Category Archives: Fab ideas

An idea to help question formation and an interesting site

Posted on 29/04/2014 by fabenglishteacher

I know grammar is a dirty word, but in the Swiss secondary school system it’s difficult to avoid, so after the bare minimum I encourage my students to talk to each other as much as possible. It seems that most … Continue reading →

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Downhill from now on and a ridiculously simple “back to class” activity

Posted on 27/04/2014 by fabenglishteacher

So it’s the Sunday before school starts again and I’m tackling my marking pile, but I don’t care because I had a great holiday, took a trip with my family and bought a new coffee machine – can life get … Continue reading →

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What to do with spaghetti and marshmallows in class

Posted on 11/04/2014 by fabenglishteacher

Following an #IATEFL session by Deborah Bullock on self-assessment with teens, I decided to do something similar with our regular “no French Friday”. Earlier in the week the class decided on marking criteria for this speaking lesson; After writing up … Continue reading →

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Fun & easy vocab revision

Posted on 08/04/2014 by fabenglishteacher

Easy peasy and great fun! “Pick” a volunteer (once the class sees what the idea is they are usually begging to come forward!) and get them to stand with their back to the board. Write a word on the board … Continue reading →

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Something different to do with animals

Posted on 07/04/2014 by fabenglishteacher

When we were tired of miming them, guessing what they are from the noise they make (there are some good apps for this, and for household objects, musical instruments, etc.) we decided to do something different :   Not only … Continue reading →

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Four ways to make revision buzz!

Posted on 06/04/2014 by fabenglishteacher

Often students find revision tedious, many don’t know how to revise effectively, and for some of my pupils it’s more a case of “vision” than “RE-vision”! Here are some ways to make revision fun, I especially enjoy the one where … Continue reading →

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6 ways to recap the lesson

Posted on 03/04/2014 by fabenglishteacher

One of my weaknesses is the lack of plenary in many of my classes. I’m so busy teaching and getting lots of things done that I don’t always make time to step back and think. Here are some ways to … Continue reading →

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6 reasons to film your lesson

Posted on 22/03/2014 by fabenglishteacher

This week I found myself standing in for a colleague by taking both our classes for two hours. “Great” I thought, enough time to do something meaty. To motivate the classes for double English I promised a “no pen lesson” … Continue reading →

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Fab idea #4 – Action Comprehension

Posted on 31/01/2014 by fabenglishteacher

  How about trying something different to check reading or listening comprehension? Get the pupils to stand in a line facing the front, I get them to line up according to age – lots of practice of “When’s your birthday?” … Continue reading →

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Fab idea #3

Posted on 28/01/2014 by fabenglishteacher

Practice vocabulary with a word train, give them the letters and get them to organise themselves into the right order, a great way of watching group dynamics and learning to work together:   Don’t forget if your pupils are camera … Continue reading →

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