interactive websites for esl students

100 ESL Games | Ready-To-Use Games To Teach English

Welcome to our ESL Games page, where you can find many games for teaching English. These ESL games are great for teaching English both in the classroom and online to kids and beginner English language learners. Our ESL games are absolutely FREE! Simply show them from this website or from our YouTube Channel. See below for all the latest ESL games available. And don’t forget to check out our other FREE resources including,  Flashcards ,  Board Games ,  Worksheets ,  Lesson Plans , and  PowerPoint Games .

Featured Activity

All ESL Games

More esl games.

On Games4esl you can also find many other kinds of ESL games and lesson materials including PowerPoint Games , Online Quizzes , Board Games and Board Game Templates ,

Login Password

Play Online Games for ESL, Math & Science, Engage Primary K-12 Education

Welcome to ESL Games Plus Math & Science, your premier hub for interactive and educational online games tailored for K-12 students. Dive into our immersive gaming experience designed for children and young learners eager to learn ESL, Math, and Science.

Top Features:

• Play Games for ESL Learning : Engage with activities that emphasize English grammar, vocabulary, sentence formation, listening, pronunciation, and phonics.
• Play Games for Math Mastery : Through our math games that are cool, cool games for math and students practice skills like addition, multiplication, division, and even complex concepts like fractions.
• Play Games Science Exploration : With fun games that challenge and entertain, students gain a solid understanding of science topics.

Diverse Game Types

• Diverse Game Types : Choose from a plethora of games - Classroom Games , Memory Games , Pirate Games , Spelling Bee Games , Crossword Puzzles , Word Search Puzzles , Sentence Games , Hangman, Jeopardy, Wheel Games, Concentration Games, Matching Games, Board Games, Car Racing Games, and even the thrilling Crocodile Games . We also offer crossword puzzle printables , word search printables , word scrambler activities.
• Adaptive Compatibility : Access our platform on both desktop and mobile without the need for any app installation.

Unleash a world of fun and learning with ESL Games Plus Math & Science, where primary education meets entertainment. Whether it's enhancing English skills through word recognition games or diving deep into board games for math and science drills, we have a game for every young learner. Ready, set, learn!

Classroom Games

Energize your English lessons with these interactive ESL team Games for classroom practice. With these games, you have fun classroom activities to practice and play.

• Classroom Games for Beginner & Elementary ESL
• Classroom Games for Intermediate & Advanced ESL

Memory Games

Sentence Monkey

Pirate Board Games

Crocodile Board Games

Spelling Games

Preschool & Kindergarten ESL Videos

There are free ESL videos for teaching kindergarten and preschool levels on this site. These videos will help ESL teachers to teach vocabulary, grammar and sentence patterns to kids.

• English Courses
• Preschool ESL Video Lessons
• Kindergarten ESL Video Lessons

1st Grade to 3rd Grade ESL Videos

Teach your 1st, 2nd and 3rd grader EFL/ESL learners new vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures using top quality free animated videos. These videos will help your learners focus longer.

• 1st Grade ESL Video Lessons
• 2nd Grade ESL Video Lessons
• 3rd Grade ESL Video Lessons

Word Search Puzzles Online

Crossword Puzzles Online

Connector Matching Games

Games for Mobile

Puzzle Worksheets

Hidden Pictures Powerpoint

Flash Cards - PPT & PDF

Printable Board Games & Cards

Phonics Worksheets

• Preschool Phonics Worksheets
• Kindergarten L1 Phonics Worksheets
• Kindergarden L2 Phonics Worksheets
• 1st Grade L1 Phonics Worksheets
• 1st Grade L2 Phonics Worksheets
• 2nd Grade Phonics Worksheets

Phonics Games & Videos

• Preschool Phonics Exercises
• Kindergarten L1 Phonics Exercises
• Kindergarden L2 Phonics Exercises
• 1st Grade L1 Phonics Exercises
• 1st Grade L2 Phonics Exercises
• 2nd Grade Phonics Exercises
• Math Games for Kids

• Math Worksheets for Kids
• Science Games for Kids

• Science Worksheets

Reading Quizzes

Advanced level reading comprehension exercises. Develop reading skills to conquer English exams such as IELTS, TOEFL and SAT by practising with these reading exercises. The exercises are also perfect for non-native university students looking to improve their reading skills for academic studies.

• IELTS Reading

Develop vocabulary with idioms A-Z exercises

Advanced level English vocabulary exercises. This vocabulary section is based on over 500 words advanced English learners must know before entering English exams like IELTS, TOEFL and SAT.

• 500 Exam Words
• Idioms A-Z exercises

ESL Games Plus offers interactive online games for learning and teaching English as a Second Language. Our learning games are mostly suitable for teaching ESL Kids and Teenagers . There are activities for teaching and practising English grammar, vocabulary, sentences, listening and pronunciation skills.By playing our fun educational games, students learn English vocabulary, sentence structures, grammar, listening, pronunciation and phonics.The site features these ESL Activities Online: ESL Classroom Games , Memory Games , Spelling Games , Sentence Games , Interactive Board Games , Hangman Games , Jeopardy, Wheel Games , Concentration Games , Matching Games, Car Racing Games, Pirate Games, Crocodile Games , Word Recognition Games , Mobile Games for iPad, iPhones and Android devices .

Popular ESL Games

Synonyms ESL Vocabulary Games

Comparatives, Superlatives, Wild, Zoo Animals Vocabulary, Grammar, Interactive Monkey Fun Activity

Farm Animals Vocabulary ESL Interactive Crocodile Board Game

Weather Vocabulary Interactive Game for ESL Teaching

Shapes Vocabulary Crossword

Practice Shapes Vocabulary ESL Memory Game – Elementary

Food and Drinks Game for ESL Practice €“ Space Game

Phrasal verbs zombie game

Action Verbs, Colors, Numbers and Fruits Vocabulary €“ ESL War Game

Jobs and Occupations Vocabulary Game for ESL – Monkey Pirate Game

Popular math/science games.

Dividing by 2 – Math Dragon Game

Archipelago versus Island, Science Game for Kids

Genetic vocabulary Science Game

Science game about fossils

Addition of money math dragon game.

Math Addition 10 to 100 – Kitten Racing Game

Recycling Science Game Activity for Kids

Parts of Plants – Science Kangaroo Game

Subtraction Math Space Game

Addition of Cents – Math Money Game

Leveraging games for enhanced k-12 primary education in esl, math, and science.

In a world where screens have become ubiquitous, leveraging technology for educational purposes has never been more relevant. Enter the realm of online gaming€”not just any gaming, but educational games designed for K-12 primary students. In this expansive guide, we will delve into the multifaceted benefits of using online games to enhance English as a Second Language (ESL), Math, and Science education. Get ready to play ESL games online, dabble in math adventures, and explore the fascinating universe of science games that are cool.

Play ESL Games Online: Transforming Language Learning

Games for esl: more than just fun and games.

When it comes to learning English as a second language, play becomes a powerful tool. Online games offer a unique blend of fun and educational content designed to help ESL learners grasp new concepts, from vocabulary to sentence structure, and even cultural nuances. Playing ESL games online creates a less intimidating environment for learners, allowing them to absorb language elements more naturally.

Building Blocks of Language: Vocabulary and Grammar

The most basic, yet crucial aspects of language learning, are vocabulary and grammar. ESL games often include exercises to match words with pictures, spell words correctly, and form sentences. This playful approach facilitates easier understanding and retention of language fundamentals.

Find Cool Games for Math: Making Numbers Fun

Why play math games online.

The conventional way of learning math€”through rote memorization and repetition€”often leaves students bored and unengaged. When you play math games online, you bring an element of fun into the equation, literally. Math games convert abstract concepts into tangible problems that require critical thinking. This makes it easier for young minds to grasp these concepts while having fun.

Math Gaming Categories

Whether it's solving puzzles, going on treasure hunts, or participating in virtual math competitions, online platforms offer a wide range of math games. You can find cool games for math that range from simple addition and subtraction to complex algebraic equations.

Play Science Games Online: Discover, Learn, Innovate

Science games that are cool.

How can you make science, often seen as a complex and challenging subject, enjoyable for primary students? The answer lies in integrating games into the educational process. When students play science games online, they experience hands-on learning that fosters curiosity and deepens understanding.

A Universe of Topics

The realm of science is broad, encompassing biology, physics, chemistry, earth sciences, and more. Online platforms often offer games for science that cover these various subjects, each designed to address specific educational standards and outcomes.

Primary Games for Holistic Learning

What Makes Primary Games Different?

When we talk about primary games, we refer to games explicitly designed for younger learners in the K-12 spectrum. These games are simplified yet engaging, covering the core subjects of ESL, Math, and Science. They are crafted to be age-appropriate, ensuring that students not only learn but also enjoy the process.

Primary the Games: Customization and Curriculum

The beauty of primary games lies in their customization options. Teachers and educators can tailor these games to align with the curriculum, making them an excellent supplemental learning tool.

FAQs: Why Are Games Important in Primary Education?

Q1: What is the significance of using games in primary education? A: Games turn learning into an engaging and interactive experience. They help in improving focus, enhancing retention, and building problem-solving skills, all of which are crucial in primary education.

Q2: How can games be beneficial for ESL learners? A: Games can offer a stress-free environment where ESL learners can practice language skills without the fear of making mistakes. They also facilitate better retention of vocabulary and grammar rules.

Q3: Are online math games effective for learning? A: Absolutely! Online math games transform abstract concepts into interactive challenges, making it easier for students to understand and apply them.

Q4: Do science games offer practical knowledge? A: Yes, many science games simulate real-world scenarios, encouraging students to apply scientific principles and learn through experimentation.

Q5: How do primary games align with traditional education? A: Many primary games are designed to correlate with standard educational curriculums, making them an excellent supplement to traditional classroom teaching.

In conclusion, the digital age offers an abundance of opportunities to make learning a more engaging and enjoyable process. Whether it's ESL, Math, or Science, there's an online game tailored to make mastering each subject a thrilling adventure. So go ahead, enrich your primary educational journey with an array of games that not only educate but also entertain.

We will appreciate your feedback.

Useful Sites

• FredisaLearns
• ESL Games World
• English 4 Kids
• ESL Kids Lab
• English Media Lab
• Turaco Games

Connect with us

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

www.ManyThings.org Interesting Things for ESL Students

Listen and repeat, listen and repeat videos, listen and read along videos, vocabulary, etc., learn a song podcast, ipad-friendly.

Not yet tested on smaller mobiles.

For more, see the "List of All Sections. List of All Sections

Not Yet 100% Mobile-friendly

These two sections were updated on 2024-04-01.

This web site is for people studying English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) . There are quizzes, word games, word puzzles, proverbs, slang expressions, anagrams, a random-sentence generator and other computer assisted language learning activities. Even though the primary focus is for ESL, native English speakers may also find some interesting things on this site. This site is non-commercial and has no advertising. TESL/TEFL teachers may want to recommend this site to their students.

Copyright © 1997-2024 by Charles Kelly & Lawrence Kelly

English Listening Lesson Library Online

ELLLO has over 3,000 free listening lessons for all levels! Most activities have audio or video, a transcript, vocabulary lesson and interactive quiz.

Digital Content Creation for Teachers New Course from ELLLO

ESL Games Online

Grammar Games Test your knowledge of English grammar with these fun online games:

• Adjective Games
• Adverb Games

Pronunciation Games How good is your English pronunciation? Try these fun mobile-friendly online games to find out:

• Homophones Games
• Rhyming Games
• -ed Pronunciation Games

Spelling Games Play word scrambles to test your spelling:

• Animals Games
• Buildings Games
• Clothes Games
• Countries Games

Vocabulary Games Online matching games, jumbled games, hangman games to test your knowledge of words:

• Crossword Games
• Hangman Games
• Matching Games
• Topic Games

Recommended ESL games links

• Games to Learn English
• TEFLGames.com

Free English Online

Free online English resources for teaching and learning are available. Improve your English with our free interactive speaking and listening lessons, reading and writing exercises, quizzes, and games. 

Our pages include a variety of online English exercises at various levels, as well as practice for the Cambridge English and IGCSE ESL, plus higher-level courses like the IB English Language B . Our most recent free English online activities, games, and teaching resources are listed above.

Take our free level test if you are unsure of your level. The Junior Level Test is for students aged 6 to 12, and the Senior Level Test is for students aged 13 and up. It only takes 15-20 minutes to determine which English language course to take. You can also choose to have your results emailed to you. So why waste your time? Take the English level test online right now!

If you enjoy our free English online resources and would like to contribute to the site’s upkeep, please consider clicking this link . Our website promises to publish new content on a regular basis throughout the year, so you’ll always find something of interest.

Starters | Beginner | Elementary | Intermediate | Upper Intermediate

How useful were these activities?

Click on a trophy to rate them!

Average rating 4.2 / 5. Vote count: 1038

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Research Guides
• ESL/ELL Education
• Interactive Websites for Learning

ESL/ELL Education : Interactive Websites for Learning

• Lesson Plans
• Stats & Facts
• Organizations & People
• Certification & Jobs

Ask a Librarian at MERIT

If chat is offline, click here to Ask a Librarian via UW-Madison Libraries general library help chat .

ESL/ELL Interactive Websites for Learning

Instructional videos, including workout videos.  Useful for lesson planning or learning new skills.

• Starfall Great early-literacy practice for English Language Learners.
• Learn English Using Online Resources Free ESOL Websites listed by New York Public Library: These general ESOL websites offer many types of activities (grammar, listening, pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, etc.) for language learners of all levels.
• English Media Lab Homepage Exercises for all English learners including online grammar exercises, vocabulary videos, pronunciation exercises, and interactive quizzes for beginning, intermediate and advanced learners.
• American English Resources American English Resources provide materials for teachers' professional development and for students in the classroom. Find classroom activities, audiobooks, MP3s, videos and pedagogical material to assist in learning English as a second language. Students can also explore American culture through various materials. Resources include popular American classics, in-house publications and links to U.S. government websites and podcasts.
• International Children's Digital Library Free digitized picture books in multiple languages. Great for ESL students.
• ESL Videos ESLvideo.com provides educational resources for English as a Second Language Students to improve their listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary skills. The quiz activities and lessons are created by teachers, and are free to use in class, lab, or at home.
• ManyThings.org ESL Videos This web site is for people studying English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL). There are quizzes, word games, word puzzles, proverbs, slang expressions, anagrams, a random-sentence generator and other computer-assisted language learning activities.
• LearnEnglish Kids LearnEnglish Kids has lots of free online games, songs, stories and activities for children to have fun and learn English too.
• English Interactive English Interactive provides activities for speaking, listening, reading, writing and more.
• ESL Cyber Listening Lab Includes vocabulary lessons, listening quizzes, and study guides for English Language Learners.
• ESL Fast Includes over 1,000 conversations and scripts for beginning, intermediate and advanced English Language Learners.
• BITS English Language Learning Collection of recorded books, novellas, short stories, speeches, and songs with read-along text.
• << Previous: News
• Next: Stats & Facts >>
• Last Updated: Mar 4, 2024 12:43 PM
• URL: https://researchguides.library.wisc.edu/ESL

ESL Speaking

Games + Activities to Try Out Today!

in Activities for Adults · Activities for Kids

ESL Interactive Games and Activities | Interactive ESL Lesson Ideas

Okay, so who doesn’t want more interaction in their ESL or EFL classes, right? That’s where these ESL interactive games and activities come in. They’re fun, engaging, and best of all, will get students interacting with you, and most importantly, each other. Keep on reading for some of my favourite interactive ESL Games.

ESL interactive game

Stay tuned for the best interactive ESL lesson plan ideas, tips, games and activities.

ESL Interactive Games, Activities, Worksheets and Lesson Plans

Are you ready for some ESL teaching awesome? Then let’s get to the best interactive ESL games and activities you’ll need to plan your lesson in style!

#1: ESL Board Games

Board games, by their very nature, are an interactive activity. Did you know that it’s extremely easy to design your own for your TEFL classes? You can easily make them for just about any topic or level of students in just a few minutes. I use them for review at the end of a unit, or as a review before the midterm or final exam.

A quick tip: You can often find board games in the teacher’s activity book that may come with your ESL textbook. Check there first before spending time making your own. Check them out here: Board Games for ESL Students.

Please enable JavaScript

#2 ESL Interactive Vocabulary Game: Draw a Picture

If you’re teaching your students about ways to describe people, animals , objects, etc., then you may want to try out this fun and interactive ESL activity. The way it works is that you put students into pairs, and then show one of the people a secret picture. They have to describe the picture to their partner who can’t see it, and then they draw it. The results? Usually hilarious, so be sure to compare them with each other.

Find out more details here: Drawing a Secret Picture. 

#3: Taboo Interactive ESL Party Game

You’ve probably played taboo with friends or family somewhere along the line. You can also play it with your ESL/EFL students! Just be sure to use vocabulary words that they know, and/or that you’ve recently used in class. If you don’t remember what taboo is, basically you have to get your team to say a certain word by describing it. The catch is that you can’t use words from a certain list.

It’s a fun party game so try it out today: Taboo for English Learners .

ESL interactive games and activities

#4 ESL Interactive Game: Rock-Scissor-Paper

This is a fun ESL game that requires a ton of interaction between students. They NEED to talk with other people in order to complete the activity. It’s ideal for a quick review game before a test, or at the end of a unit. The way it works is that you make a set of questions/answers.

Then, separate them into strips of paper (questions and answers separately too). Give each student 4-5 papers and they have to find their match. Once they do, they do rock-scissor-paper and the winner takes both papers and gets a point.

Here’s everything you need to know about this interactive review game: Rocks-Scissor-Paper ESL Review Activity .

#5: Flip-Chart, an Interactive Vocabulary Review Game

If you teach beginners and are looking for a fun game to help students with new vocabulary, consider “flip-chart.” It’s an ideal way to round out a unit or to do some review before a vocabulary test.

Learn more here: Interactive ESL Vocabulary Game .

#6 Interactive ESL Game: Just a Minute

This is a fun ESL activity that focuses on speaking fluency. It works for just about any topic, is an ideal warm-up and it best for intermediate to advanced level students. The way it works is that students have to speak about a certain topic for one entire minute without stopping. The way you can make it interactive is to put students into groups of 4 or 5. The “listeners” have to ask 1-2 related follow-up questions after the person is finished talking.

Check it out here: Just a Minute ESL Warmer .

#7 ESL Interactive Game for Kindergarten: Flashcard Sentences

If you teach English to kindergarten students , but don’t have a set of flashcards, then you’ll need to get one ASAP! They are extremely versatile and lend themselves to a ton of different activities. My secret? You can often buy a matching set to go along with the textbook you are teaching from.

One of the simplest, interactive games you can do is to hold up a flashcard to each student. Then, they have to make a sentence with the picture. If correct, they keep the card. If incorrect, it goes back into the pile. Continue until the flashcards are gone.

More information here: Flashcard Sentences .

#8: Interactive Vocabulary Quiz (Name 5 Things)

#9 interactive activity for esl students: the hobby unit.

Let’s be real. Most teachers are pretty tired of teaching about “hobbies” and I’m sure most students feel the same way. It seems like every single English textbook out there has a unit on this. If you find one that doesn’t, please let me know!

In order to spice things up a bit, I like to do this interactive activity. Basically, each student has to teach their group how to do something. It could be how to make fried rice if their hobby is cooking. Or, how to kick a ball if they like soccer. Just something simple that they can teach someone in a couple of minutes.

Then, to make it more interactive, each student in the group has to ask 1-2 follow-up questions.

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Bolen, Jackie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 68 Pages - 11/12/2019 (Publication Date)

Need more ideas for hobbies? Have a look here: ESL Hobbies Games .

#10 ESL Grammar Interactive Game: Can/Can’t

This is a fun, interactive game that you can use with your beginner level students when teaching about can/can’t. Students have to choose some secret nouns, and then give hints about it, using can/can’t. I prefer to have students write down the hints because it goes more smoothly than just having them think on their feet, especially if they are true beginners.

Check it out here: Can/Can’t ESL Game .

#11: ESL Christmas Interactive Games

Okay, so Christmas is just around the corner and you’re looking for some fun and engaging ESL games or activities to use with your students? Then you’re certainly in the right place.

Here are some of my favorites to try out today: Interactive ESL Christmas Activities

#12: Hot Potato Game for ELL Students

If you’re looking for an interactive ESL game that’s some pure fun and excitement, then you’ll want to consider Hot Potato. The way it works is that students pass around a “potato” and when the timer goes off, the person holding it has to do something. In my classes, it’s usually answering a question of some kind.

If you want to make it a little bit more interactive, you could consider requiring the person previously holding the potato to think of the question themselves instead of the teacher. More information here:

ESL Hot Potato Game .

• 66 Pages - 11/06/2020 (Publication Date) - Independently published...

#13 ESL Interactive Games: Charades

I’m ALL about having some fun party-type classes with my students to celebrate the end of a unit, an upcoming holiday like Halloween , or the end of the semester. One of my favourite interactive games that I like to play with them is charades. I’m sure you’ve played this with family or friends before.

The way it works is that you have to act out a secret word or phrase and your team has to guess what is it. Find out more about it right here:

Charades for ESL Students .

#14: Do you Like to?

This ESL interactive activity requires that students write down five facts about themselves on 5 strips of paper. The more unique, the better.

Then, you distribute the strips of paper to other students in the class who have to ask questions to find their matches. It’s a fun game that’s ideal for getting students to work on yes/no questions. Find out more about it right here:

Do you Like to ESL Speaking Activity ?

#15: Social Problems ESL Lesson Plan

One of the ways to foster interaction among English learners is to bring an interesting conversational topic into class and then let students get to talking! In particular, I like to use this social issues lesson plan because it’s engaging and almost all students have an opinion about things that are happening in the world around them.

Want to check it out for yourself? Have a look here:

Social Problems ESL Lesson Plan .

#16 Interactive ESL Activity: Discussion Starters for Children or Adults

One of the best ESL interactive activities is a straight-up discussion! I find that it’s best to offer students some discussion starters so that you’re not met with utter silence when you tell your students to start talking to each other!

Here are some of my top picks for interesting things your students could talk about:

Discussion Starters for Children

Discussion Starters for Adults

• 148 Pages - 03/09/2016 (Publication Date)

#17: WH Questions Activities

Who, what, when, why, where, and how are by their very nature, interactive words. They are the start of a question in English, and you’ll probably want to have a partner to answer them, right?

There are a ton of interactive ESL games to practice W + H questions. You can see some of our top picks right here:

W/H Questions Games and Activities .

#18 ESL Interactive Activities for Giving Directions

Another topic that lends itself extremely well to interactive activities is giving directions. After all, you can’t give directions to yourself, right? Well, I guess you could in theory but it’d be a little bit weird!

The best directions activities are those with an information gap of some kind. By that, I mean where one student has the information another student needs. And, they have to interact with each other to find out what it is.

Do you want to know more? Then check this out: ESL Giving Directions Activities .

#19: Tips for Interactive Small Group Discussions

When students think of a conversation class, it’s often free-flowing discussions that they want. Or, if you like to have interactive discussions in your English classes, then you’ll want to check out these top tips for making them even better.

Maybe you’ve been met with blank stares and silence when everyone should be talking? Seriously, we’ve all been there and the good news is that it can be easily avoided These are the tips for you, so neglect them at your peril!

ESL Small Group Discussion Tips.

Get your interaction on!

#20: ESL Warmer Activities

#21: telephone esl speaking + listening game.

A fun game that you can play with kids or teens is telephone. The way it works is that you give the first student in the line a sentence or phrase. They pass that to the next person and so on until the end. At that point, their sentence is compared to the original.

The results? Usually really funny! Find out more about one of my favourite interactive games for ESL students:

Telephone ESL Listening/Speaking Game.

#22: Easy ESL Animals Quiz

#23: choose your own adventure group writing activity.

Interactive group writing activities are few and far between as writing is generally more of a solitary kind of activity. However, this is one of the best group writing activities that I’ve come across and I think your students will like it as much as mine.

This writing activity is engaging and very student-centred, so give it a try today! Find out more about it:

Choose your Own Adventure Group Writing Activity for English Learners .

• 279 Pages - 07/12/2020 (Publication Date)

#24: Technology ESL Lesson Plan

One of my favourite interactive ESL activities is to put students into pairs or small groups and then give them an engaging lesson plan. This one about technology includes the following:

• Warm-up question
• Vocabulary, idioms, and phrases
• Conversation questions
• Writing prompts that are ideal for homework

Have a look right here:

Technology English Conversation Lesson Plan

Or, if you’re a teacher who is looking to level up their use of tech in the classroom, be sure to check this out:

Technology for Teaching English.

#25: Tell your Story: An Interactive Activity for Reported Speech

It’s not that easy to come up with interactive, fun reported speech activities, even though this grammar point comes up quite often in real life. So, it makes sense to practice it in class with our students and not just skip over that section in the book.

If you’re looking for an interactive, natural way to do it, then you’ll want to check out this activity: Tell your Story ESL Reported Speech Activity .

#26: Information Gap Activities

#27: vocab sheets.

A nice way to generate some conversation in English classes for intermediate or advanced learners is to use vocab sheets, along with the accompanying discussion questions. Find out more about them here:

TEFL Vocab Sheets .

#28: Whiteboard Games and Activities

Who says that the teacher is the only one that gets to write on the whiteboard? Have some fun with these interaction games that make use of the whiteboard:

ESL Whiteboard Games and Activities .

#29: Speaking Fluency Activity

#30: typhoon review game.

If you’re looking for an ESL review game that’s heavy on the fun, then consider playing Typhoon. Students of all ages love it and whenever I use it in class, students talk about it for weeks afterwards. It’s perfect to use in class before a midterm or final exam. Check out this ESL interactive game:

Typhoon ESL Review Game .

#31: Basketball ESL Challenge

If you’re looking for a fun activity for an interactive English lesson, then consider ESL basketball. It’s ideal for children and a nice way to review simple grammatical structures or vocabulary. Find out more about this interactive English activity here:

ESL Basketball Activity .

#32: Things to do on the First Day of Class

#33: Using Movies and TV Shows to Teach English

If you want to have an interactive English lesson, then seriously consider using TV shows or movie clips. Students generally love watching TV, so why not bring them into the TEFL classroom to generate some interest?

Find out more about interactive ESL lessons using movies here:

Movies and TV Shows for Learning English.

#34: TPR (Total Physical Response)

A fun, interactive teaching method is total physical response. The teacher says something and the students have to act it out. For example:

• Touch your elbow.
• Pick up your pencil.
• Turn around.
• Be quiet, please.

As you can see, it’s useful for a variety of kinds of vocabulary. Find out more:

What is TPR?

#35: Prepositions of Place Memory Quiz

Try out this simple memory game to work on prepositions:

#36: An English Debate

A fun way to get students to interact with each other, in English is to have a debate. The key is choosing a topic that they want to talk about. Here are some of the best ideas:

Good Debate Topics .

Pointless Things to Debate About .

#37: I’m Going on a Picnic

This is a simple, interactive game that focuses on noticing patterns. Find out all the details you need to know here:

ESL I’m Going on a Picnic .

#38: Me Too!

Try out this fun speaking and listening activity for beginners. Students have to say a true statement about themselves. For example:

• I have a sister.
• I love fruit.
• My grandparents live with me.

If the statement is also true for other students in the class, they can stand up and say, “Me too!”

#39: Twenty Questions

What about esl interactive games for students.

If you’re looking for some interactive ESL games, then this isn’t the place for that! We specialize in games and activities for teachers to do with their students in the class.

However, here are some of our favourite sources of games for ESL students:

Games to Learn English

ESL Games World

A quick tip: Many of the major textbooks these days have web-based practice for students. This will often require a special code to get this up and running and some support from the admin at your institution as well. But, it’s often quite useful as far as teaching tools go, so it may be worth looking into.

Sure, they’re not ELL games so your students may not love them that much, but they do have the added benefit of corresponding to exactly what you teach in class. This fact alone makes it worth its weight in gold.

ESL Interactive Lesson Plans

Do you need some help with planning more interactive, communication-focused ESL lessons for kids or adults? Then you’ll most definitely need to check out some of our go-to sources for ESL lesson planning right here:

Task-Based Learning Lesson Plans

ESL Authority

How to Teach English Conversation?

Surprisingly, it’s possible to teach English conversation in a pretty non-interactive kind of way. Yes, I know. It seems actually difficult to do this, but many teachers do!

The goal of a conversation class is to make it as student-centred as possible. Your students should be doing all the hard work, not you. This means that if you have a class of more than say, four students, you’ll want to get them interacting and talking with each other, instead of with the entire class.

Here are some of my tips and tricks for how to make this happen: How to Teach English Conversation .

ESL Interactive activities and games.

ESL Interactive Games and Activities FAQs

There are a number of common questions that people have about making their ESL lessons more interactive. Here are some of the answers to the most popular ones.

What is an interactive lesson?

An interactive lesson is one where students are able to participate in a number of ways. Students are able to engage with the material presented instead of just passively absorbing it, which can make it more memorable. This can happen in a classroom or  during homework activities.

How I encourage ESL students to participate?

If you want to encourage ESL students to participate in class and be more interactive, here are a few tips:

• Use a wide variety of engaging ESL games and activities.
• Consider group work and change the groups frequently.
• Use some kind of reward system for good participation.
• Use positive reinforcement
• Have a friendly and upbeat demeanour in the classroom.
• Try as much as possible to reduce teacher talking time.
• Offer lots of support and opportunities for practice.

Why is interactive learning Better?

Interactive learning is a better choice for language learning because it emphasizes engagement and participation, which can result in better language gains. This style of teaching allows students to build their own definition and meaning of the presented material instead of just being spoon-fed information. This helps students take an active role in their own learning.

What are some interactive games?

Some interactive games to consider using for language learners are running dictation, dictogloss, speaking bingo, puzzle finders, surveys, board games, telephone, charades, and hot potato.

How can I make my lessons more interactive?

If you want to make your ESL lessons more interactive, consider the following things:

• Use some mystery in your lessons (predictions, games, etc.).
• Try to never repeat classroom materials in terms of topics.
• Use lots of ESL games and activities
• Allow students some degree or freedom (task-based learning activities for example)
• Use technology.
• Don’t take things too seriously!
• Use context to relate any new material to students’ lives.

Did you like these ESL Interactive Games?

Yes? Thought so. Then you’re going to love this book over on Amazon: 71 ESL Interactive Games, Activities, and Teaching Tips. The key to better English lessons is a wide variety of interactional games and this book will help you get there in style.

You can find it in both digital and print formats. Keep a copy on the bookshelf in your office to use as a handy reference guide. Or, take the e-version with you to your favourite coffee shop for some lesson planning on the go.

Whatever the case, get ready for some ESL teaching awesome in your life. Head over to Amazon to pick up your copy today:

Tips for Creating More Interaction in ESL Classes

Increasing interaction in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class is crucial for language development. Here are some tips to foster more interaction among students and between students and the teacher:

Create a Welcoming Environment

Build a safe and inclusive classroom where students feel comfortable expressing themselves.

Icebreakers and Warm-Up Activities

Start each class with icebreakers or warm-up activities that encourage students to interact and chat in English.

Pair and Group Work

Use pair and group activities frequently to promote interaction. Students can discuss topics, solve problems, or complete tasks together.

Role-Playing and Simulations

Engage students in role-play scenarios or simulations to practice real-life conversations and situations.

Discussion Prompts

Use thought-provoking questions or discussion prompts related to the lesson topic to spark conversations.

Think-Pair-Share

Ask a question, have students think about their answers individually, pair up to discuss, and then share their thoughts with the class.

Jigsaw Activities

Divide a larger task into smaller parts, assign each part to different groups, and then have groups share their findings with the whole class.

Debates and Discussions

Organize debates or class discussions on controversial or thought-provoking topics, allowing students to express their opinions.

Storytelling and Presentations

Encourage students to share personal stories or give presentations on topics of interest.

Language Games

Incorporate language games like word games, vocabulary bingo, or charades to make learning enjoyable and interactive.

Peer Teaching

Assign students to teach a concept or skill to their peers. This reinforces understanding and encourages interaction.

Collaborative Projects

Have students work on projects that require them to research, plan, and create together.

Utilize Technology

Integrate technology tools like discussion forums, language-learning apps, or video conferencing for virtual group activities.

Use Visual Aids

Incorporate visual aids, such as pictures, diagrams, and multimedia, to stimulate discussion and interaction.

Variety of Communication Modes

Encourage different types of interaction, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, to develop all language skills.

Feedback and Correction

Provide constructive feedback on language use to guide students in improving their communication skills.

Rotate Seating Arrangements

Change seating arrangements regularly to mix students and encourage them to interact with different classmates.

Set Interaction Goals

Establish specific interaction goals for each lesson and celebrate when students meet these objectives.

Cultural Exchange

Incorporate discussions and activities that encourage students to share their cultural backgrounds and learn about each other’s cultures.

Model Interaction

As the teacher, actively participate in class discussions and model proper language use and communication skills.

Have your say about these ESL Interactive Games and Activities

What are your thoughts about these interactive ESL activities or games? Have you tried any of them out in your classes? Leave a comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other busy teachers, like yourself, find this useful teaching resource.

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 15 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults and 1001 English Expressions and Phrases . She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

You can find her on social media at: YouTube Facebook TikTok Pinterest Instagram

Thanks a lot for sharing those amazing ideas. I would like you to give me some advice about how to help weaker students. What skill do I have to focus on: speaking, reading, listening or reading? Thanks a lot for your advice and I appreciate any help that you can give me!

If your students can’t read well, then certainly focus on that at the start. It’s kind of the foundation for everything else that you’ll do in your class. However, if they can read well, then start with speaking. Most other things follow from there.

Great teaching tips! I love all of these ideas for interactive English lessons.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Top-Seller

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

More ESL Activities

How to teach listening to esl students | esl listening, ordering fast food (dialogue in english for beginners), esl restaurant and ordering food activities, games, worksheets, list of common american foods with pictures, about, contact, privacy policy.

Jackie Bolen has been talking ESL speaking since 2014 and the goal is to bring you the best recommendations for English conversation games, activities, lesson plans and more. It’s your go-to source for everything TEFL!

About and Contact for ESL Speaking .

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Email: [email protected]

Address: 2436 Kelly Ave, Port Coquitlam, Canada

Listen and click on the correct images.

Click to make correct sentences.

Look at the images and make sentences.

Practice vocabulary and phrases for daily activities.

Move the letters to make the vocabulary items.

Click on the images to see the body parts.

Click and drag the words to match the images.

Click the words to practice making phrasal verbs.

Practice present simple tense verbs.

Guess the job and practice job language.

Look at the images to practice adverbs.

Listen and move the weather images to the countries.

Listen and click on the correct food images.

Look at the image and then spell the word.

Practice the 12 months of the year in English.

Interactive clock to practice telling the time.

Describe the images by making sentences.

Find the words to match the images. Practice spelling.

Practice future tense sentences with 'Going To'.

Practice making sentences in past tense.

Find the matching pairs of images and words.

Look at the images and make comparatives.

Listen to the numbers and move the monster.

Click on the words and make questions.

Guess the word or phrase as the image is revealed.

Make conditional phrases to match the images.

Read the description and click on the matching image.

Guess letters to spell out a hidden word.

Speaking practice. Say the vocab items.

Speaking practice. Say the phrases.

Guess the animal by forming questions.

Listen to the words and click on the images.

Move the objects to match the prepositions.

Move the clouds to make sentences.

Practice vocab for family members.

Practice making sentences in perfect tense.

Read the sentences and move the clothes.

Practice days of the week in English.

Reveal the images and click on the words.

Games to Learn English

Content made with PixiJS

Cool English

Interactive English Activities

Teach better classes today

How  cool english  helps.

Project your screen during class to use the 900+ interactive activities. 

Share your Zoom screen in online classes for modern engaging activities.

Share links with all your students for them to do homework on any device.

Teachers & Schools in 100+ countries!

How coolenglish is different.

Interactive Music & Games

With activities for all levels and ages, you can easily find something cool for your classes..

Engaging Grammar & Vocab

High-quality material designed by teachers and classroom-tested makes lesson planning much easier..

Modern Videos & Clips

Hundreds of short videos from basic to advanced, all designed for english learners..

Dynamic Reading & Listening

Attract new students with a variety of high-quality reading and listening activities for all levels of classes., 70+ free activities 900+ for members, new ones every week, choose a category below and get started., join today to access all 900+ activities., plus the cool english blog, magazine & podcast, what are other teachers saying.

I just love your site. I have been an ESL teacher for 20 years in Brazil and I've never seen anything as good as your activities.

The site is so engaging, my students love the games and the music. I used the verb tenses with them and it was amazing.

This site is amazing, thank you for all the material. Both my kid and adult classes love them.

Invest in your classes

Start teaching with cool english today.

Your browser is unsupported

We recommend using the latest version of IE11, Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

UIC Tutorium

Cool websites for esl students.

Cool Sites for ESL Students Heading link Copy link

Below is a list of ESL websites used by Tutorium teachers and students to practice English. These are great websites to visit if you want to improve your English reading, writing, and grammar. There are also sites on study skills, test preparation, and American culture.

Listening Website Links

• American Rhetoric: Online Speech Bank
• Breaking News English
• English Listening Library Online
• Easy Online RSS Reader for ESL/EFL Podcasts
• English as a Second Language Podcast
• Favorite Poems Project
• Favorite Songs
• National Public Radio
• Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab
• Speech Accent Archive: American Accents
• StoryCorps: Listen to Stories
• Use Music to Practice Listening
• Voice of America Learning English

Writing Website Links

• BBC Schools: Dance Mat Typing
• Cambridge Dictionary: Punctuation
• Capital Community College: Punctuation Marks
• GrammarBook.com: Punctuation Rules
• How to Format and Write a Simple Business Letter
• LEO (Literacy Education Online)
• The Punctuation Guide
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab
• Spelling City
• Writing Tips: Sentence Builder
• Writing Tips: Paragraphs
• Writing Tips: Essays

Reading Website Links

• ELC Study Zone
• Extensive Reading Central
• Poetry and Literature
• Reader’s Digest Magazine Articles
• Reading Exercises
• Strategies for Critical Reading and Writing
• Speed Reading: Self-Pacing Methods
• Time for Kids

Speaking Website Links

Pronunciation

• English Accent Coach
• Eva Easton’s Authentic American Pronunciation
• Sounds of Speech
• World Wide Words’ Pronunciation Guide

Speaking (General)

• English Central
• Lyrics Training
• Presentations in English
• Public Speaking: An Online Resource Guide
• Presentation and Speaking Skills for Students
• Toastmasters

Grammar Website Links

• The 30 Most Common Grammar Mistakes
• English Grammar for Non-Native Speakers
• Test your English level
• English Club English Grammar
• English Learner
• English Grammar Guide

Vocabulary Website Links

• 20-Minute ESL Lessons
• The Barton English Vocabulary Test
• BBC World Service Words in the News
• Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary
• Dictionary of English Idioms & Phrases
• ESL Slang Page
• The Idiom Connection
• Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
• Merriam-Webster Learner’s Dictionary
• Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries
• Self-Study Vocabulary Quizzes

Test Prep Website Links

• IELTS Preparation
• TOEFL: Prepare and Practice

Study and Flashcard Apps Website Links

Culture website links.

• American Folklore
• The American Experience
• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Chicago History Museum
• Differences Between British and American English
• Edward S. Curtis’s North American Indian
• The Encyclopedia of Chicago
• The Field Museum of Natural History
• Internet Movie Database
• Library of Congress
• The Museum of Contemporary Art
• The Museum of Science and Industry

Research Website Links

• Finding Information on the Internet
• Online Study Skills Workshops
• UIC Library
• USA.gov (U.S. Government Gateway/Search Engine)

Multipurpose Website Links

• 5-Minute English
• Business English: Exercises
• Dave’s ESL Café
• English Baby
• English at Home
• English Club
• English Page
• English Live
• Interesting Things for ESL Students
• Linguistic Funland

News Website Links

• Bangkok Post
• BBC Learning English
• The Boston Globe
• The Chicago Sun-Times
• The Chicago Tribune
• CNN Student News
• News in Levels
• The New York Times
• Reuters News Service
• Time Magazine
• The Wall Street Journal
• The Washington Post

Health Website Links

• Healthfinder
• Mayo Clinic
• Mind Body Green
• UIC Counseling Services

Follow us on Instagram!

TIE is an English language program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Click the LINKTR.EE link below to visit our website!

Follow us on Facebook! Heading link Copy link

Follow us on Facebook!

The easy way to make your own teaching games

Join one million teachers making fun classroom games!

Say hello to whole class gaming from a single screen

Play from just one screen without the need for student devices

Choose from more than one million games made by other teachers

Make games that'll engage students of all ages like never before

Play in class or online for quizzes, brain breaks, review and more

Teachers love us

From my classroom to yours

Welcome to Baamboozle! The platform I wish existed when I was a teacher. The one I had to teach myself how to code to bring to life. The one more than a million teachers now call home. A place where they make the most fun teaching games on the planet! You're gonna love it 😉 Ronan

Ready to play?

Make and play your own games for free

WELCOME TO ESL GAMES WORLD - FUN GAMES FOR ESL/EFL LESSONS

This site is dedicated to helping teachers by providing Fun esl games for Classrooms , Powerpoint Game & Templates , Printable Board Games , Interactive Games for Classrooms , Games for ESL Kids & Adults , Grammar Games , Vocabulary Games , Reading Games , featuring Snakes & Ladders, Hangman & Wheel Games . ESL Online Games

Fredisalearns.com : is a multi-level English program for children between the ages of 4 to 12 featuring tons of cartoon animated videos, games, tests and worksheets to teach and review vocabulary, grammar, spelling and communicative skills.

Esl, math, science : games, worksheets, videos, animated english videos for kids, games..., free esl interactive games - online fun games.

We provide a variety of interactive games and exercises for total esl fun. Our free ESL fun games here include : Snakes and Ladders, Hangman, Spelling games, Wheel of Fortune, TV Games(Betting Game), Mazes, Memory Games, Matching exercises, Sequencing exercises, Picture Quizzes and more. Follow the links below. This site is dedicated to helping teachers by providing fun esl games for classrooms, powerpoint game templates, printable board games, interactive games for classrooms, Games for ESL Kids, Grammar Games, Vocabulary Games, Reading Games

Fun English Activities Online for Kids

Fun English Vocabulary Games, Grammar Games, Sentences Games, Spelling Games, Printable and Powerpoint Games, Games for iPad & Android Devices.

Grammar Games & Exercises

Games for Practising Grammar: Present simple/present progressive games, past tense games, present perfect games, comparative/Superlatives and more.

Games for ESL Classroom Teaching

Jeopardy Quiz Show, Billionaire, Show down and more. I cannot tell you just how excited I am to offer this new section. 26 New Games for Classrooms!

Vocabulary Games & Exercises

Games for practising English vocabulary: Lots of games by topics and game types. (14 New Games Added) - ESL World Cup Football Game & Worksheets

Pronunciation Interactive Exercises

Games to practice English pronunciation, phonetics and phonics.

English Courses for kids

Fredisalearns.com is a multi-level English program for children between the ages of 4 to 12 featuring tons of cartoon animated videos, games, tests and worksheets to teach and review vocabulary, grammar, spelling and communicative skills.

Printable Games, Powerpoint Games & Game Templates

For teachers, these printable and powerpoint games will form the bases of most of your lessons. Easy to play, Easy to customize and create yours. Follow these links below.

Printable Games - Click Here!

Practice a variety of grammar and vocabulary skills using these printable ESL Card & Board Games .

Powerpoint Games - Click Here!

Powerpoint Games for practising English vocabulary, grammar and many language skills.

Game Templates in MS WORD & POWERPOINT FORMATS- Click Here!

Create Games for your teaching using our templates. Very easy with the several video tutorials.

Math Games & Exercises Online

Math4Children.com : Free Math Worksheets , Math Games , Online Quizzes , Video Lessons and eBooks Downloads for Learning and Teaching kindergarten, preschool,1st to 6th grade.

In this category, you will find games that practice: Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Spelling, Pronunciation and Listening skills.

Board games and more games you can print and take to class can be found here.Also you will find templates for building yours.

Easy categorization of the games by levels of students. Browse games by levels. For convenience we have EASY, MEDIUM & HIGH LEVELS

Designed to help you bring fun to the class, our PPT games are excellent classroom games for classes with white boards and computers.

Templates help you to quickly build customized games and activities for your ESL/EFL lessons.

Free ESL/EFL Online & Classroom Games

We have no doubt that you will find this website a handy tool for your teaching and learning of English. Some of the games include: Wheel of Fortune, Snakes and Ladders, Hangman, Memory Games, Spelling Games, Slot Machine, Word Classification Exercises and a host of others. Watch ESL Games tutorials on how to play»

It is total fun and highly engaging fun lessons with these resources. Games have the power or eliminating negative emotions and keeping learning total fun.With the absence of the affective filter, learning is much more effective. Visit this page.

ESL Board & Powerpoint Games Templates

On ESL Games World we do not only aim at providing you with games for your classrooms. We have taken a step further to offer you free ESL games templates to empower you with the tools to make your own exercises. Create Powerpoint and Printable Games in minutes. We understand that you may not have too much time for planning a lesson. This is why we offer you our most precious game templates for free. Create your own exercises using our highly intuitive game templates. With our templates, creating materials have never been easier. You will create customized games to practice the language focus of your lessons.

External Links & Partners

• AdvancedWriters can be a great academic writing tool for ESL students.

About ESL GAMES WORLD

• Games interactive
• Grammar Games
• Vocabulary Games
• Pronunciation
• Reading Games

Levels & Games

• Easy/Beginner
• Medium Level
• High Levels
• Classroom Games
• Printable Games
• Powerpoint Games
• Kids Ebooks
• Grammar Ebooks
• Advertise on this site
• Internal Links
• External Links
• Learn Chinese

Website Focus

Esl for young learners.

• Worksheets sets
• ESL PPT & Video Slides
• ESL Flashcards by set
• Phonics and Phonetics
• Ebooks for ESL Kids

PRINTABLE EXERCISES

• Grammar Printables
• Vocabulary Printables
• Phonetic/Pronunciation
• Grammar & Vocabulary Ebooks

Interactive ESL Quizzes

• ESL Grammar Quizzes Online
• Vocabulary Quizzes & Exercises
• Pronunciation Quizzes
• Beginner Quizzes
• Video Lessons

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

ESL Resources for Teachers and Students: 12 Great Websites

It’s useful to have a collection of tried and true go-to resources for your ESL lesson planning so you never run out of things to do with your classes.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of ESL resources online. But how do you know what works?

In this post, I’ve collected 12 helpful websites for both teachers and students alike, to capture the attention of struggling students and—at the same time—challenge your top students.

From lesson plans to worksheets, there’s a resource here for everyone to make teaching and learning English much easier!

Resources for Teaching ESL

1. ellii: dynamic lesson plans and materials, 2. fluentu: learn with authentic media, 3. esl printables: give and receive, 4. lanternfish (bogglesworldesl): building vocabulary, 5. busyteacher: warmers and fillers and more, 6. colorín colorado: info for educators, 7. reading is fundamental: improving literacy, resources for esl students learning at home, 8. using english (ue): quiz yourself, 9. randall’s esl cyber listening lab: listen up, 10. starfall: activities for kids, 11. read today: practice the basics, 12. nih kids’ pages: improve reading skills.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Best for: All levels

Ellii is one of the most comprehensive ESL teaching resources available. While it does require membership (the cheapest currently being $12 per month), many ESL teachers find this site incredibly helpful.

Membership to the site allows you full access to their lesson plan library, which has more than 500 ready-made lesson plans and more than 2,000 ready-to-print images and flashcards.

The site also takes current events and creates diverse lesson plans . The topics are very current and the lessons are sure to get your students talking !

The site also has a breakdown of lessons by topic, such as business in English, role plays, writing in English, holidays , grammar stories and more.

FluentU is a language learning program with a curated library of authentic English videos, that your students can watch with interactive dual-language subtitles. They can review what they’ve learned using multimedia flashcards and personalized quizzes, helping them to retain new vocabulary.

As their teacher, you are able to assign them specific videos and flashcards, and you are also easily able to keep track of their progress and activity.

You can also browse the FluentU blogs for English teachers and learners  to gather tons of lesson ideas. You will find additional blogs focused on standardized English tests  and business English  for the more developed learner.

Best for: Beginner and intermediate learners

ESLprintables.com is a great website for teachers who have also already made a lot of their own curriculum. It’s a resource with hundreds of thousands of ready-made worksheets, PowerPoint presentations and online exercises. The caveat here is that you must submit contributions before you can download them.

Worksheet downloads are conveniently organized by grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading and writing worksheets. In addition, they offer cinema, television, games and song worksheets.

The site also has a forum for teachers, where ESL instructors can ask questions, get advice and share ideas.

I have often used LanternFish for young ESL learners, but it’s also a valuable site for teenage and adult learners. With hundreds of worksheets and lesson plans, it’s a helpful resource with lots of great ideas to better engage your students.

LanternFish offers flashcards, ESL exercises specifically for adults, a writer’s workshop and fun worksheet activities like word searches and crosswords for your students.

The site has a large listing of creative writing prompts, which can be really fun for more advanced students.

Building vocabulary through flashcards and exercises is one of this site’s major strengths. They have a collection of games and vocabulary exercises on a variety of themes from beginner to intermediate students.

BusyTeacher.org is one of the best sites on the web for ESL teachers. It has thousands of worksheets and activities available immediately for free download. No signing up, no membership and no fees (though you can purchase their entire library for about $100).

One especially helpful offering is their 360 free “ warmers and fillers ” which include warm-up activities and ice-breakers to get your students engaged quickly from the start of your lesson.

One of their warmers is the “How Was Your Weekend” activity. The idea here is to give the students the identity of a famous person on a slip of paper (or let them think of their own). In pairs, the students ask questions and try to guess one another’s identity based on what they did over the weekend.

The site also offers great advice for ESL teachers, interesting creative writing prompts and much more.

Best for: Grades K-12

Colorín Colorado   is an exceptional website offering a wide array of material for students, teachers and families. The material available from the site is great for grades K-12, and is especially geared toward native Spanish-speaking ELLs.

This website also contains a very informative educators’ page discussing all things ELL, beneficial for new to veteran English teachers.

You can dive into this website and find a variety of ESL resources for teachers covering multiple aspects of language skills your students need to grow. It offers videos, research-based articles, newsletters, books, toolkits and many more essentials that will benefit you and your students.

Colorín Colorado has won several awards  and is a must for English learners and their teachers.

Best for: Preschool to 2nd or 3rd grade

Reading Is Fundamental is an exceptional ELL website focusing on reading. RIF is part of a literacy movement  in which literacy for all children is paramount. Their focus and aim is for every child to enjoy, benefit and implement reading into their everyday lives.

You and your students can benefit from RIF’s interactive resources, whether you implement the material into your lesson plan or use the website directly as a classroom activity.

The Litracy Central page contains printable exercises and reading activity calendars your class can follow.

Using English (UE) offers relevant information that will benefit you and your students of all ages. UE is an easy-to-navigate site with several categories for teachers and students alike.

It offers  tests , quizzes, forums , English references, articles , tools and extensive material you can utilize.

This website boasts over 800 free downloadable and printable lesson plans and worksheets ranging from dialogue exercises to tests.

This online listening lab is the perfect resource for listening exercises. 

The audio listening exercises are organized by level of difficulty (easy, medium, difficult) and are listed by topic. Topic examples include “Clothing Styles,” “Car Rental,” “Breakfast Recipes” and “Friday Night Mishaps.”

Each lesson includes a short audio clip (usually less than two minutes), a quiz, vocabulary activities, post-listening exercises and online investigations, which ask the student to research the topic further online.

The site also has 20-minute ESL vocabulary lessons and longer videos that feature more in-depth interviews and conversations, perfect for your more advanced students.

Starfall is another great ELL website with interactive language aspects  that will keep your students enthused while offering up new material for your lesson plans. This site is perfect for preschool through kindergarten students.

It focuses on interactive lessons, pronunciation activities, numbers, vocabulary and pictures. Coupling fun activities with academic material is the cornerstone of effective ESL education, and Starfall accomplishes just that.

The site has excellent ELL resources for educators as well as parents . There is a strong emphasis on reading and your students can really get their fill of exceptional material from this site with the step-by-step process and  sing-along material .

Best for: Beginner learners

Read Today offers excellent resources for students, educators and families of ELLs.

The Play and Learn page contains an excellent array of exercises—including writing, spelling, counting and puzzles.

Students can practice their expertise in shapes, uppercase, lowercase, word matching, spelling and so much more in interactive activities.

Read Today also has workbooks you can purchase, which will help with learning new material in a fun way.

This ELL website was established by the National Institute of Environmental Health Services  (NIH) in an effort to combine learning with informative information about health, ecology, the environment, science and other important issues.

NIH Kids’ Pages has a lot of material that is perfect for students from grades 5 to 8. It conveys relatable issues and information in a way that’s easy to understand.

NIH Kids’ Pages gives access to videos, key vocabulary , readings and many more interactive and enticing resources to help students learn.

The site also has a  Lesson Plans & Activities  page with an assortment of printable material perfect for any ELL classroom. The printable content covers booklets, fact sheets, interviews, flyers, lesson plans, presentations and a whole lot more.

All students learn in different ways, and these 12 ESL resources for teachers can help you find what works best for all levels, and all different learners!

So add these websites to your ESL tool belt today—you’ll wonder how you ever got on without them!

Related posts:

Enter your e-mail address to get your free pdf.

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

ESL Activities

ESL Games, Activities, Lesson Plans, Jobs & More

in Jobs and TEFL Cert · Reading · Speaking · Writing

ESL Websites for English Teachers: Top 25 Resources

If you’re looking for some of the best ESL websites for teachers as well as English learners, then you’re certainly in the right place. We’re going to give you the rundown on the best ESL websites for lesson planning, jobs and forums, along with websites for learning English for kids as well as adults.

Websites for ESL teachers

Top 25 Websites for English Teachers

Let’s get into the best websites for ESL teachers.

Lesson Planning, Worksheets, and Activities

Esl speaking .

If you’re looking for some activities, games or resources for teaching English speaking, then you’ll certainly want to check out ESL Speaking. There is a wealth of these things, along with lesson plans, worksheets and more.

Okay, let’s be honest here. ITESLJ does certainly need an overhaul to take it out of the 1990’s but it’s certainly worth a look, especially if you’re looking for ESL worksheets. In terms of the sheer amount of content, this site rules them all and with a bit of searching, you should be able to find what you’re looking for easily enough.

Please enable JavaScript

Breaking News English

If you teach teenagers or adults conversational English , this may be the only website you ever need. There are some excellent lesson plans based on what’s in the news lately. There’s a variety of levels and activities that target various skills ( reading , listening, writing, vocabulary , etc.).

English Listening Lesson Library

A few years ago, I taught a class focused exclusively on ESL listening and to be honest, I was a bit nervous. That’s when I found out about the ESL teaching awesome of ELLO. They have some excellent audio and video lessons that are detailed, interesting, and engaging. Just about everything you need to teach ESL listening.

ESL Writing

If you teach writing, either formal (academic) or informal, then the ultimate website for that is ESL Writing . There are lesson plans, activities and a whole bunch of other resources to help students write more interestingly and creatively. The results? Excellent, if my students are any indication!

I love to use different kinds of media in my classes whenever possible and ESL video makes this super easy. Not only are there curated videos but you can find accompanying lesson plans, quizzes, etc to go along with them. This makes it super easy to plan some interesting ESL lessons.

ESL websites for teachers and students

ESL Job Resources

Profs abroad.

This ESL website is the first and only site dedicated exclusively to university ESL teaching jobs around the world. It’s paid, but totally worth the low fee is you’re serious about landing one of these sweet gigs that don’t involve teaching little kids! New jobs are added frequently so consider subscribing again, even if you have in the past.

Out of all the ESL teaching job websites, ESL Cafe stands a cut above the rest. Not in terms of usability, although it’s a lot better since a recent site overhaul, but just in terms of sheer numbers of jobs. They are divided up into China, Korea, and international ones and this should certainly be your first stop when starting a job search.

Along with ESL Cafe, TEFL.com is a go-to resource for job seekers. It’s been around for years and certainly has a good base of schools that advertise there. It’s less focused on China and Korea than ESL Cafe and can be a good place to find jobs off the beaten track like Puerto Rico, Sweden , or  Finland .

I generally don’t recommend recruiters to find ESL teaching jobs with only one exception, Teach Away. They are super-s0lid, totally above board and filter out all the crappy jobs that you don’t want anyway. If you’re a certified teacher in your home country, Teach Away should also be able to land a solid job in a public school or international school.

The Jet Program

One of the most interesting options for ESL teaching jobs in Japan is the Jet Program. Basically, it places native English speakers in public schools throughout Japan, with the focus on it being a language and cultural exchange. The pay is quite good too but it’s very competitive to get this job. It’s one of the only ways to get teaching English in Okinawa jobs .

EF English First

English First is one of the biggest employers when it comes to ESL teaching around the world. They are currently hiring for China, Indonesia and Russa and one of the best things about this company is that it’s often possible to advance into management or transfer.

This is another big company that has branches in various countries around the world. Hess has locations in South Korea, Vietnam , China, Singapore and Taiwan . Currently, Taiwan has the most available jobs.

Best websites for ESL students and teachers.

Country-Specific ESL teaching Resources

My life teaching in a korean university.

Korean university jobs are some of the most coveted ones in the ESL teaching world. Who doesn’t like 5 months of paid vacation and lucrative overtime opportunities, right? Your first stop for all the information you need to know about how to get this job and what to do once you have it is My Life! Teaching in a Korean University, run by a vet of 10 years teaching in Korean unis.

Waygook.org

If you’re teaching in South Korea, or are considering heading there, head over to Waygook. The forums are filled with helpful people ready to answer just about any question you might have. And, if you’re teaching in a public school and need some lesson planning resources? They’re very well-known for that as well.

Go Overseas

If you’re looking for specific information about teaching in a certain country, Go Overseas should be one of your first stops. They have this general information but also a ton of informative articles about certain jobs to consider, salaries, tips for living and more.

If you’re looking for all things teaching ESL in Japan, including jobs in an Eikaiwa , apartments, studying Japanese, forums, etc., then Gaijin Pot should be your first stop. It’s far and away the best site for English teachers in Japan.

If you’re looking for a forum to get all your questions answered about teaching English in Taiwan, Forumosa should be your first stop. It’s a very active site with lots of people willing to answer any and all questions bout teaching ESL in Taiwan.

International TEFL Academy

I don’t love to recommend websites that sell TEFL courses with one exception, International TEFL Academy. They have a ton of great information about various countries to consider teaching in, particularly the Middle East. There isn’t a ton of information about this but this website is one of the best.

Transitions Abroad

A nice source for general information about teaching ESL in a certain county is Transitions Abroad. Plus, they have jobs, detailed country guides, and specific information like how to travel around a certain place.

Best Websites for ESL Students

Using english.

If I’m going to recommend a single, general resource to my students for practicing their English skills, it’s Using English. This website is designed for ESL students specifically and has idioms, English grammar, quizzes, vocabulary and all the other things in abundance.

ESL Games World

One of the best sources for all things kids practicing English online is ESL Games World. There are a ton of interactive and engaging ESL games for kids here along with lots of things teachers can use like PowerPoint and printable games.

Business English Pod

If you have students who are serious about business English, then you’ll definitely want to recommend Business English Pod to them. It’s a paid site but there is also a lot of free resources to check out. Teachers can use it too when teaching business English! It’s my go-to source for this kind of class.

Need more ideas? Check this out: Business English ESL Activities .

Learn English Kids

The British Council certainly does some great work when it comes to websites for English learners. Learn English Kids has a ton of resources that are interactive and fun. I always like to recommend it to parents and kids who want to get some extra practice for English when not in my class!

Learn English

This is the adult version from the British Council of their kids’ site. It has a ton of excellent resources for learning English and you could literally spend a lifetime cruising around this site, learning new things! This is also the source for all things technical ESL teaching, including examples of discourse .

Did you like this list of the Best ESL Websites? 

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Bolen, Jackie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 148 Pages - 03/09/2016 (Publication Date)

Yes? Thought so. Then you’re going to love this book over on Amazon: 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults . The key to better TEFL classes is a wide variety of games and activities and this book will help you get there in style.

You can find the book in a variety of different formats. Keep a copy on the bookshelf in your office to use as a handy reference guide when planning your ESL lessons. Or, take the digital version with you to your favourite coffee shop for some lesson planning on the go. Finally, consider listening to the audio version on your commute for some ESL teaching inspiration.

Whatever the case, get ready for some serious ESL teaching awesome in your life. Check it out here:

Where Can ESL Teachers Find Resources for Their Lessons?

ESL teachers can find resources for their lessons from various sources. Here are some places to look for ESL teaching materials:

Textbooks and Coursebooks

ESL-specific textbooks and coursebooks provide structured lessons and materials for different proficiency levels.

Online ESL Platforms

Websites and platforms dedicated to ESL teaching often offer free or paid resources, including lesson plans, worksheets, activities, games, and multimedia materials.

ESL Teacher Websites and Blogs

Many ESL teachers and educators maintain their websites or blogs where they share lesson plans, teaching tips, and downloadable resources.

ESL Teaching Communities and Forums

Joining online communities and forums for ESL teachers allows you to connect with other professionals and exchange teaching materials and ideas.

Educational Publishers

Explore websites of educational publishers that specialize in ESL materials. They often provide sample resources, downloadable worksheets, and supplementary materials.

Online Libraries and Resource Centers

Some universities or organizations have online libraries or resource centers that offer a wide range of ESL teaching materials, including lesson plans, activities, and assessments.

ESL Resource Books

There are numerous published books available specifically for ESL teachers, offering a wealth of lesson plans, activities, and strategies.

Authentic Materials

Authentic materials, such as newspapers, magazines, online articles, videos, and podcasts, can be used to supplement ESL lessons and make them more relevant and engaging.

Online Teaching Platforms

If you are an online ESL teacher, the platform you teach on may have a resource library with pre-made lessons, teaching materials, and activities.

Teacher-created Resources

Many teachers share their self-created resources on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers. You can find a wide range of ESL materials created by fellow educators.

There are a number of common questions that teachers have about this topic. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

Are ESL websites free?

Some ESL websites offer free resources, while others have a combination of free and premium content. It depends on the specific website and the resources they provide.

Can ESL websites help me with lesson planning?

Yes, ESL websites are valuable for lesson planning. They offer pre-made lesson plans, activity ideas, and materials that you can adapt to suit your students’ needs and learning goals.

Can ESL websites help me improve my teaching skills?

Absolutely! Many ESL websites provide professional development resources, articles, webinars, and courses that can enhance your teaching skills and keep you updated with the latest teaching methodologies and strategies.

How do I find reliable and reputable ESL websites?

When searching for ESL websites, consider recommendations from fellow teachers, check for positive reviews, and look for websites affiliated with established educational institutions, reputable publishers, or well-known ESL organizations.

Have Your Say about ESL Websites

What’s your top pick for an ESL website for teachers or an ESL website for students? Is there one that you’d like to include on this list? Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. It’ll help other busy English teachers, like yourself find this useful resource.

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 15 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 60 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults . She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

You can find her on social media at: YouTube Facebook Pinterest TikTok LinkedIn Instagram

Top Selling ESL Activity Book

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

More ESL Activities and Games

Brainstorming games, activities, worksheets & lesson plans, sequence words list: more than 50 examples in english, most common questions and possible answers in english, list of fruits with pictures | fruit names in english, about, contact, privacy policy.

Best-selling author and English teacher Jackie Bolen has been talking ESL activities and games since 2015. The goal is to bring you the best ideas, lesson plans, and activity recommendations for your TEFL classes.

Get in touch: About + Contact

Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Email: [email protected]

Address: 2436 Kelly Ave, Port Coquitlam, Canada

5 websites that will take your ESL lessons to the next level

There comes a point in every teacher’s career when they want to move away from the textbooks and bring a little spark and creativity into the classroom. Most of our students have already seen tons of printable worksheets and they’ve played lots of interactive language games. However, apart from the typical teaching websites, the Internet offers an endless collection of resources which – when used in a creative way – can serve as useful tools to maximise our students’ learning opportunities . Let’s take a look at some of them.

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of the websites below. We don’t get any remuneration or any other benefits for writing about them. We want to recommend them solely because we think they’re awesome and can help you make your lessons even better.

Do you sometimes struggle to find an example sentence for an idiom or phrasal verb? How can you be sure your students understand its meaning? YouGlish is an online platform which allows you to search for specific words and phrases in a database of video clips from popular films and TV shows .

Apart from facilitating the presentation of new vocabulary by providing more than one context, it also allows students to hear how a word is pronounced, not in isolation like in most dictionaries, but among other words. Students can hear it in conversation, including such characteristics of natural speech as contractions, ellipses or linking sounds.

Youglish also allows you to choose which accent you want your students to listen to and with a little bit of extra preparation, you can turn it into games in which students watch a compilation of video clips showing unfinished conversations and guess the missing parts every time the video stops. (Check out our lesson: ‘You’re kidding!’ and other quick responses )

How often do you puzzle over how to make listening practice engaging? ESL Bits offers a wide range of good-quality audio content and its audio short stories are an amazing tool to start with. There are lots of benefits of incorporating them into your ESL classroom. They can be used as a lead-in to the topic of the lesson, or at the end as a cool-down or reward. As most of them are under fifteen minutes long, you can easily include them in any lesson plan and some of them are appropriate for almost all levels. The fact that you can adapt the speed for your students is another unquestionable advantage. 

There are also countless activities that can accompany an audio short story which your students may complete individually or in groups. You can prepare a quiz to check how well they understood the plot and have a game show in teams; ask students to arrange the events in chronological order; use the transcript and remove some words and have them fill in the gaps while listening; pre-teach students some words and make sure they understand their meanings and then play the story and have them tick off the words from the list as they hear them. 

Apart from short stories, ESL Bits offers five other sections: classics, novels, novellas, intermediate and advanced material which can be used to encourage extensive reading and listening . 

If your goal is to develop your students’ critical thinking skills , then you should try Kialo – a free online discussion platform that can help promote thinking outside of the box. It will give your students the opportunity to really practise their reasoning, communication and collaboration skills.

With Kialo, you set up debates on an interactive tree (for teams or individual users) and invite students to contribute, by adding their arguments for or against.  During the debate, you can encourage them to include hyperlinks to support their arguments and then vote on their classmates’ good ideas. You can also chat with students about their arguments by clicking on them and writing a comment, encourage and congratulate them on good ideas or mark some arguments as wrong and let them know they’ve repeated something that has been said before. 

Kialo enables you to filter individual students’ contributions, which makes it easy to assess their performance when a task is finished. It can be used both synchronously and asynchronously . The former allows students to have an equal chance to contribute and can be used as class competition, while the latter makes it easy to focus on the quality and structure of a discussion (it works really well as a homework task!). Here you can see how we used some of the opinions found on Kialo to inspire a debate about the Universal basic income .

MindMup app, which integrates with Google Drive, is really useful as it helps users to  create unlimited mind maps and store them in the cloud.

There are many ways in which ESL teachers can incorporate it into their classes. It is definitely a very clear and visually attractive way of presenting new vocabulary. Check out our lesson Is e-sport a sport? to see how you can present new vocabulary related to the same topic using MindMup. It is also a perfect tool to show multiple meanings of a word (like in our lesson Do you feel FOMO? – phrasal verbs with out ) or word associations.

Another good idea is using it in an online class for group work planning (for example creating a storyboard for a book or video, or creating an essay outline) as well as brainstorming ideas.

Visual Capitalist

The authors of the last website ‘ dream of a world where powerful visuals are used to explain anything and everything ’. Their insightful infographics are used by lots of institutions all over the world and should definitely become part of an ESL classroom too.

Do your students sometimes seem too tired to participate in speaking activities ? Why not try and make them more engaged by using stunning data-driven visuals from Visual Capitalist .  

You can set up a discussion by asking students to interpret the data presented in an infographic or use it as a lead-in into the lesson theme to spark students’ interest. You can also make it even more challenging and use it in the practice stage, with students interpreting the data and at the same time producing the language studied earlier in the lesson.

If you have already used any of the resources from these websites to create your own lessons, we look forward to hearing about your ideas . If you have just decided to try them with your students, don’t forget to let us know how they worked .

Read other teaching tips posts

Making teaching English online easier with ESL Brains

Five no-prep speaking fluency activities for ESL students

How to use interactive videos for teaching English

How to apply flipped classroom for teaching English with ESL Brains lesson plans

How teaching with authentic materials benefits your students

Five grammar and vocabulary revision games and exercises

Six no- and low-prep vocabulary revision exercises which make students think in English

My tips for teaching English to seniors (60+)

Getting started with ESL Brains e-lesson plans

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

I’ve only heard of YouGlish. I’ll make sure to explore the other websites. Thanks so much for this great article!

Excellent! I have gained more information on new website which may help me greatly in my work.

Thanks a lot for the article, I’ve put all of the websites in my bookmarks to use at my lesson.

Awesome! Let us know how you used them after you had a chance!

Hi there!! Excellent tips!! I”ll check them all! Thank you!

Hello there! I remember a website that was used in a lesson some time ago… It was a useful tool to find sentences in movies but for the love of me I can’t remember the name of the website. Can anyone remember? Am I making any sense?

You’re probably thinking about PlayPhrase.Me. BTW if you’re not their supporter, they will only show you 5 examples per search. But I strongly encourage you to support this awesome project 🙂

Thanks Stan! That’s the one!

Another one I like is this one! It’s totally free as well. https://getyarn.io/

Thanks for sharing the link! Yarn is a pretty awesome tool but I wished they had clip longer than 2-3 seconds.

Thanks for sharing it! This post will be very useful!

Wonderful sites! Love the “Visual Capitalist”! Thanks for all your great tips!

Absolutely fantastic resource. Thumbs up to this!!!

Thank you so much for sharing!!! They are incredible… Kialo is blowing my mind!

We’re happy you find them useful and that’s right, Kialo rocks 🙂

Thank you for all the fabulous ideas. Much appreciated!

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

EFL/ESL Websites – Learning English

• You are here:

Free Sites for Back to School

Top free and freemium sites for learning

FREEMIUM SITES

An internet search for free learning resources will likely return a long list that includes some useful sites amid a sea of not-really-free and not-very-useful sites.

To help teachers more easily find the best free and freemium sites they can use in their classrooms and curricula, I've curated a list that describes the top free/freemium sites for learning.

In some cases, Tech & Learning has reviewed the site in detail, and those links are included so readers can find out more about how to make the best use of the online materials. In all cases, the websites below provide valuable educational tools, lessons, and ideas, and are worth exploring further.

Animaker Create presentations, posters, animations, and infographics. Free account for up to two teachers and 25 students.

Animoto A drag-and-drop video creation site, Animoto offers a free account allowing unlimited videos. Great for beginners.

Belouga Belouga is a digital platform providing K-12 teachers and students with a personalized learning journey through connection, communication and collaboration with peers around the world. Teachers can sign up for a free account.

Arcademics Boost student engagement and fact fluency with this free multiplayer educational games, math games, language arts games, and more.

Tech & Learning Newsletter

Tools and ideas to transform education. Sign up below.

Better Explained A different way to understand math concepts, for students and teachers.

Blooket Blooket's game-based learning platform is fun, free, and customizable by educators.

Boardmaker Boardmaker is a collection of standardized picture symbols used for communication with students who are strong visual learners, including those with autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, speech and language disorders, and behavioral disorders. A thematic series of units called Boardmaker Activities to Go are free, and ready to download, print, or copy.

Classroom Cereal Grammar practice in 30 free, printable short stories. Premium

Cloud Stop Motion Cloud Stop Motion is free for individuals, schools and organizations.

Conjugemos "Use without account" option has vocabulary, grammar, listening activities and games in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Korean, and Latin. Free student account offers unlimited access to public games, activities and printables and more.

Course Hero Free study guides provided for a range of subjects. Each core topic is broken down into smaller sections which contain videos, infographics, vocab words, reading recommendations, and practice problems.

Data Classroom DataClassroom is a web app that allows students in grades 6-12 to make graphs (line, bar, box plots, dot plots, etc.) and do basic statistical analysis. Free basic account.

Deck.Toys Interactive lesson creation site, offering a free account for up to two classrooms, three private decks and up to 100 public decks.

DeltaMath Delta Math is a free website for teachers and students covering a wide range of math content from middle school through AP Calculus.

Diigo Social bookmarking site offering free teacher and student accounts, plus how-to guides for using Diigo in the classroom.

Duolingo Provides foreign language instruction. Free basic content

EdPuzzle EdPuzzle, which lets teachers create lessons from any video, offers a free basic plan, which includes access to more than 5 million videos, ability to create interactive video lessons, analytics, and storage space for 20 videos.

Educaplay Gamify learning with a free account to create engaging learning activities. Choose from more than a dozen templates to create your own individualized activity.

Eduflow Eduflow allows users to run online courses with things such as peer review and other learning activities. Free accounts available

Elementari Elementari is a K-12 online platform to read, write, code, share, and remix interactive stories using professional illustrations and sounds offering free basic accounts. K-12 teachers in a public or chartered schools in the U.S. can receive a free Elementari Educator License (up to 35 student accounts).

Emile Free access to Roman numeral and multiplication table games-based learning resources.

Epic ! Epic! provides online learning resources such as books, learning videos, quizzes and more. Free classroom access for all educators.

EverFi EVERFI’s no-cost digital resources cover topics such as social emotional learning, STEM, financial literacy, career readiness, and health & wellness. Its standards-aligned resources have assessments embedded, enabling teachers to see measurable outcomes from student work in real-time.

Facing History Collection of educator resources includes a wide range of flexible, multimedia materials, from primary sources and streaming videos to teaching strategies, lesson plans, and full units. All resources free with creation of online account

FluentKey FluentKey helps language teachers make listening meaningful by turning real-life videos into an interactive game. They have hundreds of videos in Chinese, English, French, and Spanish. Free basic account includes videos, transcripts, quizzes, and games.

Formative Formative enables teachers to build their own assessments and assignments, or pull and customize “formatives” from its library of thousands of pre-made materials. Educators can always sign up for free accounts.

Freckle Freckle.com has a free level that includes differentiated activities in math, ELA, and science, and a basic teacher dashboard.

Gamilab A platform in which anyone can find or create their own simple learning games.

Genially Create presentations, infographics, and more in seconds.

Infogram Create charts, maps, and infographics for free with a basic account, with the ability to access up to 10 professional templates.

Kahoot Kahoot! offers a free basic plan that allows teachers to create, play, and host games outside of the classroom and in-class.

Kami Kami is a cloud-based platform providing digital space for teaching resources, including digital books, lessons, videos and audio. The free basic plan includes no-ad service, toolbar functions, view documents and images through Kami, autosave, and file conversion.

Loom Loom is a work communication tool that helps users create instantly shareable video. Capture your screen, record your front-facing camera, and narrate it all at once, then share with a simple link.

Lucidchart Featuring graphic organizing and mind mapping, Lucidchart is a cloud-based tool to make learning visual and collaborative. 10 free Lucidcharts

LucidPress Lucidpress is a cloud-based tool for creating documents such as infographics, posters, magazines, and school newspapers. Free basic plan includes 100 professional templates.

Manga High Mangahigh.com is a game-based learning site where students learn mathematics via casual games that balance fun and learning. Free math games and curriculum-aligned activities without account required.

Microsoft Teams Microsoft Teams offers unlimited chat, video calling, file sharing, storage, and more.

Mote Mote is a Chrome extension that allows educators to record feedback of their students' work. Free basic account.

NearPod NearPod's free plan allows up to 40 students per session, essential assessment and lesson creation tools and multimedia content.

Fusebas (formerly Nimbus Capture) A Google extension that works like Screencastify . Allows you to screen grab, record over presentations, or record a "live" lesson. Many features are free but expanded features can be purchased as well for a modest price.

NoRedInk NoRedInk is a free online curriculum that includes diagnostic tools and assessments, targeted skills practice, a writing platform that guides students through the drafting and revision process, and instructional resources for teachers.

Parlay A discussion-based learning tool and global community of educators who aim to reimagine class discussions. Free teacher trial with no time limit.

Pear Deck Basic free accounts integrate with Google and Microsoft tools and allow users to create interactive lessons, polls, quizzes and formative assessments.

Pecha Kucka PechaKucha helps teachers, students, and researchers create short, powerful talks that are engaging, memorable, and easy to share. Basic free plan includes unlimited presentations

Quill Quill.org offers online literacy, writing, grammar, and ESL/ELL resources for teachers and students. Free for educators and students, paid premium reporting features.

Quizlet Quizlet offers curriculum-based materials, interactive study methods and games Always free for students and teachers.

Quizizz Free fun gamified quizzes for math, language arts, history and more. No account required to play.

Remind Remind offers communication solutions for teachers, students and parents. A free Remind account lets educators create up to 10 classes with up to 150 people each. Always free.

ScreenCastify Chrome screen recording extension offers a free basic account.

Seneca Offers free certified teaching resources with topics by subject and exam.

Sight Reading Factory Free sight reading exercises for piano, guitar, woodwinds, strings, ensembles and more. Users simply select the instrument or modality desired, time signature and key signature and start playing the music. Then click the play button to hear how the piece is supposed to sound. No signup is required for the first twenty challenges. Student subscriptions available for as little as $2 annually.

Slido Free basic plan includes up to 100 participants, unlimited audience Q&A, and three polls per event.

Solfeg.io Online music lesson plans. Free plan includes 20 free songs, unlimited students, lesson plans and more.

Starfall Starfall.com uses animation and sound to engage children in the learning process. Each category offers selected free resources.

Sumdog Offers personalized math and spelling practice, curriculum-aligned. Free account includes six games, standards alignment and personalization.

Sumo Paint Sumo Paint's well-organized interface makes it easy to start creating digital art right away. Its free basic plan allows online creation with selected tools and limited storage, while the modestly priced full plans are as low as $2 per month for students.

Sutori Sutori is a collaborative presentation tool for the classroom for all age groups and content areas. Free basic accounts provide the ability to create and share stories, collaborate, slideshow view, and more.

Tynker Free teachers accounts provide three free coding courses, more than 35 hours of K-12 code activities, unlimited student accounts, and professional development.

Typing Club Free edition allows unlimited students, three classes, two instructors, and the ability to create and customize lessons.

Typing.com The typing.com free account provides lessons in typing, tech readiness, career prep, coding basics, and more. Full district and administrative tools.

Vectr Vectr is like a streamlined, simplified and— best of all, free—Adobe Illustrator. The free version allows 30 MB space and includes (blockable) ads while two premium versions offer higher storage, more tools, no ads and AI features. No account needed to get started, but you'll need one to save progress.

VEXcode VR Free computer science/coding instruction, offering three ways to code: block-based, blocks + text, and text-based coding with Python. Students code a virtual robot using a block-based coding environment powered by Scratch Blocks

We Video Free plan offers 1 gGB cloud storage, 22 songs from the music library, five minutes per month video time.

Wizer Wizer's free version of its program, Wizer Create, allows teachers to create self-grading customizable worksheets for their students.

XtraMath Helps kids master basic math. Aligned with Common Core State Math Standards, the site targets K-6 elementary school students but is also used by older students for review or intervention.

Zotero Open-source software that allows users to collect, organize, cite and share research. Free accounts allow up to 300 MB storage, while three premium accounts allow users to expand storage as needed.

Ableton’s Free Synthesizer Learning Tool A surprisingly in-depth online "manual" for learning the synthesizer, Ableton’s Free Synthesizer Learning Tool offer a fascinating, easy and fun way to learn to learn to play a synthesizer—right in your browser window. No need to purchase an expensive instrument- simply explore each chapter at your own pace while you learn to create digital music.

AMAZE AMAZE is a free online resource that teaches about puberty, reproduction, relationships, sex, and sexuality., and provides strong guidance for educators in the form of videos, lesson plans, and references.

American Chemistry Society The American Chemical Society offers its ChemMatters magazine articles for high schoolers online. Biographies of chemists and historical articles are also available.

American Panorama Created by the Digital Scholarship Lab at the University of Richmond, this free interactive digital atlas of America uses online GIS to explore and visualize data with maps. Varied topics include presidential global travel, the importance of canals to American economy and overland trails. A related resource, the Atlas of the Historical Geography of the United States , provides digital reproductions of the classis text by Charles O. Paullin and John K. Wright.

Audacity Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.

Bark for Schools Student and school safety product that detects potential problems across G Suite, Office 365, and Chrome to help protect students — at no cost. Bark looks for potentially harmful activities that may indicate online predators, adult content, sexting, cyberbullying, drug use, depression, suicidal ideation, and more.

Bedtime Math Bedtime Math helps families introduce math as a fun part of their daily routine, while the Teacher's Corner features "math libs," wacky fill-in-the-blank word problems that kids will love to solve.

Bibcitation Easy-to-use website serves as a free online citation generator for students and teachers. Choose from dozens of styles, from MLA7 to Zootaxa, and easily copy and export citations. No account is required, but creating a free account allows users to save their data.

Big History Project Big History Project is a remarkable free online social studies curriculum that emphasizes skill development such as writing and critical thinking, allowing students to draw connections between past, present and future.

Bomomo Fun, simple art site that allows users to create art using their computer mouse. No account required. Save and download as a jpeg or high-quality png image.

Bookshare An ebook library serving people with barriers to literacy such as dyslexia, learning disabilities, visual impairments, and physical disabilities. Free for qualified students.

Bunk History Digital archive of a variety of media produced about current events, culture, history and government. Articles, book reviews, book excerpts, and maps linking to other media make this a unique current events/social history site. From the University of Richmond.

CHALK Academy Offer multilingual, Chinese, and Korean learning resources.

Chart It Create and share professional-looking charts for free, or explore interesting charts and graphs made by fellow users. No account required.

Chartle Fully free and easy-to-use site for creating, saving, and sharing 10 types of charts.

Chrome Music Lab Chrome Music Lab makes learning music more accessible through fun, hands-on experiments. Fourteen online music tools allow users to play with melody, chords, arpeggios, rhythm, and more. Create and share music online easily, no account required.

CiscoWebex Cisco Webex offers a free video/meeting software plan.

CK-12 Foundation Offers free standards-aligned lessons in math, science, English, social studies, and more. Each lesson has a reading passage, videos, optional review questions, and self-graded practice questions. The lessons can be assigned to Google Classroom. Bonus: The new Flexi 2.0 AI-powered tutor provides answers to questions like "How to do ratios?" and "What is heredity?".

ClassDojo ClassDojo is a free tool for parent communication, sharing information, and portfolios, provide a platform for teachers to assign and students to complete and submit work online.

Class Playground A unique free resource for teachers that combines real-life materials with digital learning, Class Playground provides summaries of important concepts such as story sequencing and multiplication tables, accompanied by printable PDFs that demonstrate the ideas to help kids learn.

CMU CS Academy Provides a free, online, interactive textbook for high school and middle school teachers to use to teach computer science in their classrooms.

CommonLit The CommonLit Literacy Model is built on a foundation of more than 2,000 high-quality free reading passages for grades 3-12, complemented by aligned interim assessments, growth-oriented data, and expert-led teacher development.

Compassion Project The Compassion Project is a national initiative to provide compassion education to elementary school students across the US.

Computer Science without a Computer Crash Course Amazing free YouTube channel offering educational videos in diverse subjects from biology to literature to philosophy. Free activities, printables and ideas for computer science curricula. No computer required

Curriculum Associates Free printable K-8 Reading and Math activity packs (available in English and Spanish) and guidance for teachers and families to support learning at home.

Curriki Curriki offers digital learning content—curriculum, lessons and on-demand content—that is free, open, and accessible to all. Be sure to explore CurrikiStudio , the suite of free interactive learning tools.

Data Nuggets Data Nuggets are free educational resources, co-designed by scientists and educators. When using Data Nuggets, students learn about authentic science research projects, and work through an activity featuring real data from a real scientist, providing practice developing explanations about natural phenomena using data from the study.

Ditch That Textbook Provides more than 100 free elearning activities, templates, and tutorials, from graphic organizer templates to ready-to-use interactive lessons. Be sure to check out Remote Learning 101, a free remote learning online course from site creator, educator Matt Miller.

Dr. Roger's Math Neighborhood This is a free online video series with detailed solutions to more than a thousand publicly released College Board SAT Math, Subject Test Math Level 1, and Subject Test Math Level 2 problems.

Educandy Easily create and share fun interactive games for students to play and learn from.

Free Math Free Math is free software that integrates with Google Classroom or any LMS and allows students to show and save their step-by step work on math problems in a digital format. Teachers get help with grading while retaining the choice to give partial credit for work shown. An automatic comparison feature flags student work to prevent copying.

GameChangineer From the Virginia Tech College of Engineering, this free site helps students learn computational thinking and logic in order to create their own games and understand the computer science principles behind classic games such as Downhill Ski, Pacman, Space Invaders, and others.

GIMP Powerful open-source image software, frequently cited as the best free alternative to Photoshop.

GIPHY Create original GIFs in a few minutes, or explore the library of GIFs provided on site.

GoNoodle GoNoodle offers movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. Available for free at school, home.

G Suite for Education Free teaching and management tools for teachers and schools include Google Docs , Google Sheets , Google Meet , Google Classroom , Google Forms , and many more.

Hand2Mind Hand2mind offers hundreds of free printable PDF worksheets, searchable by topic or grade.

HHMI Biointeractive Seven free virtual labs, designed for high school and college students, include built-in quizzes, notebooks, and references.

HippoCampus HippoCampus.org is a free, core academic web site that delivers rich multimedia content -- videos, animation, and simulations in math, sciences, history, and more. More than 7,000 free videos in 13 subject areas. Teachers can create a free account to customize HippoCampus for their students.

Hour of Code Teaching Tools The free Hour of Code computer science teaching and learning resources aren’t just for December. Build your curriculum with detailed guides and hundreds of free videos and activities.

ICivics iCivics, inc. is a nonprofit organization in the U.S. that provides free educational online games and lesson plans to promote civics education and encourage students to become active citizens. Now offering a free remote learning toolkit .

iComputer Fourteen free fun computing home learning activities for children aged 5-11 include topics such as coding for games, puzzles, and websites.

IDEA The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (IDEA) is a free international program that helps users develop digital, enterprise and employability skills though online challenges and certificates. Users earn badges and industry-recognized awards for completing mini-courses in subjects such as research, blockchain, e-safety, virtual reality, and more.

Interactive Constitution From the National Constitution Center, the interactive constitution allows users to explore each section, article, and amendment, with guidance from differing scholarly views. Mouse over selected paragraphs to reveal helpful popups with additional relevant information.

Izzit.org Always-free educational videos, quizzes, interactive courses and other teaching and learning resources.

JacksonPollack.org Paint like Jackson Pollack on this fascinating digital canvas created by Greek artist Miltos Manetas.

Khan Academy Khan Academy is a fully-free comprehensive resource for students, teachers, and parents offering free lessons in math, science, and humanities.

Khan Academy Kids Khan Academy Kids is a free online education program for children ages 2-7. The mobile app was designed by child development experts at Stanford University and engages kids in core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math, while encouraging creativity and building social-emotional skills. Always free, no ads, no subscriptions, with an offline version available for when internet access is difficult.

KRITA This free, open-source digital painting software download for Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux, focuses on illustration, concept art, matte painting, textures, comics, and animations.

Learning Apps Free interactive learning modules in diverse topics from arts to history to vocational education. Have an idea for an app? Create you own by adding content to one of the provided templates.

Libby App Free Overdrive app for digital books and audio books. Access through libraries.

Make Beliefs Comix A fully free award-winning comic creation site that provides teacher tools and lessons plans, a Coronavirus Comic diary, ESOL/literacy help, and special needs sections.

MathCelebrity.com Automated online math tutor, like a Google for math. Enter your math problem or search term, press the button, and it shows you the step-by-step work and answer instantly. Grade 2 through college.

Mindful Poetry Moments Mindful Poetry Moments, a collaboration between Mindful Music Moments and The On Being Project, is a free program that offers a chance to pause and reflect on poetry's ability to encounter ourselves, the world, and each other. Participating schools, individuals and organizations will be offered recordings of poets reading their work, accompanied by mindful prompts and questions such as "Does this poem encourage gratitude? How?” and "What’s a line in this poem that brings a strong visual image to your mind?"

MIT App Inventor This free cloud-based service lets students create their own mobile apps using block-based coding. Extensive tutorials support instruction.

Music Theory Introductory and intermediate music theory lessons, exercises, ear trainers, and calculators. Free online content

New American History Digital learning resources and tools developed by Dr. Ed Ayer for American history, geography, and current events. Fully free.

Open Culture Extensive collection of free online learning resources, including courses, movies, podcasts, ebooks, audiobooks and more.

OpenShot Free, open-source video editor boasting powerful features.

PBS Learning Media PBS LearningMedia is a free, PreK-12 digital media service available to educators nationwide, offering teachers access to more than 30,000 learning materials aligned to state and national standards, including 25,000+ videos, interactive lesson plans, media galleries and more to enrich classroom instruction. Always free.

PBS: Nova Labs Free standards-aligned virtual labs on diverse topics, from managing money to evolution. Each lab includes real-world data and an educator guide. No account required to play, but if you sign in with your Google or PBS account, you can save your game progress.

Phet From the University of Colorado Boulder, these amazing interactive simulations demonstrate principles of physics, chemistry, math, biology and more. Searchable by topic, grade, language and inclusive features.

Pixilart Remember the old video game graphics? Now you can create your own retro pixel art for free. Explore the gallery of digital art and comic creations or make your own. A daily digital challenge provides a prompt to get you started.

Prodigy Award-winning curriculum-aligned math practice site offers free accounts for students and teachers.

Project Gutenberg More than 70,000 free ebooks, available for download or reading online. Includes books in Chinese, Dutch, French, German, and many other languages.

Quizlet Quizlet offers curriculum-based materials, interactive study methods, and games. Always free for students and teachers.

Reading Rockets Extensive, in-depth research-based strategies and tools to help young readers, especially those who struggle with literacy.

ReadWorks ReadWorks is an online resource of research-based reading passages and lesson plans for students of all levels K-12.

Rock Hall EDU Free classroom resources such as videos, playlists, essays, lesson plans, writing prompts, and more. Teachers can sign up for a free account, download the resources, and use temporary authorization links to share materials directly with their students online. From the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

SEPUP Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP) provides free science simulations, scientist profiles, and other digital resources for middle school science and high school biology students. No log in required.

Seterra Geography Fun and educational geography quiz site that challenges users to demonstrate their knowledge of countries, capitals, flags, oceans and more. All the quizzes and printables on the website are free to use and no account is required to participate.

SFUSD Mathematics Core Curriculum A complete math curriculum for all K-12 grades and topics is available for free from the the San Francisco Unified School District math department under the Creative Commons Attribution license. Anyone can copy, revise, remix, and distribute the work, as long as SFUSD is credited for the original creation.

Sketchpad Comprising essential free online tools to create, export, and share digital paintings and drawings. Sketchpad's clean, easy-to-navigate interface invites users to create digital art with imagination.

Snapplify Snapplify offers a library of 50,000+ free e-books. Teachers can sign up for free and also share their own resources on the platform. Integrates with Microsoft/Google for education.

SplashLearn SplashLearn is a curriculum-aligned learning program that covers pre-kindergarten to grade 5 math skills through engaging games. Available on iOS, Android and the web, it offers a free-for-life teacher account. Assignments can be accessed at home for free through laptops, iPads or smartphones.

Storyline Online The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creative illustrations. Readers include such luminaries as Oprah Winfrey, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson, Viola Davis, John Lithgow, Betty White, and dozens more. Always free.

The Choices Program The Choices Program has a library of more than 1,700 free short videos (most are 1-4 minutes long) with leading scholars, journalists, practitioners, artists, activists, policy makers, and others addressing topics ranging from Afghanistan to Westward Expansion. Also available are free up-to-date lessons on current events .

The Good and the Beautiful Free homeschool curriculum with course sets (Levels 1–5) that combine and thoroughly cover phonics, reading, writing, spelling, literature, grammar, punctuation, art, and geography. Always free.

The OT Toolbox Free occupational therapy resources for teachers, therapists and parents designed to build skills in children through movement and play.

Toy Theater A delightful creative art site with a simple intuitive interface that allows users to explore drawing, coloring, symmetry, animation and more, using digital tools and interactives. No account required.

Truth or Fiction? Non-partisan fact-checking site helps users distinguish between real news and eRumors, fake news, disinformation, myths, and hoaxes.

Twig Science Reporter Twig Science Reporter is a free weekly science news service for K-6 classrooms, designed to connect classroom lessons with real-world STEM news and events through high-quality video, images, activities, and suggestions.

Unsilence Through storytelling, the arts, and serious games, Unsilence creates interactive, research-based learning experiences that help communities learn about social injustice, human rights, and genocide. Unsilence's online interactive features are free to use and include choose-your-own-pathway stories, webquests, human rights poetry and stories, interactive exhibitions, and companion education resources.

Unsplash for Education More than 1 million free images for safe and legal education use.

Van Gogh Museum’s Free Interactive Lessons for in the Classroom and Online Free online teaching materials on Vincent van Gogh for primary and secondary schools. The interactive lessons can be taught on classroom smart boards, but are also suitable for online schooling, covering subjects including crafts, drawing, cultural and artistic education, languages, history, and geography.

Vroom App Free educational tips and science explanation for parents of children up to 5, available by app, text, and printables. Always free.

Wakelet A free tool that lets educators bookmark, organize, share, and curate top educational content.

White House Historical Association Free education resources for learners of all ages, including classroom resource packets, reading lists, virtual tours of the White House, videos, historical essays, and a digital library of White House.

Wonderopolis.org In this fun and engaging site, short videos and readings that answer various intriguing questions for students are followed by vocabulary challenges and comprehension questions.

W3Schools.com 100% free and non-commercial site providing tutorials in HTML, CSS, Javascript, Web building, and more. No account required.

YouTube Learning Explore free educational videos covering every imaginable topic, from biology to history to taxes.

Zearn K-5 curriculum aims to build deep understanding and a love of learning math for all students. Always free for all children, individual teachers and families.

• Best Free Constitution Day Lessons and Activities
• Best Free Formative Assessment Tools for Teachers
• Best Free Digital Citizenship Sites, Lessons and Activities

Diana has been Tech & Learning's web editor and contributor since 2010, dedicated to ferreting out the best free tech tools for teachers.

Classroomscreen: How to Use It to Teach

Writable: How to Use It to Teach Writing

Edmentum Looks to Prepare Students for the Future

Most Popular

• TEFL Internship
• TEFL Masters
• Find a TEFL Course
• Special Offers
• Course Providers
• Teach English Abroad
• Find a TEFL Job
• About DoTEFL
• Our Mission
• How DoTEFL Works

Forgotten Password

• 37 of the Best Websites for EFL & ESL Teachers
• Teaching English
• James Prior
• No Comments
• Updated May 2, 2024

Finding a good website to use when teaching English can be crucial for EFL & ESL teachers . From lesson plans and grammar exercises, to playing games with your students, the best websites for EFL & ESL teachers can help transform your lessons.

To help make your English teaching lives easier we’ve compiled a list of them – and they’re nearly all free! Read on to learn more.

These days, thanks to the internet, many of the best English teaching resources are now available at our fingertips. All good EFL and ESL teachers know that you can never have too many teaching resources, but with nearly 2 billion websites online (and counting) how do you know where to look!?

Luckily, we’re always on the lookout for the best websites for EFL and ESL teachers, and you’ll find many of them here. You may even be inspired to create your own teacher website .

So, if you’re looking for lesson plans, worksheets, grammar exercises or songs and games for your English lessons, check out the best websites for ESL & EFL teachers below. Just make sure you bookmark this page to save it for later!

If you think we’ve missed anything just let us know in the comments.

Table of Contents

The 37 best websites for EFL & ESL Teachers

Usingenglish.com.

From idioms and phrasal verbs to quizzes and language tests. UsingEnglish.com is a general English language site that specializes in ESL and has thousands of materials that can help your students. You can also find lesson plans, handouts and printables that you can take advantage of.

EnglishClub.com

English Club is a veteran in the ESL world having been around since 1997. This doesn’t stop them having a highly useful site and you’ll find a plethora of resources there. In fact, the English Club covers pretty much everything from grammar, vocab and pronunciation to listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Grammarism.com

Want to help your students improve their grammar? Grammarism offers over 15,000 personalized worksheets with auto-generated exercises to help your students learn English grammar. With over 300,000 exercises ranging from beginner to intermediate level, your students won’t run out of practice materials any time soon.

Onestopenglish.com

Onestopenglish from Macmillan Education provides access to thousands of resources for English language teachers. This includes lesson plans, worksheets, audio, video and flashcards and they have resources for students of all ages and levels. They also offer lesson plans for exams such as IELTS and the Cambridge exams. With more than 700,000 registered users in over 100 countries they must be doing something right!

Leonardoenglish.com

Leonardo English is the company behind the “English Learning for Curious Minds” podcast, a popular podcast for intermediate-advanced level English learners. You can find all of the podcast episodes on this website, and they include subtitles, transcripts and vocabulary lists. Handy as a tool to give students as a take-home exercise! 

BusyTeacher.org

Are you a busy teacher? If yes then this could be just the website you have been looking for! Busy Teacher offer articles, worksheets, flashcards and more for ESL teachers. With their library of resources you can improve the way you teach and save hours on lesson preparation time each week.

Teach-This.com

Teach-This.com offers a wealth of ESL activities, worksheets, games and lessons, which can help you teach all of the core English skills. The website is broken down into very easily navigable sections and topics, and each worksheet is marked with the targeted English level.

ESL-Lounge.com

ESL lounge has hundreds of ESL lesson plans with a focus on communication in the classroom. They also offer grammar worksheets, games and advice on choosing the best materials for your lessons.

Off2Class.com

Off2Class offer up to 150 free downloadable lesson plans for your English classes and covers all areas of grammar as well some vocabulary and Business English. When you’re short on time, the website forms a great way to quickly put a lesson together. Additionally, if you like what you see, you can pay to access the full library of 950 + lessons. That’s a lot of time saved on lesson preparation!

BritishCouncil.org

The British Council has a great range of resources for teaching English to kids, teens and adults. You’ll find activities, stories, articles, lesson plans and teaching tools. All of these will help you deliver your lesson regardless of the age or location of your students.

ESLfriend.com

Your friend in the classroom, ESLfriend has a wide variety of materials that you can utilize in your classes. You’ll find lessons organized by levels and topics and there are even some TED Talk lessons to keep your students fully engaged.

ESL-Galaxy.com

ESL Galaxy offer a great selection of free ESL printables, kids activities, games and online exercises for grammar, vocabulary & pronunciation.

ESLPals.com

Great for lesson plans for adults and kids, ESL Pals release new lessons every Friday. They have a decent amount of content you can access for free, and if you want to access the full library you can take out their yearly plan for $49.

ESLlibray.com

With a sleek, modern look, ESL library is a literal library of ESL lesson resources, flashcards and blog posts. You can get a number of great sample lessons for free, or sign up for $15/month to access the full library.

ESLGold.com

ESL Gold has a great range of speaking, grammar, vocabulary, listening and reading resources. The best part, they’re all free! You can filter resources by level and find a variety of great exercises.

Englishwsheets.com

Englishwsheets offer worksheets for both teachers and learners and is a great resource for grammar and vocabulary in particular. All of the vocabulary worksheets come with illustrations and games, making them ideal for younger learners.

Englishlinx.com

Englishlinx provides a great selection of free worksheets that you can make use of in the classroom. They cover nearly all areas of grammar and include worksheets on idioms, prepositions and transitional words.

Englishgrammar.org

Does what it says on the tin. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about English grammar to help your students improve their written and spoken English. You can search a list of specific topics and find interactive exercises, quizzes and PDF lessons to help test your students’ knowledge and understanding of English grammar rules.

Linguapress.com

Linguapress covers English grammar along with word games and reading resources for intermediate and advanced English students. Although they state they are primarily geared towards EFL learners, their content is equally applicable to the ESL classroom. It’s a great place to find worksheets and help get your students to learn English from reading .

ESLConversationQuestions.com

If you’re looking for conversation questions for your class, ESL Conversation Questions has got you covered! You’ll find questions sorted by topic, grammar and textbook. There are enough conversation questions to keep your students talking as long as you need them to.

BreakingNewsEnglish.com

This is a site for ESL and EFL students and teachers who want to have lessons around new and current affairs. There are 2 new lessons released every week for a variety of different levels, with over 3000 lessons already on site.  These can form a great resource for discussion or you can choose to build the entire lesson or homework around them.

A project of The Internet TESL Journal, this has a vast array of conversation questions that you can use in the ESL and EFL classroom. So, if you want to get your students talking just click on a topic you’re studying and find enough questions to keep them going as long as you want.

ESLDiscussions.com

Another great one for facilitating conversations. ESL Discussions lists topics alphabetically which you can click into to find a number of questions on that subject area. Suitable for students with a slightly more advanced level, it offers ideal practice to help them express their opinions.

ELLLO, or the English Listening Lesson Library Online, has over 3,000 free listening activities. You can access lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced English students. The site has a strong focus on natural English conversations and each lesson comes with a script, notes on important vocabulary and a quiz to test your students’ comprehension.

ESL-Lab.com

Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab is a great resource that you can utilize to help boost your students’ listening skills. Online since 1998, listening activities at ESL-Lab focus on comprehension skills based on content, voices, vocabulary and natural speed. The site has activities and quizzes for all levels of ESL learners so you can make use of it in all of your classes.

eslwriting.org

If you need ESL writing activities then this is the place to go. Run by professional writer Rob Whyte, new writing lessons are added ever week so you’ll never run out of new material to practice writing with your students.

Dictionary.com

Who doesn’t need a dictionary when learning a language ? If you or your students are struggling to find the definition of a word why not use this site rather than lugging a heavy book around.

ESLprintables.com

ESL Printables is the place to go to exchange your teaching resources with other teachers. Operating on an I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine model, you’ll need to send your own contributions if you want to download resources. However, once you do this you get access to over 700,000 ESL printables ranging from lesson plans and worksheets to activities.

islcollective.com

An international community of more than a million ESL/EFL language teachers, islcollective is a place where teachers can share their self-made language teaching materials. It has loads of ESL worksheets, PowerPoints and video lessons that you can make use of. You may even decide to create some resources of your own which others can benefit from!

Wordwall.net

Wordwall is a fantastic website where you can create your own English teaching resources and use those already created by other teachers. It is primarily focused on learning through games and quizzes and you’ll find a whole host of fun activities for your class.

At twinkl there are tons of games, flashcards and worksheets that you can use as an ESL teacher. They are neatly organized by skill, topic and level so it easy to find something appropriate for your students and you can also create your own resources.

GamestoLearnEnglish.com

What more needs to be said? The website name it explains it all. You can find spelling games , plus games on the time, weather, food and animals among others.

Bamboozle.com

Bamboozle is all about games. Whilst it’s not targeted purely at English language learners there are still thousands of ESL games available – all you have to do is type in your topic in search on the site. There are so many games on Bamboozle that you won’t get time to play them all. So, if you want to find some good ones it’s worth checking out YouTube for some dedicated reviews of the best ESL games on Bamboozle. They’re great if you are teaching English to young learners in particular.

ESLGamesPlus.com

ESL Games Plus is ideal for teaching ESL to kids and teenagers. It offers a range of fun, interactive online games with activities for teaching and practicing English grammar, vocabulary, sentences, listening and pronunciation skills.

Quizlet.com

Quizlet can help your students learn through interactive tools and games. You can make use of flashcards, learning exercises and writing and spelling tests. Through Quizlet you can create study sets and a variety of different activities for your students, and it is suitable for learners of all levels and study needs.

SuperSimple.com

Do you like using songs to teach English to young learners ? If the answer is yes, you will find loads of great songs on Super Simple. They really are Super Simple for children to learn and enjoy too. If they ever get bored of singing you can also find a range of fun activities.

ESLVideo.com

ESL Video provides free ESL video lessons and listening activities for teaching and learning English. You can create your own video quizzes and find video quizzes by topic and English level created by other teachers. What’s more, you can set up class pages and keep track of your students’ quiz scores, which they can take anywhere they like.

Are these all of the best websites for EFL and ESL teachers?

We hope that you find this list of the best websites for EFL and ESL teachers useful. Many of these resources can be used for both classroom and online based teaching.

There are of course other websites that can make your life as a teacher easier:

• Check out these tools for online teaching and start saving yourself some time!
• If you’re looking for ideas to teach and travel, not just resources for the classroom, it’s worth visiting these interesting TEFL blogs .
• For a long list of other informative TEFL websites and blogs look here .
• Feeling inspired by all of this? Why not create a teacher website of your own.

Finally, if you can think of any other websites that you think should be included on this page, please let us know in the comments below!

• Recent Posts

• How to Edit a PDF on Your Phone Using a Mobile PDF Editor - July 24, 2024
• How to Reduce Eye Strain & Protect Your Eyes in Online Classes - June 24, 2024
• 113+ American Slang Words & Phrases With Examples - May 29, 2024

More from DoTEFL

How Many Weeks Are in Summer & How Long is Summer Break?

• Updated November 1, 2023

19 Best Online Quiz Makers For 2024: Elevate Your Quizzes Today!

• Updated May 24, 2024

Which Countries Speak English? 88 English Speaking Countries!?

CELTA vs TEFL: Which One Should You Go For?

• Updated November 2, 2023

How to Write a TOEFL Essay

• Updated May 17, 2024

Co-Teaching: What is it & How to Make it Work?

• Updated February 26, 2024
• The global TEFL course directory.

• Become a member
• The Montessori Event
• AMS Learning
• Toggle Search

Online Offerings for Rainy Days: 10 Apps and Websites to Help Kids Learn a Second Language

Language learning offers many incredible cognitive, academic, and social-emotional benefits to children. Research indicates that learning a second language promotes problem-solving, critical thinking, and listening skills and also improves memory and concentration. These cognitive benefits correlate directly with academic achievement as bilingual children have improved reading, writing, and math skills, as well as higher standardized test scores, in comparison to their peers speaking only one language. Children proficient in other languages are also known to display heightened levels of creativity and mental flexibility. From a social-emotional perspective, exposure to other languages often encourages empathy, tolerance, and cultural sensitivity.

Given all of the amazing benefits associated with learning a second language, allowing your child to engage with online resources that promote language learning is the perfect solution for a rainy day! Additionally, extending the benefits of online play to include interactions with family and friends through second languages can be a transformative experience for children. Not only does this practice enhance their language skills, but it also fosters stronger social connections and cultural awareness. Encouraging children to use the new language skills they develop through their digital learning with family and friends can deepen their understanding and appreciation of different cultures, while also strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories.

Here are 10 free apps and websites to help kids learn a second language!

Digital dialects.

This website includes fun practice games, flashcards, and interactive materials with audio for learning 80 foreign languages, including many which are indigenous, minority, and endangered. Within these activities, children will learn grammar, spelling, alphabets, verb conjugation, vocabulary, and syntax. Elementary students should easily be able to navigate these games and materials independently.

This site offers free, bite-sized lessons incorporating reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These personalized lessons focus on practical, real-life applications of using a second language, such as ordering at a restaurant. In addition to common vocabulary and phrases, Duolingo also introduces quirky sentences that are memorable and make learning more fun. In addition to the website, Duolingo offers apps for iPhone and Android users as well.

PBS Kids: “Oh Noah!”

PBS Kids offers many free learning programs including the “Oh Noah!” collection of videos and games that help children learn Spanish vocabulary.

BBC Bitesize

BBC is a publicly funded broadcaster in the United Kingdom offering many learning resources for all ages including written and audiovisual lessons for acquiring a second language. These lessons include quizzes to check for understanding as well as supplemental materials such as crafts, songs, and stories.

Gus on the Go

Children can learn one of 30 languages using the Gus on the Go language apps for iPhone and Android. Each app includes interactive lessons, vocabulary reviews, and games. Gus on the Go is most appropriate for younger elementary-aged children. Individual language apps are $3.99 each. Stories by Gus on the Go is the second installment of this app series featuring games and lessons based on timeless children’s stories such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” and “Three Little Pigs.”

Mondly Kids

This family-friendly app for iPhone and Android users features gamified lessons on popular topics such as animals, nature, food, family, and sports to help children learn 33 different languages through play. In addition to the free daily lessons, there are also 77 premium lessons available.

Learning by Mindsnacks

This app allows children to learn languages including Spanish, French, Japanese, Portuguese and more. Each language includes 9 mini games as well as the introduction of vocabulary through native speaker audio clips.

Peg and Pog

This app is perfect for younger elementary students who can learn how to read and say words in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin as they follow Peg, Pog, and their cat, Cosmo, on their adventures around the world. Kids can interact with the scenes and characters on iPhones, Android devices, and Kindles. There are even free printables like coloring pages and support exercises to supplement the lessons. The main app is $3.99 and individual apps for other languages are also available for $2.99 each.

Designed for ages 8 – 17, this resource is available on the web and as an app for iPhone and Android users. It provides short (5 minutes or less) lessons and games with lots of emphasis on visual learning introducing more than 37 languages. The free version of this resource allows 5 minutes of game play every 10 hours; there are also premium options starting as low as $5 per month that allow unlimited play, no ads, and additional features.

Developed by BBC, this program offers fun, animated stories of Muzzy and his friends featuring the natural immersion method of language learning perfect for all types of learners at all ages. Each lesson serves as the foundation for the next, building on previously learned words and concepts. The use of repetition and “spiraling” is familiar to the Montessori Method. This resource is available as an online program or an app for iPhone and Android users for $14.66 per month.

About the Author

Interested in writing a guest post for our blog?

The opinions expressed in Montessori Life are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of AMS.

Recommended

Announcing 2025 Leadership Labposium

Check out the Summer 2024 Issue of Montessori Life Magazine (Members Only)

Tech Talk Live - How do you teach media and digital literacy in Montessori preschools?

Introducing Cohort 7 of the AMS Emerging Leadership Fellowship Program

Register for the 2024 AMS Book Club Featuring Keynote Speaker and Author, Erica Moretti!

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest articles.

Results for:

More from montessori life.

20 Phrases and Actions to Support and Encourage Students

We all have a lot of responsibilities and challenges, young students included. Learn some key phrases and actions to help support and encourage your students.

Rise and Grind? Not for Montessorians!

Avoiding grind culture by keeping Montessori pedagogy at the heart of your practice

Role of Unlearning in Justice and Equity

Unlearning is key to achieving justice and equity in education. In this essay from Equity Examined, Luz Casquejo Johnston explores how disrupting conventional pedagogy fosters inclusive environments.

We are Montessori: Highlights from the 2024 American Montessori Society Community Impact Report

Discover how AMS and all of its members are cultivating the future of Montessori with innovation, inclusivity, and unwavering dedication.

In Memoriam: Virginia H. Hennes

Virginia H. Hennes, former chair of the AMS Review Committee and co-founder of the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 91. She is fondly remembered for her rich life and her incredible influence on the growth of Montessori education.

Being Unafraid

Embrace fluidity and bravery: Jessica Honer reflects on queerness and the power of being unafraid.

A California Travelogue: Maria Montessori Visits the Golden State (Montessori Life: Summer 2024)

Written by Joel Parham, this pictorial essay offers visuals and an itinerary of Maria Montessori’s visit to California between April and December 1915 with her son, Mario.

In Memoriam: Sister Christina Trudeau

On March 25, 2024, Sister Christina Trudeau, former AMS board vice president and recipient of the AMS Lifetime Achievement Award (2010), passed away at the age of 93. She is remembered for her creative energy and for her inspirational work in the field of Cosmic Education.

Examining Equity & Building School Community Along the Way

Discover how Juanita Johnson, a veteran Montessori directress, uses the Equity Examined audit tool to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in Cincinnati schools.

In Memoriam: David Cipolloni

Dr. David Charles Cipolloni, devout Montessorian and esteemed psychologist, passed away on January 2, 2024, at the age of 72. We honor his memory.

A Message from the AMS Board Vice President and President-Elect

In March 2024, Anita Hanks, founder and head of school of Starwood Academy of Frisco and executive director of the North Texas Montessori Institute, began serving in the roles of vice president and president-elect of the AMS Board of Directors. She will serve as Board president beginning in March 2025. Learn more about this seasoned educator and entrepreneur!

Creative Ways to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week 2024

From themed breakfasts to personalized gifts, Montessori schools are celebrating educators in creative ways for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Is your infrastructure AI-ready?

Ai-powered assistant.

• How will Azure AI help my business?
• How can I try Azure?

Discover what’s happening on Azure

Optimize your data for AI innovation

Migrate your VMware workloads to save

Bring AI to your SAP workloads

Find solutions for putting your ideas into action