcomes.

The Impact of Customized Reading Programs

Customized reading programs address your child’s unique learning needs, promoting a love for reading and a higher likelihood of academic success.

Tailoring to Individual Learning Styles

Each child absorbs information differently, and customized reading programs accommodate these variances. Whether your child is a visual learner or benefits from a hands-on approach, these programs adjust teaching techniques and materials to match their preferred learning style.

Through this personalized approach, the chances of improving reading comprehension and enjoyment of reading significantly increase.

Early Identification and Intervention

The sooner a child’s reading challenges are identified, the more effective the intervention can be.

Customized programs facilitate early identification of reading difficulties, which can be addressed with targeted intervention strategies. For struggling children, the right support can make all the difference, potentially preventing a downward spiral in grades and self-esteem.

Enhancing Language Skills and Literacy Development

Literacy development is crucial to educational achievement beyond phonics and decoding words.

Customized programs enhance language skills , laying a strong foundation for literacy.

They incorporate rich vocabulary-building activities and reading materials that are age-appropriate and interesting to the child, thereby boosting literacy development in an engaging and relevant way.

Addressing Homework and Classroom Concerns

Customized reading classes provide your child with additional resources and support for homework challenges. They equip students with strategies to manage their workload, reducing stress and improving engagement in the classroom.

This targeted support can help bridge gaps between home and school , ensuring your child is prepared and confident.

By integrating tutoring with professional development for educators, these tailored programs can also serve as a valuable volunteer opportunity for those looking to contribute to educational resources.

Your child can benefit from exposure to various teaching styles and materials found in top-rated reading classes for kids in NJ, fortifying their literacy instruction and overall academic journey.

Strengthening Home-School Connection

Strengthening the home-school connection is crucial for your child’s success, specifically through promoting parental involvement, effective communication, and establishing healthy routines. These three pillars support the environment necessary for reading and learning enhancements at home and school.

Promoting Parental Involvement and Support

You can significantly impact your child’s academic success by taking an active role in their education.

Encourage a love for reading by being a positive role model , including reading regularly and sharing the experience with your child. Discuss the book’s new words, and ensure that your home has a variety of reading materials to pique interest and stimulate young readers.

Regular visits to the library can further enhance their reading and oral language skills.

Effective Parent-Teacher Communication

Clear and regular communication between you and your child’s teacher is essential to align on educational goals and address any concerns.

Attend parent-teacher conferences proactively and discuss your child’s progress to understand where they excel or may need additional support. This will help identify the best reading classes for kids if extra assistance is required.

Such dialogues can reinforce your child’s self-esteem as they see a unified support system in their educational journey.

Building Routines and Healthy Habits for Success

Establishing a structured routine that includes adequate sleep, study time, and limits on distractions, like TV and video games is fundamental for academic achievement.

A well-rested mind learns more efficiently; this preparation is the groundwork for independence in higher education settings, including college and university.

Setting clear expectations for homework and study time can help foster your child’s ability to work independently and build their academic confidence.

Customized reading classes offer the advantage of tailoring learning to your child’s unique needs, allowing them to engage with reading material at a level that matches their pace.

The strategy aims to boost their motivation and involvement in reading, leading to better academic performance across various subjects.

Embracing a personalized approach to reading can make a significant difference in their educational journey.

With consistent and adaptive reading support, your child has the potential to excel and develop a lifelong love for learning.

The post How Can Customized Reading Classes Boost Your Child’s Academic Performance appeared first on Kellys Thoughts On Things .

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What School Subjects Do You Need in High School?

The subjects you study in high school should allow you to graduate, but you’ll also want classes that will prepare you for college and for life as an adult.

• Subjects Offered in High School
• Subjects Needed to Graduate
• Subjects for College Preparation

Picking high school courses is an exciting process. Core high school subjects like math, science, and language arts are required, but a range of others can be selected. Finally being given more of a choice in what a student studies can be freeing, but also may feel overwhelming, confusing, or stressful.

What courses are best? There's no one right path. First, consider what is needed to graduate. Then, take a look at your options.

Parents and teens can work together to choose school subjects that not only engage their interests but also have their future plans and goals in mind.

For example, students who want to go to college may be required to take more years of a foreign language or other classes required by the schools they are interested in. A student who is interested in pursuing a career in construction may want to take an industrial arts class.

Read on to learn more about selecting courses in high school.

Parents / Nusha Ashjaee 

What School Subjects Are Offered in High School?

Most high schools offer the same basic school subjects: Math, language arts, foreign language, science, social studies, health, and physical education (PE).

However, the exact courses may vary dramatically from school to school. Different high schools—even within the same district—often have different course offerings or special programs. If possible, choose the local high school that provides the programs and classes that best suit your needs and passions.

Below is a list of the most common school subjects. However, individual schools may offer a range of specialized classes, such as mindfulness or engineering.

High School Subjects

• Literature or Language Arts
• Speech and Debate
• Writing or Composition
• Trigonometry or Calculus
• Biology (typically has advanced class options)
• Chemistry (typically has advanced class options)
• Earth or Space Sciences
• Physics (typically has advanced class options)
• US Government
• World History
• Foreign Language, such as Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, and German
• Physical Education and Health
• Arts, such as Music, Photography, Drawing, or Ceramics
• Computer Applications, Graphic Design, or Web Design
• Cooking and other life skills
• Physical Education
• Trade field studies such as Auto Mechanics, Woodworking, or Nursing
• Personal Finance

School Subjects You Need to Graduate

Ideally, teens should start high school with a basic plan of the classes they will need to take to graduate. Every state has different requirements for obtaining a high school diploma, and each school varies greatly in what it offers to give kids a chance to fulfill them. Different schools also vary in the number of classes students take each year.

The school's guidance department can help students understand the graduation requirements and how their coursework aligns with them.

English language arts

Studying the English language and literature is an important part of high school for every student, regardless of their post-school plans. In addition to studying important pieces of literature, English classes teach teens about writing, reading, and speaking.

Most states require four years of English or language arts classes. Colleges require four years of English for admission. The main English classes in high school include:

Mathematics

In high school, students dig into several different types of math . Algebra and geometry are required at most high schools, and students may choose to take advanced math classes if they are offered.

Most states require three or four years of math coursework in high school. The main math classes in high school include:

Basic life sciences (biology) and physical sciences (chemistry and physics) are required at most high schools. These classes often include lab components that allow students to perform hands-on experiments.

Most states require two to three years of science coursework in high school. These may include:

• Biology (typically has advanced class options)
• Chemistry (typically has advanced class options)
• Earth or Space sciences

Social studies and history

Understanding the past and how the world works is important for young adults. In high school, students will study history and government and learn about how social studies affects their lives.

Most states require three to four years of social studies coursework in high school, including:

Foreign languages

Learning a second language is important in today's global world. While many high schools offer foreign language courses, only 11 states require students to take a foreign language course.  

High school students can fill these requirements by learning the basics of at least one foreign language. They may also be able to choose to take advanced classes to learn more.

Common languages offered in high school include:

• Mandarin Chinese

Other possible language offerings include Russian, Latin, American Sign Language, Arabic, and German.

Physical education and health

Physical education and health classes can teach high schoolers how to care for their bodies' fitness, health, and nutritional needs. These courses often touch on the following:

• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Making healthy choices about drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.

Many states require at least one unit of PE and health to graduate. Other states offer these subjects as electives.

School Subjects for College Preparation

Students planning to go to college should consider how colleges will look at their courses during the application process. Grade point average (GPA) is important, but coursework should also demonstrate academic rigor.

When planning, it can be helpful to balance standard high school courses with some that are more challenging. Additionally, students can do this—and even get a head start on college—by taking advanced placement (AP) or college-level classes.

AP classes are more rigorous courses that teach subjects at an introductory college level. Some of the most common AP courses that are available include:

• Calculus AB
• English Literature
• African American Studies

Students who take AP classes have the option to take an AP test in the spring. If they get a certain score, they can get credit for the course at many colleges.

College credit courses

Many high schools offer opportunities to gain college credit through various programs. Your child's academic advisor, teachers, or counseling department can inform them about such offerings.

These may be online or in-person classes through programs offered by colleges and universities, and a professor or a high school teacher may teach them. Dual-credit programs allow students to fulfill their high school requirements while obtaining some college credits free of charge.

School Subject Electives

In addition to the basic classes, there are usually plenty of opportunities to take electives in various areas of study. These can not only broaden a student's academic knowledge but also teach them valuable life skills and inspire their career aspirations .

In some cases, a student may be given the freedom to choose one class from a select group of options required in the school's curriculum. In others, a student may have room in their schedule to choose to study something simply based on their interests and goals.

Examples of elective classes may include:

• Arts, such as music, photography, fashion design, painting, theater, dance, or ceramics
• Computer applications, graphic design, or web design
• Student government
• Forensic science
• Physical education
• Sports medicine
• Trade field studies such as auto mechanics, welding, or nursing
• Personal finance or business

Students on a vocational track may be able to gain some hands-on learning in fields such as metalworks and woodworking. Many schools even offer the opportunity to gain certificates or licenses that will help them in their future careers .

Key Takeaways

Choosing high school classes requires planning both as a student enters school and throughout their high school experience. The right classes are challenging and engaging but not unrealistically rigorous or overwhelming.

An ideal schedule can help a student succeed, enjoy learning, and have a good academic experience while preparing them for their future plans , whatever they may be. Have your teen set up a meeting with their school counselor if they need any help.

The association between neighbourhoods and educational achievement, a systematic review and meta-analysis . J Hous Built Environ . 2016.

50-state comparison . Education Commission of the States . 2019.

High school classes required for college admission . National Association for College Admission Counseling . n.d.

The national K-16 foreign language enrollment survey report . American Councils for International Education . 2017.

Program summary report . College Board. 2019.

Related Articles

• 1.1 Etymology
• 1.2 Pronunciation
• 1.3.1 Usage notes
• 1.3.2 Hypernyms
• 1.3.3 Coordinate terms
• 1.3.4 Derived terms
• 1.3.5 Translations
• 1.4 See also
• 1.5 References
• 1.6 Anagrams

English [ edit ]

Etymology [ edit ].

From home +‎ work .

Pronunciation [ edit ]

• ( Received Pronunciation ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈhəʊmˌwɜːk/
• ( General American ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈhoʊmˌwɝk/

Noun [ edit ]

homework ( usually uncountable , plural homeworks )

• 2013 July 1, Peter Wilby , “Finland's education ambassador spreads the word”, in The Guardian ‎ [1] , archived from the original on 2022-10-15 : Even 15-year-olds do no more than 30 minutes' homework a night.
• 2023 January 12, Kevin Roose, “Don't Ban ChatGPT in Schools. Teach With It.”, in The New York Times ‎ [2] , archived from the original on 2023-01-17 : And I'm sympathetic to teachers who feel that they have enough to worry about, without adding A.I.-generated homework to the mix.
• 2024 May 15, 'Industry Insider', “Labour's plan for the railway”, in RAIL , number 1009 , page 68 : Under the proposals, an assurance is given that GBR (in the words of the plan) will not be marking its own homework .
• 2012 April 10, John Hudson, “North Korea Has a Clumsy Way of Soothing Concerns About Its Rocket Launch”, in The Atlantic ‎ [3] , archived from the original on 2022-01-22 : Since the whole world is watching this launch, they probably should've done some homework on their talking points.
• 2017 May 9, “Mindful sex is better sex, says B.C. researcher promoting new workbook”, in CBC News ‎ [4] , archived from the original on 2022-11-22 : Four years after her first sexual health book came out, Dr. Lori Brotto is giving her readers a little bit of homework for the bedroom.
• 2022 July 18, Donald Mcrae , quoting Michael Yormark, “Roc Nation's Michael Yormark on Romelu Lukaku: 'You have to play to his strengths... I don't think that happened'”, in The Guardian ‎ [5] , archived from the original on 2022-12-26 : I didn't even know who he was until I did my homework and realised he was a premier footballer for Bayern.
• 2023 August 7, Suzanne Wrack , “England beat Nigeria on penalties to reach Women’s World Cup quarter-finals”, in The Guardian ‎ [6] : Nigeria had done their homework and were well organised. Halimatu Ayinde was exceptional in her marking of James, who had scored twice and provided three assists as she ran the show against China.
• 1989 , Eileen Boris, Cynthia R. Daniels, Homework: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Paid Labor at Home , University of Illinois Press , →ISBN , page 241 : Hatch perceived homework to be one tool—along with various workfare schemes and private sector training programs—that would take women off welfare and make poor women "independent."
• 1933 , James T. Farrell , Gas-House McGinty , page 186 : My wife and I want a kid, and we do plenty of homework , but goddamn it, Dutch, I just can't connect.
• ( BDSM ) Tasks assigned by a dominant for a submissive to perform when they are physically away from their dominant or otherwise free.

Usage notes [ edit ]

• ( exercises assigned by a teacher ) The term homework generally implies that the work is mandatory and worth marks; exercises that are optional are usually referred to as practice problems , review problems , extra practice , exercises , etc.
• ( exercises assigned by a teacher ) Work of a larger scale than homework (which involves a series of relatively simple exercises) is usually referred to as an assignment or project .

Hypernyms [ edit ]

Coordinate terms [ edit ], derived terms [ edit ].

• bit of homework
• do one's homework
• homework club
• homework diary
• piece of homework
• the dog ate my homework

Translations [ edit ]

See also [ edit ], references [ edit ], anagrams [ edit ].

• English compound terms
• English 2-syllable words
• English terms with IPA pronunciation
• English terms with audio links
• English lemmas
• English nouns
• English uncountable nouns
• English countable nouns
• English terms with usage examples
• English terms with quotations
• English terms with rare senses
• English slang
• English euphemisms
• English endocentric compounds
• en:Education
• English entries with topic categories using raw markup
• English entries with language name categories using raw markup
• Mandarin terms with redundant transliterations
• Hindi terms with non-redundant manual transliterations
• Urdu terms with redundant transliterations

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