For Teachers

Here are a few handy websites for ESOL Teachers, listed according to category. Enjoy:

HANDOUTS

1.  EL Civics Worksheets

Many handouts and short readings.

2.  Super Teacher Worksheets

A variety of free handouts on English, math, geography, etc.

3.  Lanternfish

Handouts and worksheets, including word searches and crossword puzzles, as well as some lesson ideas.

4.  ESL Galaxy

Good basic-level handouts.

5.  Worksheet Works

Simple worksheets on a variety of topics, including grammar, math, and geography.

6.  English for Everyone

Tons of great worksheets on all aspects of English.

7. The Teacher’s Corner

Printable cloze exercises and crossword puzzles and lots more.

GRAMMAR

1. Azar Grammar

Great classroom supplements to the Azar Grammar books, including PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, songs, and expansion activities.

2.  OWL Grammar Exercises

A wide variety of grammar exercises.

3. A Digital Workbook for Beginning ESOL

Lower level interactive workbook for grammar and reading.

VOCABULARY

1.  Quizlet

An excellent vocabulary site: use existing vocab lists from around the world, create your own, make online flashcards and tests and games. Free sign-up.

2.  Vocabulary Spelling City

A great website to help students practice and remember new words. It also has games, video lessons, and teacher resources.

LESSON PLANS

1.  Minnesota Literacy Council

Solid lesson plans and resources for ESL teachers.

2.   Internet TESL Journal 

Many more lessons, activities, and articles for teachers.

3.  ThoughtCo. ESL

An ESL blog with lesson ideas.

4.  A Virtual Library of Lesson Plans

A plethora of great ESL and Civics lessons and handouts from North Carolina.

LISTENING

1.   English Listening Lesson Library Online (ELLLO)

Listening exercises on a variety of topics, with transcripts and quizzes.

2.   StoryCorps

Real-life stories told by real people, accompanied by great animation that aids comprehension.

3. News in Slow English

(Very) old and outdated news, but delivered slowly and with simplicity. Good for listening practice.

4. Better at Speaking Podcast

Interesting, straightforward conversational podcasts.

5. American Rhetoric Online Speech Bank

An extraordinary and extensive collection of renown speeches, primarily for advanced levels.

6. Happy English Podcast

Fun, interesting and diverse topics; improving grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and understanding of American culture.

PRONUNCIATION AND SPEAKING

1. ABC Fast Phonics

Simple, basic English pronunciation.

2. Rachel’s English

More advanced pronunciation practice.

3. Teaching Pronunciation

Free printable materials and worksheets. Pronunciation and phonetics materials for classwork.

4. English Accent Coach

Interactive training and games to improve pronunciation and understanding.

5. Consonant Sounds

Straightforward learning with transcriptions, PDF chart of sounds and their symbols.

6. Splendid Speaking

For advanced learners wishing to develop their top-level speaking skills and communication abilities.

7. Better at Speaking Podcast

Interesting materials for intermediate and advanced students. Well-done site.

NEWS

1.   Voice of America

Articles, audio, and comprehension activities from Voice of America.

2.   Breaking News English

Advanced-level current events stories with accompanying comprehension and vocab activities.

3.   BBC Learning English

A smorgasbord of online lessons, videos, and games from the BBC.

4.   NY1

A 24-hour news source for New York City.

5. The Times in Plain English

A great online newspaper with news articles and a special New York section.

News in Slow English

Outdated (2017) news and “current” events, but very good listening practice.

DIGITAL LITERACY

1.  Northstar Basic Computer Skills

A nice online computer skills assessment.

WORK READINESS

1.  NYSED/CUNY CareerKits

A set of industry-specific lessons and activities.

2.  Global Talent Bridge

A resource for giving career and educational advice to immigrants with advanced skills and more formal education.

MISCELLANEOUS

1.   Simple English Wikipedia

A simply-worded encyclopedia.

2.   Rong-chang.com

Reading, listening, and grammar exercises, plus some good dialogs and links.

3.   Manythings.org

Grammar exercises, games, read-alongs, and videos.

4. We Speak NYC

Great New York-based videos, plus study guides and other teaching resources.

5. ESL Holiday Lessons

High-intermediate to advanced reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammar exercises for just about every holiday.

6.  REEPworld

Videos, listening exercises, and life skills activities for beginning and intermediate students focusing on health, family, and work.

7. Real English

Great videos and grammar exercises.

8. Easy World of English

Simple grammar, pronunciation, and reading activities.

9.  Ventures Arcade

A great collection of interactive lessons and games that supplement the Ventures textbook series.

10. ESL Literacy Readers

A good collection of contemporary, multicultural reading lessons for different levels.

11. Reading Comprehension Dialogues

Practice dialogues reflecting a wide range of diverse topics.

12. Punctuation Guide

A clear and concise visual guide to punctuation.

13. Using AI to Teach Writing to ESL Students

Ten lesson ideas for writing.

11. GPTs for Language Learners

Community-based GPT resources: worksheets, bilingual exercises, etc.

12. A Digital Workbook for Beginning ESOL

Interactive grammar and reading for beginner and intermediate levels.

13. Using AI to Teach Writing to ESL Students

“A few AI lesson ideas to help teachers use AI and not feel like it’s taking over.”

14. GPTs for Language Learners

Community-based. interactive language study; including worksheet creators.

SMART BOARD

1. Smart Exchange

A site with many different types of lessons designed for the Smart Board. Browse by level and subject.