ESL with Alan - English Teaching Resources

  Introduction Using films in the ESL classroom is one of the most effective ways to motivate learners, build vocabulary, and encourage meaningful communication. One movie that works exceptionally well for language learning is James Cameron’s Avatar . With its breathtaking visuals, universal themes, and global popularity, Avatar continues to captivate audiences of all ages—making it a powerful teaching tool for English learners. In this blog post, we’ll explore why Avatar is a great addition to your ESL lessons and share practical, student-friendly activities you can use right away. Why Include Avatar in Your ESL Classes? 1. Worldwide Popularity and Cultural Impact Students are far more engaged when working with material they already know or are curious about. Avatar has a huge global fanbase and is one of the highest-grossing films in history. This familiarity helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence, making students more willing to participate in discussions and writi...

  Introduction: R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface (2023) is a sharp, fast-paced contemporary novel that explores authorship, cultural appropriation, and the publishing industry. It follows June Hayward, a struggling white writer who steals the unfinished manuscript of her classmate and literary star, Athena Liu, after witnessing her sudden death. June publishes the manuscript under a more ambiguous name, “Juniper Song,” and is quickly swept into fame—while trying desperately to hide the truth behind her success. The novel unfolds through June’s unreliable narration, social-media storms, and heated public debates about representation. Yellowface is not only a compelling page-turner; it is also an exciting and relevant text for advanced ESL learners who want to read modern English fiction connected to today’s world. Why Yellowface Is a Great Teaching Tool for ESL Classes 1. Highly Relevant to Today's Issues The novel dives into topics such as cultural appropria...

 When December arrives, teachers start looking for fresh ESL Christmas activities that feel fun, meaningful, and age-appropriate. One of the best resources for this season is How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss. This classic story is famous worldwide, and it brings humor, rhythm, and powerful values that work beautifully in both ESL and EFL classrooms. Who Is the Grinch? A Short Introduction The Grinch is the green, grouchy character created by Dr. Seuss in his beloved children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! First published in 1957, the story follows the Grinch as he tries to ruin Christmas for the Whos in Whoville—only to learn that Christmas is about much more than gifts and decorations. Over the years, the tale has grown into a cultural symbol of Christmas, with movies, animations, and countless adaptations. The simple language, rhythmic patterns, and heartwarming message make the Grinch a perfect text to bring into ESL learning environments during the hol...