One of the things I always found interesting as an ESL teacher was the fact that students learned some of the most useless vocabulary imaginable. Students that can barely discuss what classes they had that day are expected to learn terms about foreign cultures and archaic business words.
Sure, some students can really use that, but most can’t. For many students learning the words for items they have around the house is a better use of their time. Things like washing machine, refrigerator, and oven are so much more useful, don’t you think?
That’s why I have an ESL lesson on machines. Yeah, machines. Before you hit ‘back’ let’s take a look at some of the slides in this 23-slide ESL PowerPoint and see how they can help you get through an hour of class.
Sure, some students can really use that, but most can’t. For many students learning the words for items they have around the house is a better use of their time. Things like washing machine, refrigerator, and oven are so much more useful, don’t you think?
That’s why I have an ESL lesson on machines. Yeah, machines. Before you hit ‘back’ let’s take a look at some of the slides in this 23-slide ESL PowerPoint and see how they can help you get through an hour of class.
I taught with this PowerPoint for more than 2 years, and each time I’d show this simple slide. All it is are 6 different machines or appliances you’ll find in your home. This might not seem like much but consider some of the things you can do.
Many of your students will know the names of these things, so elicit the answers from them. Call on them to shout the answers out, and even have a few of them spell them. Boy, it’s only a simple step to a great game after that.
Many of your students will know the names of these things, so elicit the answers from them. Call on them to shout the answers out, and even have a few of them spell them. Boy, it’s only a simple step to a great game after that.
Here’s another simple slide, this one showing a rollercoaster. Yeah, nothing much, but let me tell you, my students always got excited when I showed them this slide. It got them laughing, slapping their classmates on the shoulder as they pointed, and generally broke the ice of class. Things like that really keep things moving and make class fun for a change, not a headache.
Here’s a fun slide later in the ESL PowerPoint that talks about movies. This is a great opportunity for you to transition into a group activity, pair work, or just some kid of project. Have them make their own evil machine robot menace or something. The point is, this is a good spot for a breather while you give them a chance to talk with their classmates for a few minutes, hopefully in English.
There are several slides like this in the ESL PPT, and this one is pretty easy. When I taught Grade 4 students my first year, yeah, they all knew this stuff. But they had a fun time climbing all over themselves to answer the questions. There were lots of smiles and laughs, and we joked around a bit.
What made it fun for my classes is that I knew these words in Chinese. I could say “Gong Gong Chi Che,” which means bus. I said it very badly, of course, and that just made it all the more fun. You know you’re doing well as an ESL teacher when even the teaching assistants are laughing at you.
What made it fun for my classes is that I knew these words in Chinese. I could say “Gong Gong Chi Che,” which means bus. I said it very badly, of course, and that just made it all the more fun. You know you’re doing well as an ESL teacher when even the teaching assistants are laughing at you.
Finally, and what probably made this lesson such a success for me, there are some links to cool Rube Goldberg machines videos. My students really loved watching this short video when I taught this class, but then in 2009 China banned YouTube so I couldn’t do it anymore. After awhile I found other copies on Chinese websites, however, so it worked out.
If you take this ESL Machines PowerPoint and add in a few things yourself you’ll have a good hour-long lesson. I’ve done this PPT by itself before, and I got about 40 minutes out of it, sometimes longer. If you can work a game in here and even get some worksheets or something, I bet you could even stretch this over two classes.
So what are you waiting for? Let your ESL students have a good time while learning ESL vocabulary words that will actually help them. Get your copy of this 23-slide ESL Machines PPT for just $0.99 today!
If you take this ESL Machines PowerPoint and add in a few things yourself you’ll have a good hour-long lesson. I’ve done this PPT by itself before, and I got about 40 minutes out of it, sometimes longer. If you can work a game in here and even get some worksheets or something, I bet you could even stretch this over two classes.
So what are you waiting for? Let your ESL students have a good time while learning ESL vocabulary words that will actually help them. Get your copy of this 23-slide ESL Machines PPT for just $0.99 today!
