Sites Primarily for Students, but also helpful for tutors
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Of course, this list assumes that the student either has computer access, or is able to come to the library with headphones for access. Making sure the student practices these activities with you makes it more likely they will do them on their own between classes. Hugosite: 365 excellent videos, in order of complexity. The words are shown on the screen as you hear them being spoken. The vocabulary builds as you go along. Be sure to check out the supplements also. |
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Activities for ESL Students: Numerous quizzes and puzzles for learners to complete and check on their own. Learners can choose from a variety of activities dealing with vocabulary building, phrasal verbs, slang, idioms, homonyms, and specific grammar points, such as articles and prepositions. Bilingual quizzes are also included.
Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab: This site contains a vast collection of listening exercises and activities, including conversations and quizzes. The exercises target high-beginning to low-advanced learners. The tutor should be sure to read “Tips for Teachers” and “Teacher Features.” Some of these suggest ways to use this site in class, instead of individually by the student.
English Meeting: This site focuses on pronunciation and linguistics. It may be more helpful for the tutor than for the student, since it gives advice on what to watch for and how to correct speech, so it’s being listed in both places. Alternatively, on YouTube, search for “EnglishMeeting Dave Sconda” to find these videos addressing how to pronounce specific sounds in English words.
TV411: For the advanced student interested in general learning and GED preparation. A fun and easy to navigate site featuring interactive lessons and articles addressing themes such as money, parenting, people, and health. Lessons improve reading, writing, vocabulary, math and learning skills. The site also has a bulletin board to provide users with personalized support and a forum to share their writing and ideas. Also included is a teacher resources section.
USA Learns: This comprehensive program is from the US Department of Education, and can be used by a student either with a tutor or independently. With the audio capabilities, learners can hear their pronunciation of English compared to the standard.
Many Things: This is a very rich site, almost intimidating in the number of possible activities. It might be helpful to walk a student through a part you think will be particularly helpful. Once they become more confident, they might explore on their own. The “Listen and Repeat” section is very helpful.
Easy World of English: Sections include grammar, pronunciation, readings and a picture dictionary. All have audio as the student reads the text. There are also some self-quizzes.
Language Guide: A basic picture dictionary with audio. Hover the cursor over an image and the term will be pronounced. This makes it easy to quiz yourself. Does not include sentence construction.
Internet Picture Dictionary: This site offers many vocabulary words in the form of single items related to a topic, such as animals or clothing. Students can use this site outside of class to click on, hear, and read the names of items. It is a good source of pictures for teachers.
howjsay: A talking dictionary. Write in the word, and it will be pronounced for you. Does not include any images or definitions, or sentence structure.
EZ Slang: This is an excellent site for more advanced students. English audio conversations in relaxed, informal voices using idioms/slang are presented, supported by definitions, quizzes and text of the conversations. A great way to fine tune understanding and accents.
Real English: Uses video/audio clips of conversations “on the street” to develop listening skills with real speakers of English. Quizzes and repetition with text are used. Be careful of the integrated ads.
Cambridge Ventures: Meant to follow the Ventures series of texts, but can be used independently. Many guided activities that cover a wide range of topics, abilities and techniques. Also has a section that prepares for US citizenship exams.
Cambridge Interchange: Supportive activities to coordinate with the Interchange textbooks, with many exercises, quizzes and games. Includes grammar.
Accredited Schools Online: This is a very wide-ranging educational resource, with a specific section on ESL teaching and learning. It links to other sites and includes many specific topics, such as ESL students with special needs, tips for parents of ESL children and more. There is also a mirror site in Spanish that might be helpful to students.
Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab: This site contains a vast collection of listening exercises and activities, including conversations and quizzes. The exercises target high-beginning to low-advanced learners. The tutor should be sure to read “Tips for Teachers” and “Teacher Features.” Some of these suggest ways to use this site in class, instead of individually by the student.
English Meeting: This site focuses on pronunciation and linguistics. It may be more helpful for the tutor than for the student, since it gives advice on what to watch for and how to correct speech, so it’s being listed in both places. Alternatively, on YouTube, search for “EnglishMeeting Dave Sconda” to find these videos addressing how to pronounce specific sounds in English words.
TV411: For the advanced student interested in general learning and GED preparation. A fun and easy to navigate site featuring interactive lessons and articles addressing themes such as money, parenting, people, and health. Lessons improve reading, writing, vocabulary, math and learning skills. The site also has a bulletin board to provide users with personalized support and a forum to share their writing and ideas. Also included is a teacher resources section.
USA Learns: This comprehensive program is from the US Department of Education, and can be used by a student either with a tutor or independently. With the audio capabilities, learners can hear their pronunciation of English compared to the standard.
Many Things: This is a very rich site, almost intimidating in the number of possible activities. It might be helpful to walk a student through a part you think will be particularly helpful. Once they become more confident, they might explore on their own. The “Listen and Repeat” section is very helpful.
Easy World of English: Sections include grammar, pronunciation, readings and a picture dictionary. All have audio as the student reads the text. There are also some self-quizzes.
Language Guide: A basic picture dictionary with audio. Hover the cursor over an image and the term will be pronounced. This makes it easy to quiz yourself. Does not include sentence construction.
Internet Picture Dictionary: This site offers many vocabulary words in the form of single items related to a topic, such as animals or clothing. Students can use this site outside of class to click on, hear, and read the names of items. It is a good source of pictures for teachers.
howjsay: A talking dictionary. Write in the word, and it will be pronounced for you. Does not include any images or definitions, or sentence structure.
EZ Slang: This is an excellent site for more advanced students. English audio conversations in relaxed, informal voices using idioms/slang are presented, supported by definitions, quizzes and text of the conversations. A great way to fine tune understanding and accents.
Real English: Uses video/audio clips of conversations “on the street” to develop listening skills with real speakers of English. Quizzes and repetition with text are used. Be careful of the integrated ads.
Cambridge Ventures: Meant to follow the Ventures series of texts, but can be used independently. Many guided activities that cover a wide range of topics, abilities and techniques. Also has a section that prepares for US citizenship exams.
Cambridge Interchange: Supportive activities to coordinate with the Interchange textbooks, with many exercises, quizzes and games. Includes grammar.
Accredited Schools Online: This is a very wide-ranging educational resource, with a specific section on ESL teaching and learning. It links to other sites and includes many specific topics, such as ESL students with special needs, tips for parents of ESL children and more. There is also a mirror site in Spanish that might be helpful to students.