The English Teacher's Diary: Recent Episodes
Kendra Wray
Life is busy and demands on our schedules are pretty heavy. I have to be intentional about taking care of myself, which has been an ongoing learning process. Join me today as I discuss some of the methods I've used to help in this journey
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/05/06/find-the-right-fit/
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/05/13/the-road-ahead/
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/05/04/when-they-cheat/
Perhaps my favorite example of cheating is when a student wrote all the notes on her arm when she was allowed to bring the paper to class. To this day, I still don't understand her reasons, but her actions did speak of her desperation to do well in class. And how I handled this moment, would either improve of destroy the classroom environment.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/04/29/are-you-listening/
Have you ever considered that the words you hear aren't actually what the person is saying? I have. I've been in those situations where I know we're both speaking English but we don't seem to be communicating. Join me today as I look at how to listen better.
Have you ever considered tutoring? It seems like a good idea but getting started or establishing it as a business is something else entirely. Today's blog has some tips to help us and our entrepreneurial endeavors.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/04/26/mastering-tutoring-the-one-on-one-teacher/
Are you a language teacher or student who's looking for a proven method for improving your vocabulary? Check out today's blog for more information about this process.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/04/22/building-vocabulary/
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/04/19/where-have-you-been/
We all seem to be fighting the clock, passage of time and responsibilities. Work demands pull on us adding to our stress, but it needs to get down. Have you ever considered using hidden pockets of time to increase your creativity and productivity? If you haven't take a moment to learn more.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/04/08/time-pockets-where-creativity-and-productivity-thrive/
Do you remember a favorite teacher? One who made you and the classroom feel safe, secure and fun? Those teachers seem few and far between. Take a moment today and find out how to become a teacher who leaves a positive legacy.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/04/05/words-we-dont-speak-and-should/
About fifteen years ago, I found myself struggling physically, emotionally and mentally. I was too young and thankfully started taking steps to resolve the problem. I was running on empty. Join me in today's blog as I talk about this problem and the devastating effects it has on us.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/04/01/feeling-empty/
Have you ever thought about the effect words have? I have both as a receiver and a producer of those words. This reflection has made me think carefully about the way I speak. I'm far from perfect, but I invite you to join me on my journey to lift others up.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/03/29/the-words-and-speak-and-dont/
Have you ever considered how important it is to create a healthy classroom environment? We all sign-up to a class to learn or as a teacher, share knowledge. But we also want it to be an enjoyable experience. Let's discover how in today's blog.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/03/25/its-all-about-the-atmosphere/
Teaching writing or learning how to write can be a challenge. Writing is technical and demands time and attention. However, after learning a few basics with a good foundation in English, most writing begins to soar!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/03/22/teaching-writing-learning-to-write-well/
Fluency in a language goes beyond grammar and vocabulary. To truly understand a language, one needs to understand the culture. Today's blog gives a few suggestions for building this kind of fluency.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/03/18/cultivate-fluency-beyond-words-and-grammar-part-3/
Have you ever tried to communicate in another language only to find that the listener has no idea what your saying? Too often we add our culture into spoken language and much is lost in translation.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/03/15/lost-in-translation-beyond-words-and-grammar-part-2/
I'm doing right but it's wrong. I remember feeling like this when I lived and worked overseas. Because I was acting like a Canadian in a culture that wasn't and this led to trouble. Today's blog shares some strategies used to help navigate stormy waters.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/03/05/teaching-cross-culturally-conflict-resolution/
Differences. They're bound to smack us in the face when we live and work cross-culturally. I find them exciting but equally confusing and sometimes terrifying because 'I don't know what to do'. Thankfully there is a method of categorizing that helps.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/03/03/teaching-cross-culturally-celebrate-otherness/
I've lived and worked cross-culturally for over 20 years and there are many times I find myself confused. What do we do in these situations? How do we communicate effectively that creates resolution and peaceful understanding? Let's find out!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/03/01/teaching-cross-culturally-creating-understanding/
Reviewing notes is perhaps a challenges. Do we listen to the lecture again? Or do we just tell the students the answer? Today I'll talk about a method that has yet to fail!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/26/teaching-lectures-part-3-after-the-lecture/
Listening can be a fun class to teach! And find the right approach might take a few tries to get there. Today I'll share some methods I used that make a Listening class engaging.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/24/teaching-lectures-part-2-the-lecture/
Listening teachers can face challenges finding engaging lectures that students enjoy. Sometimes, however, it's all about how we introduce the topic that makes all the difference! Join me as I share some useful strategies!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/22/teaching-lectures-part-1-introducing-the-lecture/
We all like presents: receiving them or giving them. There's something fun about it that puts a smile on our faces. Today, I want to look at a gift we can all give ourselves! And a gift we can give our students!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/19/open-the-box-mindful-presents/
Returning assignments and tests, especially when students do poorly, can be a tense moment in the class. However, with some metacognitive, mindful and reflective strategies these moments can be quickly turned into student success!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/17/mind-heart-connections-bridging-gaps-between-thinking-and-feeling/
Sometimes I go to class. I don't want to be there and neither do my students. It's normal since we all have off days, but we can also do a lot to improve our mental and emotional state. And it only takes a minute! Let's find out how.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/15/sweet-or-sour-how-mindfulness-helps/
Over decades of teaching, I've learned to create a mentally and emotionally healthy and safe classroom environment. It started when I didn't feel safe in the classroom because I was giving too much of myself away. I need to draw some lines.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/12/self-care/
I love being an instructor and working with my students, but after 20+ years, I've faced my share of boredom in the classroom. And I've learned some useful methods that help. Join me today as I look at a few.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/08/feeling-mundane/
Have you tried to learn another language by memorizing vocabulary and mastering grammar? Or has this been your approach to teaching? Take a few moments to listen. Language learning is so much more.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/03/13/language-learning-beyond-words-grammar-part-1/
I love using board games in the classroom. I can take a list of review questions, put them on a nice Word document and the keen students will work on it. I can take those same questions, add a board game and voila! everyone's engaged.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/05/board-games-for-the-classroom-part-3/
Students of all ages love games. At least this has been my experience as a teacher. This week, we're looking at the game options out there and today's podcast is about downloadable quiz templates based off of popular games!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/03/power-point-games-for-the-classroom-part-2/
"Creating a stimulating classroom environment is challenging" -said every hard working teacher. Ever!
But finding the right tools helps.
In today's podcast, we'll be exploring online game apps that learners love.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/01/game-apps-for-the-classroom-part-1/
In part 1, I gave some tips for getting started with videos in the classroom. Part 2's podcast looked at effective strategies for finding videos! And today's podcast will wrap up this series with incorporating the videos in one's lesson plan!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/30/teaching-with-videos-part-3/
In my last blog, I gave some tips for getting started with videos in the classroom. Today's blog will look at how to shorten the search with effective strategies for finding your treasure trove of videos!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/27/teaching-with-videos-part-2/
As teachers, we love the classroom and we're always looking for ways to engage our students and keep our lessons fresh. A number of years ago I started experimenting with videos and have experienced success. Here's some tips that might work for you.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/25/teaching-with-videos-part-1/
Do you sometimes face difficulties with getting a group of diverse individuals to work together? Here's some creative solutions that have worked in my classroom.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/21/working-together/
What is your mind full of? Is it busy with life? Or is it focused on the moment. A touch of mindfulness with a few deep breaths will help us live in the present and engage better in class.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/19/introducing-mindfulness/
Do you find teaching some of the mechanics of notetaking challenging? In today's podcast, listen to a creative solution students enjoy!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/18/on-notetaking-signal-words/
Feeling a little... blah? We all do, but it's not time for a dramatic life changes. Usually a slight internal shift is all we need to get back on track.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/16/what-about-you/
Getting to know our new students from the comfort of our homes! What's a creative method you use?
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/14/whats-in-your-room/
Stop and think! What keeps you from being more successful. Taking a moment to have students engage in this reflective process will help them define their goals and make healthy adjustments to their lives.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/13/starting-off-right/
Sometimes the easiest way to get to know a new batch of students is to ask a few simple questions.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/12/just-start-with-a-question/
Instead of adding to our already full to-do lists, stop and think about how you want to be and show up as you face life today.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/03/a-mindful-moment-intention-setting-for-well-being/
Instead of reflecting on what went wrong, take a moment and remember the good!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/01/01/happy-new-year/
Helping others means taking time for you. We've heard the expression, 'you can't pour from an empty cup' and as teachers, we can't help others when we've nothing to give. Self-care is an important practice in serving others.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2020/12/24/a-little-self-care/
Life is busy and demands on our schedules are pretty heavy. I have to be intentional about taking care of myself, which has been an ongoing learning process. Join me today as I discuss some of the methods I've used to help in this journey
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://theenglishteachersdiaries.wordpress.com/2021/02/10/time-for-you/