ESL with Alan - English Teaching Resources

  Introduction: What are TED Talks? TED Talks are short, powerful presentations given by experts, thinkers, and innovators from around the world. With topics ranging from science and education to art and personal growth, TED Talks are an incredible resource for ESL (English as a Second or Foreign Language) classrooms. They are freely available online, often with subtitles and transcripts, making them an accessible and engaging tool for both teachers and students. Why Use TED Talks in ESL Classes? Authentic Language Exposure Unlike scripted textbook dialogues, TED Talks present real-life English . The speakers come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, which exposes students to different accents, intonation, and vocabulary. This makes them particularly useful for ESL intermediate/advanced learners. Skill Integration: Listening, Writing, and Speaking TED Talks are perfect for training multiple skills in one lesson: Listening skills : Students practice unders...

  Japanese anime and manga are more than just entertainment. From the colorful action scenes in One Piece to the emotional storytelling in Your Name , these pop culture phenomena have become global favorites , especially among teens . But did you know that anime and manga from Japan can also be powerful teaching resources for ESL classrooms ? In this blog post, we’ll explore why using anime and manga is a great way to engage ESL learners , especially teenagers. We’ll also share practical teaching tips , printable worksheets , and ESL activity ideas you can add to your teacher toolbox . Why Use Japanese Anime and Manga in ESL Classes? 1. Global Popularity and Student Interest Anime and manga are loved all over the world. From North America to Europe and Southeast Asia, Japanese animation and comics have crossed cultural borders . This means many ESL students are already familiar with titles like Naruto , Attack on Titan , My Hero Academia , and One Piece . Teens are esp...