19th Century Halloween

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Over a hundred years ago, in the late 19th century, a Polish-Jewish eye doctor named Dr. Ludwig Lazarus Zamenhof wanted to bridge the gaps and misunderstandings between different ethnic groups that he grew up around. Being from a Polish city that, at the time, was a polyglot, multi-ethnic mixture of Poles, Russians, Jews, Lithuanians, and Germans, he saw there was a great deal of distrust between each group, and he believed it was due to the language barriers that each imposed. To create a common ground between every group, he created an international, universal language called Esperanto (Yaffe, 2017). While it was a great idea to create a language that did not belong to any ethnic group and could be used...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas English as a global language is increasing public recognition of the global position of English. We hear it on television spoken by politicians from all over the world. Wherever we travel, we see English signs and advertisements. English is now the language most widely taught as a foreign language in over 100 countries, such as China, Russia, Germany, Spain, Egypt and Brazil and in most of these countries it is emerging as the chief foreign language to be encountered in schools, often displacing other languages in the process. The statistics suggest that about a quarter of the world’s population estimated about 1.5 billion people, is already fluent or competent in English, and this figure is steadily growing. No...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas G.B. Shaw said, ‘England and America are two countries separated by a common language.’ The common language i.e. English taken by the British to America gradually evolved differently from its root language. Hence, the language spoken in Great Britain became the British English and the language spoken in the United States became American English. It wasn’t just the variation in pronunciation, the vocabulary and spellings for few words also changed. To understand the differences, we should take a look at the roadmap of British and American English. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kritika T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Over the years English no doubt has reached the status of a global language. It has become the language that is spoken by millions of people all over the world; as the mother tongue, as the language used for international communication and as the language learned in the millions of schools. If English is used as a global language, there are several advantages and disadvantages attached to this but overall the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, therefore, English has been considered as a global language. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Manahil S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. During the 19th and 20th century various...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Every day, wherever we go and whatever we look at, we are exposed to the English language in some way. Even in the most basic daily activity, it is required a basic vocabulary in English. Each time we go shopping, whether on a store or online, signs and advertisements in English come up. If we are about to surf on the web or look for entertainment a basic English understanding is needed. All over the world, educational institutions from Kindergartens to Colleges, required to achieve a certain level of English to graduate. More and more companies require applicants to have a sufficiency in English to be hired. But in the past, English influence had not been so important. This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word mugwump. This word is a noun and refers to a person who remains independent, especially from politc parties. This word comes from the Algonquian native peoples in Canada. It has been used in English since the 19th century. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. In this unit I was able to see some dos and don'ts. The lesson was pretty straight forward. I was able to see what some acronyms stand...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Language is rarely uniform. Especially when spread out over a great distance, rifts form in a language which causes dialectical differences, which are sometimes extreme. Such is especially true of the English language: several qualities divide American, British, and Australian English. Many of these differences developed inevitably over time, due to geographic and cultural separation. However, several factors contributed to the language differences between these areas. This paper will examine these differences and the reasons for them, focusing on the dialects of Britain and America. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rachel B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word sprachgefühl. This word refers to a person's intuitive ability to produce language in a natural way. Sprachgefühl is one of many Gernan words that found their way into the English language at the end of the 19th century. The word is a combination of sprache (language, speech) and gefühl (feeling). Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. In this lesson we were learning about classroom...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas October is here and Halloween isn’t far away! Whether you teach in your country or abroad, this festival is exciting as it has specific cultural features. In this blog post, we share five fun Halloween decor ideas for your ESL classroom. Get inspired, and feel free to encourage your students to help you decorate the classroom! If you prefer to celebrate in style, you can pick a particular topic to decorate all parts of your classroom. Also Read: "6 Great Ideas for Developing Vocabulary in English Learners" Use all time favorites - pumpkins, lanterns, web, and wreaths - as the basis of your decor. You can either DIY them or buy them at a...  [Read more]

Zainab Sadriwala Destinations Pakistan is the world's fifth-most populous country and a growing destination for EFL teachers looking for a new and unique experience. Pakistan is home to unmatched natural wonders, especially in the most populous province of Punjab. This name literally translates to "the land of 5 rivers" and is famous for its many lakes, valleys, and pictures mountain scenery. Below, I have listed down 10 absolutely must-visit places in Punjab, northern Pakistan. Situated in the outskirts of the twin cities Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Murree Hills is the most beautiful mountain area in Punjab. The beauty of Murree Hills has been cherished since the colonial times as it used to be a favored resort of the British as well. Murree Hills is...  [Read more]

  "In terms of the things that are negative about it, we've already said that it doesn't develop speaking but perhaps the biggest negative point about this particular methodology is that it's very unnatural. Ok, so despite the criticisms of this particular method, and particularly the fact that is unnatural, this particular methodology was in use all the way through the 17th, 18th and 19th century and indeed it's still in use today. However, Gouin in the 1880s and Berlitz in the early 1900s decided that this particular methodology was so unnatural that they wanted to come up with something new. The method that they came up with, they called the direct method. You will also sometimes see it as the natural method. What these two people were saying is that if we wish to learn a...  [Read more]

As the most populous city and the capital of the state of Utah, Salt Lake City has plenty to offer trainees taking a tefl/tesol training course. Famous as the home of the Mormon Church, the city is also well known as a center for outdoor activities, a reputation that was greatly enhanced when it hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 2002. Since then, Salt Lake City has seen a dramatic rise in visitors who are keen to experience the fantastic conditions and facilities for winter sports in the area, as well as the natural beauty of the region through hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. First settled by Mormon pioneers in the mid 19th century, Salt Lake City slowly grew due to a constant influx of religious converts and gold prospectors. However, it wasn’t until the completion of...  [Read more]

California is probably the most famous state of them all due to the many Hollywood movies set here. Endless beaches, great surfing and a warm climate also make California a premier vacation destination. The Gold Rush of the 19th century first brought California a huge economic boom and an iconic wave of immigration. Still today, the state is among the most diverse in the country with a population of many different backgrounds and ethnicities. California is also the most populous state in the country and one of the largest as it covers three quarters of the entire West Coast. In the south, just 30 minutes from the Mexican border, lies San Diego. The city has a warm climate throughout the year and is often called ‘America’s Finest City’. San Diego offers splendid entertainment, outdoor...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Oxford English dictionary defines Vocabulary as "the body of words used in a particular language". From this definition, it is obvious that teaching vocabulary to new students of the English language will not be an easy thing due to the complexity and nature of the language. Context is very important when teaching vocabulary. The Shakespearean language of the 16th Century has evolved from the Victorian era, or to that of the early 20th century and today's 21st century. The location also determines the use of certain vocabulary and expressions. For example, the English spoken in London is different from that of Liverpool, Glasgow, New York, Houston, Ottawa, etc. It is important for a good teacher to be well...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences “Why do I have to take a TEFL course?” I asked this question when my daughter suggested to me to enroll in this course. Having decided to say goodbye to my current job as an international homeroom teacher, I am now embarking on a new journey of applying abroad for a teaching position at an international school. Thanks to the Americans who defeated our Spanish colonizers way back the 19th century, they brought their educational system to the Philippines. Ever since I started school, I have been taught the American way using the English language as the medium of instruction. However, even if I am learned in English, I have to get a TEFL course to prove my competence in the English language. So here we are....  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations Southeast Asia is, without a doubt, one of the most popular regions for teaching English as a foreign language. Vietnam, in particular, offers great opportunities for TEFL qualified professionals in all of its major cities, as well as in many smaller towns across the nation. Vietnam is also a great destination for non-native English teachers and those without a degree. If you would like to teach English in this beautiful country, take a look at our pick of the top 5 places to teach English in Vietnam. Also read: How much can I earn teaching English in Vietnam? With a population of nearly 8.5 million, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and typically has the highest demand for foreign teachers in the...  [Read more]

Known throughout the world for its influence on music, film, fashion, art, finance, education and, as the home of the United Nations, its importance in politics and diplomacy, the magnificent city of New York truly is a global city. Due to all its many influences, as well as its seemingly endless list of sights and attractions, New York is one of the world’s most visited cities and one of the most popular destinations for completing a tefl/tesol training course. Although the first European settlement in the area goes back around 400 years, it wasn’t until the mid 19th century that New York City really started to boom. Driven by large numbers of immigrants that flooded in looking to escape famine in ireland and social unrest in mainland Europe, the population continued to grow...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences A language is a particular form of communicating information, feelings, or ideas. Words and speech change depending on the country, area, or social group. The language belongs to the Culture 's Universe and Culture is undoubtedly evolutionary. So does language. Thus, when one has to put in touch people with different mother tongue, from different countries, different age, etc. They have to take into consideration they will put in touch different cultures. In order to get this communication successful for teaching or learning a new language, it is important that teachers and students understand what these differences are. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Natália S. Please note that this...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences One of the most crucial roles of the teacher is to improve students’ performance. In daily lessons, teachers are engaged in different classroom scenarios, performed teaching duties, and rendered extra effort to help maximize students’ learning. Another thing that adds to this noble task is the diverse roles of the teacher he/she has to play. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Glen Mar L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. With this, I thought of three basic roles that teachers need to portray in the 21st century. This Engager-Servicer-Activator (ESA) teacher roles serve as an important reminder for the teacher to this...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The native language -or L1-, is the language a person has been exposed to from birth. It can also be called the first language and it is usually referred to as the language one learned as a child. It is part of the cultural identity of a person. The second language -or L2-, is the language that is not the native language and it is learned later, usually as a foreign language. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Natália S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. According to English at Ethnologue (22nd ed., 2019), English is the most widely spoken language in the world with a total of 1.132 Billion speakers. It is the first most spoken...  [Read more]

Known for its year-round warm climate, miles of beautiful beaches, numerous leisure activities and a laid back atmosphere, the city of san diego is a great choice of destination for completing a tefl/tesol training course. Located right on the Pacific Ocean and only a short step from the mexican border, California’s second largest city is perfectly situated for enjoying everything that the region has to offer. San Diego is home to many man-made attractions such as amusement parks, water parks, a variety of museums and galleries, as well as some of the best known theaters and music venues in the whole state. The city and the surrounding area also offer plenty of natural attractions to enjoy such as a seemingly endless coastline, magnificent mountain ranges, lush valleys and large...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Destinations Latin America is a very popular region for teaching English abroad as there are always plenty of jobs available in a wide range of countries. One of the most popular of these is Argentina which is one of the region’s largest and most accessible countries. Thanks to a strong economy and a stable political scene, Argentina draws new and experienced teachers from all corners of the world with the promise of staggering natural beauty, modern city living, and plenty of unique culture and customs. With so many experiences waiting for you it is hard to narrow it down, but after some consideration, these are our top 5 highlights for anyone planning to teach English in Argentina. For many TEFL certified teachers, the capital...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences English has its origins in Britain and, as the history books will show, their colonization across a large part of the world brought the language to foreign lands. With their power and influence spread over more of the world, in turn, their language was also widely introduced. In that time, English was taught to those who now found themselves under British rule. Formal education was also taught in English, so it was necessary to know the language for the locals to verse themselves in the culture and enter into trades. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kevin E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. By the end of the 19th century,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How important is it for EFL learners to learn slang and idioms? Let’s clarify what is slang? What is an idiom? This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Laura B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Slang is an informal language and should be used only with people one knows very well. Slang can change constantly, appear today, disappear within month or year and some words have been used by English speakers since medieval times. Also Read: "How Can We as Teachers Motivate Our Students?" The earliest use of the word “slang” (eighteen century) referred to the vocabulary of “low” or “disreputable” people. Later, in the early...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Malaysia is located in South East Asia which occupies parts of the Malay Peninsula and some part of the Borneo Island. These two lands are separated by the South China Sea It was once colonized by the British from the 18th century until it gained its independence in 1957 as the Federation of Malaya and later on formed Malaysia with joining of the North Borneo, Sarawak in 1963. Bahasa Melayu commonly known as the Malay Language is the national language of the country while English becomes the second language. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Karibo B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In the early 18th century, many Malaysian...  [Read more]

The warm Mediterranean style climate, over 40 miles of stunning coastline and a close proximity to the major centers of Los Angeles and San Diego are just a few reasons why the large suburban area of Orange County is popular with visitors to the state of California. Its collection of small, well-designed cities are both clean and safe and provide an ideal base for taking a tefl/tesol course, while also exploring the wider region. Prior to the 20th century the Orange County area was a lightly populated region dominated by large cattle ranches and other agricultural interests. However, development of rail and road access in the early years of the century dramatically altered the fortunes of the county by putting it within easy reach of a Los Angeles population that was keen to escape the...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word swashbuckler. This word is a noun and describes a swashbuckling person. The word has been used since the 16th century and is a combination of the words 'swash' and 'buckler'. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Here we learn how to draw a lesson plan and its various forms which could include detailing out on a piece of paper,jotting on a piece of paper or even on the margin of the text...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When I started writing this essay I found loads of interesting material on this topic and I think later on I will look for many more articles and books to learn more about this fascinating world of storytelling. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Olha K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. If you think about storytelling, you notice that the passing down of stories from generation to generation from century to century taught us history, culture, skills, and knowledge. “Thinking of teaching as storytelling encourages us to think of the curriculum as a collection of the great stories of our culture,” says Kieran Egan “If we...  [Read more]

Sahil Gazi TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas How can being a linguist help you when teaching English as a foreign language? This blog post will explore this topic. Gianluca Costa Destinations Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Hong Kong is a popular destination for EFL teachers from across the world. If you are interested in joining the thousands of English teachers in the city, check out this blog post about what it's like teaching English to young kids in Hong Kong. Sahil Gazi TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Are...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This blog post was written by a recent TESOL graduate who shares their thoughts on how English is the number one language used in international business and how this is useful for teachers worldwide. Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This blog post was written by a recent TESOL graduate who shares their experience on taking a TESOL course with ITTT and what they learned from taking the course. Mark Crocker TEFL Information Alumni Experiences There are many things that differ between English and other common languages that can make it easier or harder for those studying it....  [Read more]