16 Fun, Innovative and Exciting Ways to Light a Spark in Your TEFL/TESOL Students — They'll Be Eager for More! Supported with Teaching Instructions.

Introduction

Teaching TEFL/TESOL isn't just about language proficiency—it's also about building the right mindset. TEFL/TESOL students are looking for instructors who can ignite their curiosity and push them to think critically.

They want educators who can foster a growth mindset, guiding them to not just learn English, but to understand it at a deeper level.

They seek teachers who encourage them to expand their thinking, explore new ideas, and move beyond rote learning.

First, Let’s hear what they have to say!

1.????? “I like English class because it's fun, and I can learn at my own pace.

We do activities that help us think, play, and discover new things, which makes learning English exciting.”

2.????? “In our English class, we learn that it's okay to make mistakes.

Our teacher says that making mistakes helps us learn, so now I don't feel so scared when I get things wrong.”

3.????? “We do fun things that make us think, like solving puzzles and riddles.

It's like playing a game, but we're also learning new English words and how to put them together.”

4.????? “I like when we work in groups because everyone shares their ideas.

It makes me feel good because I can say what I think, and other students listen to me, even if my English isn't perfect.”

5.????? “Our teacher says it's okay to ask questions and try new things.

This makes class feel like a safe place where everyone can learn together.”

Here's a peek into those fun, innovative and exciting activities .......From a Student's Perspective, with tips to keep them excited about learning:

Note: Depending on your specific teaching environment and resources, improvisation may be the key to achieve the outcomes you desire as a teacher.

You may or may not have tried these activities before.

Either way they're worth a revisit or new addition to your lesson plans!

1. Language Olympics

"When we had the Language Olympics, learning English felt like a fun game!

We competed in teams, doing things like vocabulary races and grammar relays.

I loved the energy , and the best part was winning medals.

It made learning so much more exciting, and I actually started looking forward to class!"

For The Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Practice vocabulary, grammar, and other language skills through team-based competition.

Materials: Vocabulary cards, whiteboard, markers, medals, timer.

Setup: Divide students into teams and create a schedule of different language-based games.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will participate in a series of language-based games to earn points for their teams.

Show the Games:

Demonstrate a vocabulary relay race. Explain that each team must write down as many words as they can within a set time.

Demonstrate a grammar relay by writing a sentence with blanks and having students fill them in with the correct grammar forms.

Set the Rules: Explain the scoring system and how the teams will rotate between activities.

Begin with a Practice Round: Run through a simplified version of each game to ensure everyone understands how to play.

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2. Virtual Worldbuilding

"Building a virtual world in class was epic!

We got to create our own cities and landscapes while speaking in English.

It wasn't just about learning vocabulary; we got to be creative and work together to design something cool.

It was like playing a video game, but we were practicing English at the same time."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Enhance language skills through creative collaboration and teamwork in a virtual setting.

Materials: Computers/tablets, virtual world-building software (like Minecraft or similar), projector.

Setup: Assign teams to work on different parts of a virtual world (e.g., creating a city, a landscape, or a building).

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students that they will build a virtual world, using English to communicate and plan their designs.

Show Examples: Use the projector to demonstrate the virtual environment, explaining how to navigate and build.

Outline the Tasks: Describe the tasks each team will work on, ensuring they understand how to collaborate.

Provide Language Support: Offer useful phrases and vocabulary that they might need during the activity (e.g., "Can you build this?", "What do you think about this design?").

Start with a Group Example: Build a simple structure together to demonstrate how to collaborate and communicate in English while building.

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3. Incorporate Hands-On Activities

"I love when our teacher brings in real things we can touch and hold during English class. It's so much better than just listening to a lecture.

Sometimes, she brings back cool stuff from her travels or items that show what life is like in English-speaking countries.

We get to pass them around and talk about what they feel like, what they look like, and even what they smell like. I

It makes the lesson so much more interesting, and it's easier to learn new words when I can see and touch the objects.

Plus, it makes class feel more like a fun exploration than just reading from a book."

For The Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Engage students through tactile learning and real-world objects to enhance vocabulary and comprehension.

Materials: Real objects from English-speaking cultures (e.g., souvenirs, food items, clothing), worksheets for descriptions.

Setup: Set up stations with different objects, ensuring they are interesting and varied in texture, appearance, and origin.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will explore real objects and use English to describe them.

Show How to Explore: Take an object and demonstrate how to describe it (e.g., "This is a wooden carving from Canada. It's smooth and has intricate patterns").

Provide Vocabulary: Offer a list of descriptive adjectives to help students with their descriptions.

Outline the Process: Explain that students will rotate between stations, spending a few minutes with each object and writing down their observations.

Start with a Sample Station: Demonstrate how to move from one station to another and what kind of notes to take while observing the objects.

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4. Incorporate Gamification

"When our teacher added games to the lessons, English became so much more fun.

We played 'Taboo,' 'Pictionary,' and even 'Scrabble.'

It made learning vocabulary and grammar feel less like work. I also liked how we earned points and got rewards, which made me want to do my best."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Make learning vocabulary and grammar fun through games and point-based competitions.

Materials: Game boards (Taboo, Pictionary, Scrabble), cards, markers, reward system (points, stickers, or small prizes).

Setup: Create a schedule with different games and decide how points will be awarded for each activity.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will play different games to earn points and rewards.

Demonstrate Each Game:

For 'Taboo': Show how to give clues without using specific words. Give an example round.

For 'Pictionary': Draw a simple object on the board, explaining that teammates must guess within a time limit.

For 'Scrabble': Explain the basic rules, emphasizing forming words with given letters.

Outline the Rewards: Describe the reward system, such as earning points for each game and the type of prizes available.

Start with a Practice Game: Play a quick practice round to ensure everyone understands the rules.

5. Introduce English Through Music

"Learning English through music is the best!

We listened to popular songs and learned the lyrics. It was great because I got to sing along and improve my pronunciation without even realizing it.

The karaoke sessions were a blast, and it made me feel more connected to English-speaking culture."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Improve pronunciation and listening skills through popular music and karaoke sessions.

Materials: Audio equipment, song lyrics, karaoke machine or software, projector.

Setup: Select a variety of songs with clear lyrics and themes that resonate with students.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will listen to songs, learn the lyrics, and sing along.

Show How to Follow Lyrics: Play a song and project the lyrics. Highlight the words being sung.

Demonstrate Karaoke: Show how to use the karaoke machine, demonstrating proper pronunciation while singing along.

Provide a List of Vocabulary: Offer a list of vocabulary from the song to help students understand the lyrics.

Encourage Participation: Begin with a group singing session to help students feel comfortable before individual performances.

6. Language Escape Room

"The escape room activity was intense but so much fun!

We had to solve puzzles and riddles in English to find the key and 'escape.'

It made us think on our feet and work together.

The excitement and teamwork made it feel like we were in an adventure movie.

I loved every minute of it!"

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Enhance problem-solving skills and teamwork through English-based puzzles and riddles.

Materials: Escape room props (locks, keys, puzzles, clues), a storyline, timer.

Setup: Create a story for the escape room, with various puzzles and riddles leading to the key for 'escape.'

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they are in an escape room and must solve puzzles to 'escape.'

Demonstrate a Puzzle: Show an example puzzle and explain how to use clues to solve it.

Outline the Storyline: Describe the escape room theme (e.g., a missing scientist, a hidden treasure) to engage students.

Set the Rules: Explain the rules, including how much time they have to solve the puzzles.

Start with a Simple Puzzle: Provide an introductory puzzle to help students understand the process and get comfortable with the activity.

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7. "Time Travel" Classroom Experience

"One day, our classroom turned into a time machine!

The decorations and costumes made it feel like we were in a different era.

We had to role-play and communicate as if we were living in that time.

It was like stepping into a different world, and it made learning English feel like an adventure."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Engage students in role-playing and contextual learning through a themed classroom experience.

Materials: Costumes, decorations, role-playing prompts, historical objects.

Setup: Decorate the classroom according to the chosen time period and provide costumes for students to wear.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will 'time travel' and role-play as if they are in a different era.

Describe the Time Period: Provide a brief history of the chosen time period and explain the customs and language used.

Show Costumes and Props: Demonstrate how to wear the costumes and use the props in the role-playing scenarios.

Role-Play a Scenario: Act out a simple scenario to give students an example of how to interact within the historical context.

Outline the Activity: Explain the role-playing exercises and how they will interact with one another as characters from that time period.

Begin with a Group Scene: Start with a group role-play to set the scene and help students get into character.

8. Interactive Learning Stations

"I love when we have different learning stations in our classroom.

It makes English class so much more fun because I can move around and do different activities.

At each station, there's something new to try.

I can listen to cool English podcasts, talk with my classmates in role-plays, or read interesting stories.

It feels like I'm choosing my own adventure, and I get to practice different skills in a way that doesn't feel like regular classwork.

Plus, I can spend more time on the things I'm not so good at, and that helps me get better at my own pace."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Offer varied and engaging activities for students to practice different English skills.

Materials: Worksheets, role-play props, audio equipment, reading materials.

Setup: Create different stations with a variety of activities, ensuring a mix of listening, speaking, reading, and writing tasks.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will rotate through different learning stations, each with a unique activity.

Describe Each Station: Provide an overview of what each station entails (e.g., listening to podcasts, role-playing with props, reading stories).

Demonstrate a Station: Show how to engage with a specific station (e.g., listen to a podcast and discuss it).

Outline the Rotation: Explain how students will move from one station to the next and how long they will spend at each station.

Start with a Practice Station: Guide students through a sample station to ensure they understand the process and feel comfortable with the activities.

9. Organize a "Language Café

"When our teacher turned the classroom into a café, it was so relaxing.

We had tea and snacks, and we got to talk to each other in English.

It was a safe space to practice speaking without feeling nervous.

Plus, we shared stories and learned about different cultures, which made it feel like a real café."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Create a relaxed environment for students to practice English conversation and cultural exchange.

Materials: Tables, chairs, tablecloths, tea, snacks, café-themed decorations, conversational prompts.

Setup: Arrange the classroom to resemble a café, with small tables and chairs. Provide snacks and drinks to enhance the café atmosphere.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they are in a café setting where they can relax and converse in English.

Demonstrate the Setup: Walk through the classroom, showing where everything is set up (tables, snacks, etc.).

Outline Conversation Topics: Provide conversational prompts on each table to guide discussions.

Show How to Engage: Sit at a table and demonstrate a simple conversation with a student or another teacher.

Set Expectations: Explain that this is a safe space to practice English, and there's no pressure to speak perfectly.

Begin with a Group Conversation: Start with a brief group discussion to encourage students to join in and set a relaxed tone.

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10. Implement "Role Reversal" Days

"I never thought I'd get to be the teacher, but on 'Role Reversal' day, we did!

Each of us got to teach a topic to the class.

It was a bit scary at first, but it really boosted my confidence. I

It also made me realize how much I've learned, and it gave me a new perspective on teaching."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Boost student confidence by allowing them to play the role of teacher and present a topic.

Materials: Whiteboard, markers, teaching aids (worksheets, presentations), a list of topics.

Setup: Assign topics to students in advance and provide guidelines for their presentations.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will each take on the role of teacher and present a topic.

Outline Expectations: Describe what is expected from each student (e.g., prepare a lesson, engage the class).

Demonstrate a Teaching Session: Act as the student-teacher, showing how to present a topic and interact with the class.

Provide Feedback Guidelines: Explain how students can give constructive feedback to their peers.

Begin with a Volunteer Teacher: Start with a confident student or a pair of students to demonstrate the process.

11. English Scavenger Hunt

"The English scavenger hunt was awesome!

We got to go around the classroom and even outside, solving clues and completing tasks, all in English.

It was like a big game, and we had to work together to figure out the answers.

It didn't even feel like we were in class because we were having so much fun.

We had to use all our English skills to solve the riddles and find the hidden items.

It made learning feel like an adventure, and I liked that we could be active and not just sit at our desks.

I hope we can do it again soon!"

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Practice vocabulary and problem-solving skills through a scavenger hunt in and around the classroom.

Materials: Clues, riddles, hidden objects, maps (if needed).

Setup: Create a scavenger hunt map, hide objects, and prepare clues that lead to the next location or object.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will participate in a scavenger hunt, solving clues in English to find hidden items.

Show an Example Clue: Present a simple clue and solve it with the students to demonstrate the process.

Outline the Rules: Describe the rules of the scavenger hunt, including teamwork and safety if it extends outside the classroom.

Provide Hints if Needed: Let students know they can ask for hints if they get stuck.

Start with a Simple Clue: Begin the scavenger hunt with an easy clue to set the tone and ensure everyone understands the process.

12. Virtual Reality Language Immersion

"Using virtual reality in class was mind-blowing!

We could visit famous landmarks and explore city streets, all while speaking in English.

It felt like we were traveling without leaving the classroom.

It was a unique way to learn, and it helped me see how English is used in real life."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Use virtual reality (VR) to immerse students in English-speaking environments and enhance their language skills.

Materials: VR headsets, VR-compatible software, a variety of virtual environments (e.g., city streets, landmarks).

Setup: Ensure VR headsets are properly set up and students have enough space to move around safely.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will use VR to explore English-speaking environments and practice language skills.

Demonstrate the VR Setup: Show how to put on the VR headset and navigate the virtual environment safely.

Outline the Activities: Describe what students will do in VR (e.g., explore landmarks, complete tasks in English).

Provide Safety Guidelines: Emphasize safety, ensuring students understand how to avoid collisions and use VR responsibly.

Begin with a Group VR Session: Start with a simple VR activity to allow students to get used to the technology and feel comfortable before individual tasks.

13. Creative English Storytelling

"When we created and performed our own stories in class, it was like being in a play. We used costumes and props, and everyone got involved.

It was a fun way to practice speaking and improve our confidence.

Plus, we got to be creative and tell stories that we cared about."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Develop creativity and storytelling skills through role-playing and performance.

Materials: Costumes, props, stage area, script templates, writing materials.

Setup: Create a simple stage area and provide a variety of costumes and props for students to use in their storytelling.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will create and perform their own stories in English.

Demonstrate a Simple Story: Act out a short story with costumes and props to demonstrate the storytelling process.

Outline the Story Creation Process: Describe how students will work in groups to create their stories, write scripts, and perform.

Provide Storytelling Guidelines: Give tips on creating engaging stories, using expressive language, and working as a team.

Begin with a Group Storytelling Session: Start with a simple group storytelling exercise to inspire creativity and encourage participation.

14. Host a Mini Film Festival

"Our mini film festival was such a cool idea.

We watched short films and movie scenes in English, then discussed the themes and characters. It was a fun way to work on listening and comprehension skills.

I loved that we could talk about movies while learning English at the same time."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Improve listening and comprehension skills through the analysis of films and movie scenes.

Materials: Projector, screen, selection of short films or movie scenes, discussion questions.

Setup: Arrange a viewing area with comfortable seating, and select a variety of films or movie scenes in English.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will watch films and movie scenes in English and then discuss them.

Demonstrate How to Analyze Films: Show a short film or scene and provide an example analysis, highlighting key themes and characters.

Outline the Discussion Process: Describe how students will discuss the films, using English to share their thoughts and insights.

Provide Discussion Questions: Give students a list of questions to guide the discussion and encourage participation.

Start with a Simple Film: Begin with a short film or scene to ease students into the process and demonstrate how to discuss and analyze it.

15. Build Your Own Curriculum" Day

"Getting to design our own curriculum for a day was awesome!

We chose the topics and activities we wanted to explore.

It made learning English feel more personal, and I felt like I had a say in what I was learning.

It was a great way to make sure we were interested and engaged."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Empower students to design their own learning experience by choosing topics and activities.

Materials: Whiteboard, markers, a list of potential topics, planning materials.

Setup: Create a framework for the curriculum, allowing students to select from a variety of topics and activities.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will design their own curriculum for a day.

Describe the Options: Provide a list of topics and activities they can choose from, including some pre-planned options.

Outline the Process: Explain how students will work together to create their curriculum, including deciding the schedule and activities.

Demonstrate a Curriculum Plan: Show an example of a simple curriculum plan to guide students through the process.

Encourage Collaboration: Suggest that students work in groups to brainstorm ideas and create their schedules.

Begin with a Group Planning Session: Start with a group brainstorming session to get students thinking about what they would like to do.

16. Develop a Cultural Exchange Program

"Our class got to connect with another TEFL/TESOL class from a different country.

We used video conferencing to talk to each other and learn about each other's cultures.

It was so interesting to hear their stories and share our own.

This cross-cultural exchange made learning English feel even more meaningful."

For the Teacher:

Activity Planning

Objective: Create an opportunity for cultural exchange and communication with students from other countries.

Materials: Video conferencing software, computers/tablets, time zone converter, a partner class in another country.

Setup: Coordinate with a partner TEFL/TESOL class in another country to set up virtual meetings and cultural exchange activities.

Activity Demonstration

Explain the Concept: Tell students they will connect with a class from another country to share stories and learn about each other's cultures.

Demonstrate the Video Conferencing Setup: Show how to use the video conferencing software and explain the communication process.

Outline the Cultural Exchange Activities: Describe the planned activities, such as sharing stories, discussing cultural differences, and asking questions.

Provide Communication Guidelines: Explain how to interact with students from another country, including respect and open-mindedness.

Begin with a Group Video Conference: Start with a simple video conference to introduce the classes and encourage initial communication.

Conclusion

The range of activities discussed above offers an innovative and engaging approach to teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and English as a Second Language (ESL).

From gamification to virtual reality, these activities bring variety and excitement to the classroom, fostering a more relaxed and enjoyable learning environment. By incorporating real-life scenarios, role-playing, and interactive stations, teachers can create a dynamic space where students feel comfortable practicing their English skills.

Additionally, immersive experiences like scavenger hunts, storytelling, and cultural exchange programs not only strengthen language abilities but also promote teamwork and cultural awareness.

Through these creative and interactive methods, learning English becomes an adventure, inspiring students to engage, participate, and thrive in their language journey.