Games

A language learning website that uses gaming to keep learners motivated.  Easy to navigate lessons are personalized, immediate feedback is provided, "rewards" are handed out as levels are mastered.  Can be used for independent practice, or in a lab setting. The learning program is based on language-acquisition research and makes the claim:  "34 hours of Duolingo are equal to 1 university semester of language courses".

This site may also be of interest to teachers interested in acquiring another language.  There are 33 languages to choose from, including Klingon - not kidding!

https://www.duolingo.com/

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This digital tool allows users to take an existing video (from YouTube, Khan Academy, etc.) and add interactive questions and activities to personalize and individualize lessons. A useful tool to enhance lessons for online teaching.

Free access:
https://edpuzzle.com/

Free ESL Fun Games, Interactive Grammar & Vocabulary Games for Classrooms.  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.

ESL Lounge is complete with ESL Games, lessons plans and other support materials for teachers.  Some free lessons.

ESL-Galaxy:  Free ESL Worksheets, English Teaching Materials, ESL Lesson Plans (esl-galaxy.com)

Free Rice is an easy, online, multiple-choice game that will expand the vocabulary of intermediate and advanced learners of English. As the game was created by the United Nations World Food Program, every question answered correctly raises 10 grains of rice for the World Food Programme. Aside from helping students learn new words in a fun and engaging manner, educators may want to use the website where the game resides as a springboard to conversations about food security worldwide. Using this website is free.

Last reviewed July 2023

This online game is sponsored by the United Nations World Health Organization. Learners can choose from 60 levels of vocabulary. By selecting the correct meaning for the selected word, 10 grains of rice are donated to a country in need.

There is built-in audio to hear the correct pronunciation of the word as well. If a learner makes an error, the word is added back into rotation. Learners can play individually or teams can be set up for competition. It is a free log-in system.

A children's K-8 website containing word games, spelling and vocabulary practice, online books, and a superhero video series. It's divided by grade level; English learners will enjoy the colourful and easy to navigate site with engaging  practice materials that are suitable for their level.

Free access:

https://www.funbrain.com/

This is a fast-paced and challenging vocabulary-building game, suitable for intermediate and higher level learners.  There are a range of categories from food, Vikings, and astronomy. A commercial version is available.

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Several resources are available to support LGBTQ newcomers. AMSSA in British Columbia has created an information sheet to support settlement service providers:

Free access:

https://www.amssa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/AMSSA-Info-Sheet-Issue-18-Settlement-Challenges-of-LGBT-Immigrants-and-Refugees.pdf

Settlement.org has a comprehensive listing of supports, including practical guides/best practices, courses and online learning and service providers in Ontario.

Free access:

https://settlement.org/ontario/health/sexual-and-reproductive-health/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity/where-can-i-find-lgbtq-positive-health-services/

CLB 4+ Teaching resources, including lesson plans, and youtube videos from LISTN:

Free access:
https://listn.tutela.ca/wp-content/uploads/Resources-for-Higher-Levels-LGBT-Rights-and-Communities1.pdf

Breaking News English lesson plan, suitable for intermediate learners. Free access:
http://breakingnewsenglish.com.

MemRise is a "platform that leverages memory techniques, deep understanding of neuroscience and novel approaches to second language acquisition to make learning a language dramatically easier and faster."

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The TESL Journal Archives contain a treasure trove of links to a wide variety of resources.  The links are separated into groups for students and teachers. You'll find games, podcasts, quizzes, pronunciation guides, speaking, spelling, and professional development materials.  (Be aware that there are several broken links.)

Free access:

http://iteslj.org/

Designed for use with children, but applicable to adult classrooms, Tools for Educators provides links to free generators for producing puzzles, games and worksheets with pictures or other classroom materials.  Some examples: crossword, word search, dice maker, printable board games, Bingo, dominos, spelling and tracing worksheets (for literacy learners).