Hey Fellow ESL Teacher – ready to learn Tips For Teaching Intermediate English learners?
I wanted to share some Tips For Teaching Intermediate English learners because I know it can be a bit of a challenge at this level. These students already have the basics down, but now it’s about helping them grow their language skills higher. I’ve found a few strategies that work well, and I think they might help you too.
7 Tips For Teaching Intermediate Speakers
1. Get Them Talking More Naturally
By now, your students probably know grammar rules but may not be speaking as confidently as they could. One thing that works for me and the first of seven tips for teaching intermediate ELs is getting ELs to practice speaking in a relaxed way. Small Group Chats work well for me. I often give them easy topics to talk about in small groups—things like their weekend plans or favorite movies. It takes the pressure off and gives them time to practice speaking in a comfortable setting. Role-Playing is another activity I also love using. Real-life scenarios, like pretending to order at a restaurant or asking for directions. It makes it feel more practical and fun.
2. Tips for Teaching Intermediate ELs – Boost Their Vocabulary
These students already know basic words, but now they need to stretch their vocabulary. I’ve found that introducing more academic words is super helpful. Word Maps – I like using word maps to show connections between new words—especially synonyms and antonyms. It helps them remember and use the words in different contexts. Academic Vocabulary – It’s also important to introduce words they’ll come across in subjects like science or social studies so they can build a stronger foundation for their schoolwork.
3. Encourage Critical Thinking
Once students reach the intermediate level, they can start commuicating their thinking more critically. I try to include activities that get them to share their opinions and think a little deeper. Class Debates – I’ll pick simple debate topics, like “cats vs. dogs” or “city vs. countryside,” and let them share their opinions. It’s a great way to get them to use their English in a more thoughtful way. Problem-Solving Activities – Sometimes I give them fun, real-world problems to solve in English, like planning a party. It encourages teamwork and creative thinking, which is always a bonus!
4. Practice Grammar in Real-Life Situations
Grammar is always a tricky part, but I enjoy teaching it in context to help students more than just doing drills. Writing Journals – I like having my students keep journals where they write about their day or respond to prompts. It gives them practice using grammar naturally. Error Correction – Instead of correcting every single mistake, I focus on one grammar point at a time—like verb tenses one week, and sentence structure the next. It’s less overwhelming for them and easier to track improvement.
5. Tips for Teaching Intermediate ELs Expose Them to Real-World English
It’s important to expose students to real-world English so they see how it’s actually used. Videos and TV Shows – I’ll sometimes show my ELs short, age-appropriate videos or movie clips and have them describe what’s happening or discuss their favorite scenes. Real-Life Reading I like to bring in things like brochures, menus, or simple articles that show English as it’s used in everyday life. It’s a fun way to expand their reading and vocabulary.
6. Encourage Peer Collaboration
Students often learn a lot from each other, so my tips for teaching intermediate ELs is to make sure and include activities where they can work together. Peer Editing – I’ll have them read each other’s writing and give feedback. Not only does this help their editing skills, but it also builds confidence in their writing. Group Projects – I love assigning group projects, like creating a poster or doing a class presentation. It helps them practice English while working as a team.
7. Give Positive Feedback
Finally, it’s so important to keep these tips for teaching intermediate ELs in mind mixed with positive feedback. I always make sure to point out what they’re doing well before correcting any mistakes. Highlight Strengths – If a student uses a new word correctly or pronounces something clearly, I make sure to celebrate that with them. Focus Corrections – I also try not to overwhelm them with too many corrections. Instead, I’ll focus on one or two areas for improvement at a time.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Fun and Engaging
When teaching intermediate learners I like to keep things fresh with new ideas for grammar, speaking, and vocabulary. I hope these tips help you with your students. Keep it fun and engaging, and you’ll see them grow in their confidence and skills!
Happy Teaching!
Lori
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