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Recommended ESL/EFL/ELT Books, Resources and Websites

In addition to using Compelling Conversations as a resource for ESL and English Conversation classes. I recommend these titles, each of which I’ve personally reviewed.

Edtech for Multilingual Learners: 48 Fun and Flexible for Every Classroom by Brent Warner

Designed for busy, curious teachers wanting to bring apt edtech tools into their English classrooms, this practical 2005 ISTE book focuses on six key language acquisition areas (reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary and pronunciation). Brent - the co-host of the popular DIESOL podcast for English teachers - emphasizes what English and multilingual students can learn from the activities. It’s a fantastic primer that celebrates the possibilities without over-hyping or overlooking limits. Classroom time remains precious.

Language Teaching Insights From Other Fields: Sports, Arts, Design, and More

This exceptional TESOL Press book shares insights from several fields in short, illuminating essays.

Conscious Classroom Management: Unlocking the Secrets of Great Teaching:

This savvy primer on managing classrooms in a friendly, effective, and humanistic manner deserves its stellar reputation. Although many techniques and suggestions work better with motivated students than reluctant learners, this book emphasizes how structure and authority can allow many students to relax, participate, and co-create in their positive learning experiences. It’s also an easy, practical read for novice teachers.

Creative Classroom: Teaching Language Outside the Box

Contains dozens of bite-sized exercises to spark authentic language and creative discourse. This slim book, published by Lynx, should especially appeal to ESL students with a background or interest in engineering, science, and the arts.

By - Hall Houston

Film is Content: A Study Guide for the Advanced ESL Classroom

This underappreciated University of Michigan textbook deserves a much wider audience. Although slightly dated, students learn critical thinking skills, academic vocabulary, and modern film.

By - Julia A. Williamson, Jill C. Vincent

Cambridge Vocabulary in Use series

An excellent supplemental text, especially for the more academically inclined. The self-contained two page format allows students, teachers, and tutors to pick and choose materials.

Cambridge Grammar in Use series

This series is the only grammar series that I've ever felt comfortable using in the classroom. The accessible, clear format with self-contained lessons allows both self-study and effective use as a supplemental text.

Day by Day

Simple, clear communicative textbook for workplace instruction. Suitable for low intermediate to intermediate learners.

Word by Word

This visual dictionary focuses on verbs and shows English language learners how to describe their everyday activities in English. It highlights the importance of process descriptions in building language skills.

Oxford Picture Dictionary and Workbook

Excellent for beginning and intermediate English language learners. Some pages are more practical than others, offering a varied learning experience.

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