English is the language most commonly used in business, communication, trading and in several academic areas. For this reason, there is a vast number of individuals interested in learning it. Additionally, new technologies and the Internet have had a tremendous impact on people´s interests in learning the language.
Several websites are out there ranging from the most basic and simple ones that explain grammar rules to the most sophisticated ones that offer games and very interesting activities.
Below you will find a list of the links that we have found most useful in our classes.
GRAMMAR
Learning a new language implies the study of new rules and structures students are not familiar with, for this reason repetition and practice are meaningful participation in the process. The following websites offer a variety of exercises to be practiced in class and at home.
www.eclecticenglish.com/ This website can help students do exercises on their own. It has explanations, grammar tables, exercises and they can check their answers.
mercigd.wordpress.com/ This one offers plenty of exercises to practice grammar.You can choose the level and the structure you need to practice.
www.englishpage.com/ a very classical and simple page that offers an explanation of rules and exercises divided in categories.
www.ego4u.com/ another good site that offers grammar exercises.
READING LINKS
Books don´t usually have enough reading exercises for students and the time available to complete a programme in class doesn´t allow teachers to practice this skill. So, it´s necessary to give our students the opportunity to practice reading by doing exercises that we as teachers have previously revised. Internet offers a wide variety of links for them to practice. Students can check their answers or they can send their worksheets to their teachers. We as teachers have to make sure the level is according to our class, and we also have to choose interesting topics to practice, so that our students don´t get bored. Here, your´ll find some interesting websites you can use in class or as extra exercises in class. It´s worth a try!
Reading exercises based on different topics
legacy.lclark.edu/~krauss/toppicks/watch.htm
Reading exercises according to different levels
web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/StudyZone/200/reading/
web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/reading/
web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/570/
www.nelliemuller.com/Reading_Comprehension_Practice.htm
Reading exercises related to technology
www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/language_arts/reading_comp/
These websites offer articles based on different categories such as business, technology, science, health, opinion, sports, art, etc
learning.blogs.nytimes.com/
literacynet.org/cnnsf/archives.html
www.literacynet.org/vtd/articles.html
The BBC website offers some good articles and exercises that combine Grammar, Vocabulary and Pronunciation as well as resources for teachers.
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/
A website that offers different kinds of exercises about listening, spoken English, lessons online
www.elllo.org/
USING COMICS
www.kingfeatures.com/features/comics/comics.htm
A GAME THAT HAS EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, it focuses on nature, city life, agriculture.
www.bellmuseum.org/distancelearning/watershed/
WRITING
Writing is one of the most difficult skills in a second language. The following website offers great tips for writing.
www.whitesmoke.com/how-to-revise-an-essay.html
gse.buffalo.edu/org/writingstrategies/
www.ncistudent.net/studyskills/writingskills/introduction.htm
www.zozanga.com/writingskills.htm
www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/writing-strategies.cfm
www.wonderfulwritingskillsunhandbook.com/
www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_WritingSkills/00writingskills.htm
LISTENING
Listening is one of the most difficult skills. There are several tools that help students. As teachers we recommend movies, songs, videos, documentaries, etc.
The following websites offer a great guide to students.
www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm
www.learnenglish.de/ImproveEnglish/improvelisteningpage.htm
www.learningthroughlistening.org/
www.englishclub.com/listening/
OTHER: TEACHING VALUES THROUGH ENGLISH:
Respect is to accept and understand people, accept and understand how they feel, how they think even though we don’t feel or think in the same way.
Respect must encourage to a sincere acceptance of people’s qualities, attitudes, opinions and faults. It involves not considering yourself superior to anyone.
Respect is based in truth, it does not tolerate lies.
The school is like a family full of different people, different lifestyles, different conditions, with unique thoughts but despite our differences there is something that must be kept: THE RESPECT.
Not just respect from students to teachers or authorities, but respect from adults to youth too.
Showing respect between us will make our relationship stronger and better. But, how do we apply respect in our school?
Laugh but not at the expense of others.
Express yourself with moderation.
Be strong but never humiliate others.
Be confident of yourself.
Expect from people what you are capable of giving.
Accept your strengths and weaknesses.
Watch your friends, learn from their mistakes but never judge them.
And the most important thing: Be sincere, but never disrespectful.
In general as teachers we have to use all the best resources available. The key to good teaching is improving each day.
Authors
Karina Leon Davila
Jacqueline Lopez Lopez
Mirna Romero Coloma