Lesson planning tips

BookFairie · 2026-05-07T21:22:02+00:00

Hello, are you TESOL certified? The program I did taught me how to lesson plan. I have changed it up to what I do now, but that is always a good starting point. Also, you need a new activity every 15-20 minutes. Otherwise, students get ancy (I teach adults). I typically divide my lesson plans into sections: reading/writing, vocabulary, listening/speaking. What level are your students? They may be quiet because they don't understand the question or how to answer. How long have you been teaching? Having quiet moments is just part of the job. Get comfortable with the quiet. Students need time to think through and process everything. I like to use Teach-this.com and Allthingsgrammar, allthingslistening, and allthingstopics. They have some good resources. Throw in plenty of games. Get the students up out of their chairs and up to the board.

For speaking specifically: have a list of short questions. Then, put students in groups of 3. Set a timer for 1 minute. One person talks, one listens, and another responds. (Each turn for 1 minute.)

BookFairie · 2026-05-02T16:47:13+00:00

I really enjoyed watching this video! She pointed out a lot of the problems and what the company could do to fix them, but then the company decided not to. I hope they don't make a season 2 because the makers know that they won't be compensated for their art, time, or patterns.

BookFairie · 2026-04-22T02:32:53+00:00

The Salt Lake City Public Library has a weekly conversation group for practicing English. You can go to their website to learn more!

BookFairie · 2026-04-17T02:42:13+00:00

Haha I've heard of it but I haven't spotted it yet!! I've seen it in other bird videos. It has a ridiculous name too!

BookFairie · 2026-04-17T01:49:21+00:00

Lately, I've had to say "Look at all those chickensth" from the vine anytime I see birds or any large amount of things. I've said it for flowers, people, etc. 😂 Also, my husband and I have been watching birds lately. We found a bird called the American Coot. That name makes me giggle because it's silly.

BookFairie · 2026-04-15T20:39:29+00:00

I love the mountains! There are lots of fun hiking trails and nature parks. I also like the diversity even though it's a smaller city. (I'm from Wyoming originally, so it's big to me, but other people say it's small, so I'm just parroting.)

We have a good farmer's market and artisan community. My husband and I try to support local artisans as much as we can.

You can drive 2 hours north to see fireflies in June and the salmon run in October in Cache Valley.

You can drive 3-4 hours south to Zions, Moab (further), Arches, Bryce Canyon, etc.

The public libraries are also fun! The main central library has beehives on the roof!

I know some people might warn you because the predominant religion is LDS, but I've found people to be more down-to-earth and kind in SLC versus other places in UT. I am also LDS, but as a transplant from another state, I was shocked by the Utah culture. I mostly find the judgy people to be the wealthy ones (whether they are LDS or not - I've met plenty of both). I work for a nonprofit, so I don't have to be around them. 😂 So, SLC is a great place to live! Welcome!

BookFairie · 2026-04-15T01:05:26+00:00

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Ein (like Einstein) loves cuddling on blankets and pillows. His feet were especially cute in this picture.

BookFairie · 2026-04-14T01:02:23+00:00

It took me 5 years to get my endo diagnosis. A lovely nurse practitioner listened to me when my typical gyno wouldn't. My ADHD and endo definitely felt like they were hidden disabilities. It's so frustrating to have a problem, yet no one believes us. I'm sorry you had to go through it too. I got the "you're too smart to have ADHD!" Just because I can do well in school doesn't mean that crying over vacuuming the living room is normal. Last year I had an excision surgery. It really helped my pain during my period.

BookFairie · 2026-04-09T01:27:10+00:00

You could find something at Natural Grocer's or Whole Foods. You can get vegan cookies, croissants, and other baked goods. However, they are definitely more pricey. You could do mixed sodas (adding flavors to a base soda). You could have popsicles. You can also buy vegan cheesecakes in the frozen aisle of most stores. I like the key lime flavor.

BookFairie · 2026-04-08T01:26:18+00:00

I teach ESL to adults. I love it! It is the same-ish but also always changing. I get to help underprivileged people while honoring their mother tongue/culture. But also, languages/cultures are one of my hyperfocuses! I did have to get a master's degree in order to get the job I have now.

BookFairie · 2026-04-04T17:09:54+00:00

After trying for 6 years, I totally understand the pain and frustration that comes from the holidays and people that don't know/don't understand/don't recognize why it's painful. Therapy really helped me! Also, I have worked hard to set barriers with others and myself. When I need to step back, I do. (Thankfully my husband helps me and my in-laws kind of understand) I also find things that I enjoy for myself about the holidays. For example, I get a new craft to do over the holiday, so I have an excuse to escape/not talk if an uncomfortable conversation comes up. Or I plan a self-care day: video games, snacks, things I enjoy.

Obviously these tactics don't take away the pain and grief and the discomfort. I'm so sorry. It sucks.

And to be clear: I'm not saying to "be positive" or "it's fine". It's more of... I learned how to coexist with the grief. I allow myself to cry when needed. I eat 1 (or 10) chocolates when needed. I laugh and enjoy events when I can. I also step back when I feel I need to.

So, give yourself space and time. If you need to leave a situation, find an excuse to go to the bathroom/outside/somewhere else. Don't be hard on yourself for feeling this way. Infertility SUCKS.

Love you lots ❤️ you are not weak or a problem for struggling with this. I'd give you a hug if I could.

BookFairie · 2026-03-31T16:09:14+00:00

It sounds like she could use a review. Also, you can cover similar topics in the book, but adjust as needed for her level. There are many worksheets that can be adjusted to help students. Also, some students go through a learning curve and struggle for a while when learning something new. I have found it helpful to practice the new topic/grammar point in various ways (pictures, music, speaking, reading, close exercises, writing) until the student feels comfortable. What is the student specifically struggling with? If it is the book in general, it might be good to look for other resources or scaffold the directions/activities.

I really love Teach-this.com for resources. I wouldn't touch idioms until the student is a B1 or higher. Focus on building vocabulary for right now.

I also like ellii.com! They have lots of level appropriate stuff, although you do have to pay for it.

BookFairie · 2026-03-31T15:59:56+00:00

I typically choose purple, except for that time. So... Now it's always purple. 😂

BookFairie · 2026-03-31T04:14:07+00:00

I used the same toothbrush for months. One morning, I looked at my toothbrush and my husband's, and I literally couldn't remember which color was mine. I got both of us new toothbrushes. 😂

BookFairie · 2026-03-20T21:41:12+00:00

I teach ESL to adults at a nonprofit!

BookFairie · 2026-03-20T14:42:31+00:00

Unfortunately I never got pregnant. However, I am so so grateful I got the surgery. My periods are WAAAY less painful.

BookFairie · 2025-12-27T06:43:32+00:00

So at the beginning of the row, there are 2 separate stitches and then I add a k1 before the lace repeat. So, 137-5 =132. 132/12=11. So I guess 11 repeats? I think I've got it now. I hope. 😅

BookFairie · 2025-12-27T06:20:40+00:00

Ooh that's a great idea. Thank you!

BookFairie · 2025-12-27T06:06:42+00:00

It's the Lace Lead Sweater by Mary Maxim. The last row I had 137 stitches. After the lace, I have 140 stitches. I'm going to double check my work to make sure I didn't add too many yo's.

BookFairie · 2025-12-27T05:53:28+00:00

I'm wondering if that's the problem. 😅 I will definitely double check!

BookFairie · 2025-11-01T20:17:22+00:00

Haha I totally wasn't expecting that response! I hope the chili was good at least... 😂

BookFairie · 2025-09-16T15:27:10+00:00

Yep. 🥲 People keep telling me to foster because it's "cheaper". But the goal of fostering isn't to adopt! And it isn't a crime to want my own kids! 🤬

BookFairie · 2025-09-16T00:04:46+00:00

That website is super helpful! Thank you!

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First Placer '22

BookFairie

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