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Your Career• 3 Min read

6th September 2020

Creative Homework Ideas

How can you create homework assignments that build on the day’s lessons and encourage creative, student-led learning? It’s a challenge for most teachers, especially as motivating pupils to complete homework can add a whole extra layer to your lesson plans. But it’s essential to bridge the gap between teacher and student learning – the skills gained through independent study reinforces knowledge from your class, as well as a host of other benefits:

Extended learning time – outside of the constraints of the school day, students are free to learn at their own pace and in their own environment.
Independent learning – vital skills for exam preparation and higher education
Teaches students to be resourceful and to overcome challenges independently.
Gives students the freedom to be creative in their learning, gain valuable problem-solving skills and confidence in their own abilities.

Tips For Setting Creative Homework

Plan independent learning both in and out of the classroom – you can monitor students effectiveness and address issues that may arise in the classroom before they become problematic for pupils at home.
Don’t leave homework assignment to the end of the lesson, rushing through the task might leave some students confused which inevitably leads to a lower homework completion rate. Write plenty of time for explaining homework assignments into your lesson planning – read our Beginner’s Guide To Lesson Planning here
Homework should to not too easy nor not too hard, offering pupils a challenge that reinforced the topics learnt during the day
Give room for creative expression – allowing students to add their own diagrams, decorations or chose their own project topics from a selection.
Try using peer or self-assessment to mark homework – a double whammy of reducing your workload and allowing pupils to take control of their own learning.
Include timings and explicit steps for completing more complicated assignments, especially for pupils that you anticipate might struggle. Comprehension of the task is the biggest hurdle in getting pupils to work on an independent basis.
Self-driven projects, posters, creative tasks and research are more exciting than standard comprehension tasks and might encourage pupils that find sitting and writing dull or hard to complete the homework set – give students the freedom to learn and be creative in their home study.
Provide specific instructions and internet safety reminders for research-led assignments. It’s very easy for children to find research overwhelming with a vast amount of information available online. Provide suggested websites and links in your homework to keep things on track!
Don’t introduce a new topic for homework – keep it to topics that you’ve already covered in class
Taking note of the subjects that excite and engage your class and set homework accordingly – try keeping dryer topics and for the classroom so that you can monitor engagement
Mark work promptly – essential to keep students motivated to complete work in their own time!
Offering students the opportunity to select the homework that they would like to do from a selection guarantees a higher rate of completion. We’ve seen some teachers create grids or sheets of homework assignments for the pupils to select, or offer baskets of activities for younger children to take home and complete with an adult.

Creative Homework Ideas For All Ages

Coming up with innovative ways for students to reinforce their knowledge at home can be difficult – many of these ideas would be suitable for lots of subjects with a little tweaking!

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Articles / Homework

Smart Homework: 13 Ways to Make It Meaningful

by MiddleWeb · Published 08/04/2014 · Updated 11/17/2019

In the first installment of Rick Wormeli’s homework advice, he made the case for take-home assignments that matter for learning and engage student interest . In Part 2, Rick offers some guiding principles that can help teachers create homework challenges that motivate kids and spark deeper learning in and out of school.

These articles are adapted and updated from Rick’s seminal book about teaching in the middle grades, Day One & Beyond: Practical Matters for New Middle Level Teachers . Rick continues to offer great advice about homework, differentiation, assessment and many other topics in workshops and presentations across North America. Check back in Part 1 for some additional homework resources.

I’ve been accumulating guiding principles for creating highly motivating homework assignments for many years — from my own teaching and from the distilled wisdom of others. Here are a baker’s dozen. Choose the ones most appropriate for students’ learning goals and your curriculum.

1. Give students a clear picture of the final product. This doesn’t mean everything is structured for them, or that there aren’t multiple pathways to the same high quality result. There’s room for student personalities to be expressed. Students clearly know what is expected, however. A clear picture sets purpose for doing the assignment. Priming the brain to focus on particular aspects of the learning experience helps the brain process the information for long-term retention. Setting purpose for homework assignments has an impact on learning and the assignment’s completion rate, as research by Marzano and others confirms.

2. Incorporate a cause into the assignment. Middle level students are motivated when they feel they are righting a wrong. They are very sensitive to justice and injustice. As a group, they are also very nurturing of those less fortunate than them. Find a community or personal cause for which students can fight fairly and incorporate your content and skills in that good fight— students will be all over the assignment.

4. Incorporate people whom students admire in their assignments. Students are motivated when asked to share what they know and feel about these folks. We are a society of heroes, and young adolescents are interested in talking about and becoming heroic figures.

5. Allow choices, as appropriate. Allow students to do the even-numbered or odd-numbered problems, or allow them to choose from three prompts, not just one. Let them choose the word that best describes the political or scientific process. Let them identify their own diet and its effects on young adolescent bodies. Let them choose to work with partners or individually. How about allowing them to choose from several multiple-intelligence based tasks? If they are working in ways that are comfortable, they are more likely to do the work. By making the choice, they have upped their ownership of the task.

6. Incorporate cultural products into the assignment. If students have to use magazines, television shows, foods, sports equipment, and other products they already use, they are likely to do the work. The brain loves to do tasks in contexts with which it is familiar.

7. Allow students to collaborate in determining how homework will be assessed. If they help design the criteria for success, such as when they create the rubric for an assignment, they “own” the assignment. It comes off as something done by them, not to them. They also internalize the expectations—another way for them to have clear targets.

With some assignments we can post well-done versions from previous years (or ones we’ve created for this purpose) and ask students to analyze the essential characteristics that make these assignments exemplary. Students who analyze such assignments will compare those works with their own and internalize the criteria for success, referencing the criteria while doing the assignment, not just when it’s finished.

9. Spruce up your prompts. Don’t ask students to repeatedly answer questions or summarize. Try some of these openers instead: Decide between, argue against, Why did ______ argue for, compare, contrast, plan, classify, retell ______ from the point of view of ______, Organize, build, interview, predict, categorize, simplify, deduce, formulate, blend, suppose, invent, imagine, devise, compose, combine, rank, recommend, defend, choose.

10. Have everyone turn in a paper. In her classic, Homework: A New Direction (1992), Neila Connors reminded teachers to have all students turn in a paper, regardless of whether they did the assignment. If a student doesn’t have his homework, he writes on the paper the name of the assignment and why he didn’t do it.

11. Do not give homework passes. I used to do this; then I realized how much it minimized the importance of homework. It’s like saying, “Oh, well, the homework really wasn’t that important to your learning. You’ll learn just as well without it.” Homework should be so productive for students that missing it is like missing the lesson itself.

12. Integrate homework with other subjects. One assignment can count in two classes. Such assignments are usually complex enough to warrant the dual grade and it’s a way to work smarter, not harder, for both students and teachers. Teachers can split the pile of papers to grade, then share the grades with each other, and students don’t have homework piling up in multiple classes.

There are times when every teacher on the team assigns a half-hour assignment, and so do the elective or encore class teachers. This could mean three to four hours of homework for the student, which is inappropriate for young adolescents.

13. Occasionally, let students identify what homework would be most effective. Sometimes the really creative assignments are the ones that students design themselves. After teaching a lesson, ask your students what it would take to practice the material so well it became clearly understood. Many of the choices will be rigorous and very appropriate.

This is one reason I always recommend that, as a basic premise, we avoid Monday morning quizzes and weekend or holiday homework assignments. Sure, there will be exceptions when long-term projects come due. But if we are really about teaching so that students learn and not about appearing rigorous and assigning tasks to show that we have taught, then we’ll carefully consider all the effects of our homework expectations. Our students will be more productive at school for having healthier lives at home.

▶ More resources from Rick Wormeli:

Although Rick never mentions the word homework in this article about helping adolescent students improve their “executive function,” you will immediately see the connections! At the AMLE website .

NEXT: In our final excerpt from Day One & Beyond, Rick Wormeli shares his approach to homework assessment – with an clear emphasis on maintaining teacher sanity.

His books include Meet Me in the Middle ; Day One and Beyond ; Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Assessment and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom ; Differentiation: From Planning to Practice; Metaphors & Analogies: Power Tools for Teaching Any Subject, and Summarization in Any Subject , plus The Collected Writings (So Far) of Rick Wormeli: Crazy Good Stuff I Learned about Teaching Along the Way .

He is currently working on his first young adult fiction novel and a new book on homework practices in the 21 st century.

4 Responses

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This is a really great article. It has helped me tremendously in making new and better decisions about homework.

Fabulous sage advice! Although I love every single suggestion you’ve included, I am particularly fond of the elimination of the “homework pass”. As a former middle-level teacher and administrator, I too found the homework pass diminished the importance of follow-up work – a necessary component in determining the level of student understanding.

I do give 2 passes, but they just extend due date by a day. And if not used, they may be returned at the end of the 9 weeks for extra credit.

Rick Wormeli’s ideas and tips in this article continue to be stimulating and useful. That said, it’s been more than a decade since the first edition of his book on grading, homework and assessment, Fair Isn’t Always Equal appeared.

In the intervening years, Rick’s thinking about homework has benefited from his work with teachers and in schools and plenty of debate. In April 2018, he published a new 2nd edition of Fair Isn’t Always Equal that includes an even deeper discussion of homework and its relationship to best practice, differentiation, and the moral obligation of educators to insist on effective homework policies.

Visitors to the Stenhouse page for the new book can preview the *entire* text for free, so be sure to check that out.

Here’s a brief excerpt from the new book:

Tenet: Homework should enable students to practice what they have already learned in class and should not present new content for the first time. Principled Responses:

• I will not assign homework to students who do not understand the content. • I will give homework to some students and no homework or different assignments to others, depending on their proficiency. • I will use exit slips and formative assessment during class so I can determine proper after-school practice for each student. • I will not give homework because parents and administrators expect me to do so, or assign homework because it’s a particular day of the week. • I will assign homework only if it furthers students’ proficiency in the field we’re studying.

Thanks to Rick for giving us permission to share this!

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BookWidgets Teacher Blog

20+ creative alternative homework ideas for teachers

When giving homework, it must always be based on learning goals your students have to reach, just like in your lessons. But it’s sad to see that lots of teachers are using homework as extra lesson time. Of course, as a teacher, you’re on a clock. But that doesn’t mean your students have to suffer from it and keep working on those boring textbooks and worksheets at home.

Consider goals like attitudes, real-life experiences, and practice, physical exercise, social encounters, creative solutions, and philanthropy as crucial as your lesson goals. These are things students don’t just pick up in your classroom. These are things they pick up in life.

In this blog post, I’ll give you some innovative homework ideas that will engage your students more. These alternatives to traditional homework will thereby also teach your students new things that can’t be taught in the classroom. You will find a variety of homework ideas: online and offline.

I will mention homework alternatives for primary school and high school. Some of these ideas can be changed a little bit, so they are the perfect fit for the right audience.

20 Creative homework ideas

You can divide homework tasks into the following themes or categories:

Crafts & arts
Outdoor activities & outings
Games and activities
Physical activities
Digital or computer activities
Philanthropy & social work

💡 Good to know : all the ready-to-use homework activities are created with BookWidgets . You can easily create activities like these yourself or duplicate an activity below for free, edit it if needed, and share it with your students. You can do so in the examples separately, or you can find all the homework examples in the BookWidgets Blog group folder .

Crafts and arts homework

1. prepare a dish from a recipe book.

2. Make a board game

3. Create a birdhouse

4. Transform a fictional book character into a hand puppet

Outdoor homework activities and outings

5. coupon game.

Students can also go grocery shopping with their parents. Here, they have to read the ingredients of the products and help their parents choose the healthiest products for the best prices, figure out the best deal between the sizes of items, …

6. Visit the zoo

7. Visit the local dumping ground or container park

8. Build a tree house

Games and activities as homework

9. bookwidgets games.

10. Minecraft

11. Play Cards

12. Play Zoo Tycoon or Rollercoaster Tycoon

Physical homework activities

13. rope skipping.

Many rope-skipping songs let your students do different tricks while rope-skipping. This is an excellent opportunity for homework as well. Ask your students to transform a rope skipping song into a song with lesson content. Let them count or spell or even sum up the different states or capitals. To engage their lifestyles even harder, you can additionally give them the assignment to create a TikTok in which they are jumping and singing.

Click here to see how you can get Tiktok more involved in the classroom.

14. Walking quest

If there aren’t any walking quests in the neighborhood, you could ask your students to create a walking quest like this for their fellow students. What a fun day it will be!

15. Obstacle Quiz

In order for students to answer the questions, they have to run and pass a challenging parkour. This is a fun homework exercise, and in the end, it’s a great lesson starter or lesson end.

16. Swimming games

After the activity, they can fill out an Exit Slip:

Digital or computer homework activities

17. create a picture album.

This teaches them to handle the online software, add pictures and write without spelling mistakes. And of course, creating memories is so much fun!

18. Video job application

19. Your life in 10 minutes - video

20. Email pen-pals

Is it still too complicated? Read the messages from your students, before they send them, and provide them with some feedback.

Philanthropy and social homework

21. grow a community garden.

22. Help in a retirement home

23. Help at a homeless shelter

24. Collect litter

Here’s another homework tip: Don’t call homework “homework”. Call it a challenge. Homework has become a negative word for students, and I bet they start rolling their eyes as you even mention the word.

Still looking for more inspiration? Check out the blog on short films and lesson activities that spice up your Google Classroom . Tip: even if you don’t use Google Classroom, there is a lot of inspiration back here.

Above you have read single assignments. But, you also have the option to involve your homework in a project. Find out more here .

So, as I mentioned earlier, there are many fun alternatives to traditional homework. Now it’s up to you to apply this in the classroom as well. In this folder , you will find all the examples you have come across.

Which idea do you or perhaps your students like the most? Let us know on Twitter . Of course, there are many more alternatives. If you have other ideas, you are always welcome to share it with other teachers in our Facebook group .

One more thing: don’t forget to say hi👋 on LikedIn .

Join hundreds of thousands of subscribers, and get the best content on technology in education.

BookWidgets enables teachers to create fun and interactive lessons for tablets, smartphones, and computers.

Creative Homework Ideas For Your Students

Setting appropriate homework tasks is a big part of your teaching role. Setting homework is an opportunity to ensure that your students have absorbed the lesson and can apply what they've learnt to individual study. Homework allows students to reflect on your teachings and broaden their understanding of a particular subject or topic.

However, motivating your class to view homework this way might be something of a challenge! Most young people find settling down to complete homework outside of school hours challenging. If the task feels overwhelming or difficult or seems monotonous, they might just go through the motions of getting it done rather than giving it their full energy and attention and completing it the best they can.

So how can you ensure students' love of learning continues outside the classroom and that they not only give their all to completing homework but actually enjoy it too?

By getting creative with the work you set and thinking about how you can engage and motivate students to complete their homework, you will undoubtedly see better results.

Here are some excellent homework ideas to help encourage creative, student-led learning.

Exciting, engaging homework ideas to keep your students paying attention

Write their own lesson plan.

If you want to give your students a chance to step into your shoes for the day, why don't you ask them to create their own lesson plan around a topic they've learnt about or are about to learn? This will give them a chance to showcase their knowledge, do research and think creatively. You'll also learn more about how your students like to work and what would make a good lesson from their perspective, which could help inform how you shape your lessons in the future.

Write a speech or story from a different perspective

If your students are learning about a famous historical figure or studying a classic text, why not get them to think about different perspectives? You could ask them to embody someone influential from a particular period or a character from a play or story and write a speech or story from that person's point of view.

Create a board game

Gamification is always a fun idea to try to inject energy into the classroom, and getting your students to create their very own board game is a fantastic way to keep things fun while also getting them engaged in their learning. Games could centre around a particular topic; they could be quiz-based, matching games, or number games - let them get as creative as they like. You can then have fun in class playing the best ones too.

Go on a treasure hunt

As a fun homework task that will get your students out and about, ask them to go on a treasure or scavenger hunt, finding certain things that are related to your topic. For younger children, this could be as simple as collecting leaves, flowers, or twigs they might find in their local park, or particular shapes or colours, but older children can benefit from this kind of task too by setting more complicated challenges.

Create a collage

Creating collages can be a fun and interesting way for students to demonstrate their learning, improve their research skills and use their creativity and imagination and can be based on a variety of different topics so they work well across lots of subjects. Encourage them to stick cutouts, fabrics, tickets, photographs, and any other relevant materials to make up their collages, and then they can take turns presenting these in class.

Film a video

If your students are older and have mobile phones, you could set a video-making task for them to do at home. This could involve interviewing friends and relatives about a topic or filming themselves talking about a specific subject, or answering a particular question. Students could share their videos in class and will love being able to use their phones in school for once!

Create a crossword

Get your students to think creatively about questions and answers by asking them to create their very own crossword puzzle, using the material you've taught them in class as a basis. You can ask them to bring all their crossword puzzles into class and then swap them with each other to see if other students can fit the answers in correctly.

Find fun facts

Almost every subject has weird and wonderful facts surrounding it. Did you know, for example, that the word 'hundred' derives from an old Norse term 'hundrath,' which actually means 120?! Or that water can both boil and freeze simultaneously? Encourage your students to find the most obscure or interesting facts about the subjects you are teaching them, and then you can all share your findings in class.

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- See more at: https://www.horizonteachers.com/blog/2023/01/creative-homework-ideas-for-your-students/279#sthash.x9SGIBTc.dpuf

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13 Entertaining ESL Homework Ideas to Keep Your Students Engaged

Homework may not be many students’ favorite thing, but research says it’s truly an effective learning tool that teachers should use .

The trick is assigning great homework.

To help you do this with ease, we’ve compiled an awesome list of 13 homework assignments that will have your ESL students begging for more.

1. Read a Short Story

2. share a passion, 3. start a chat group, 4. listen to a podcast, 5. write a letter, 6. write an amazon review, 7. do a wikipedia edit, 8. write a short story or poem, 9. share their culture, 10. catch a movie, 11. meet new people, 12. analyze a song, 13. go on a photo scavenger hunt, what makes homework effective.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Have students read a short story for homework and then ask them to tell the class about the story in the next session.

I would recommend giving students some suggestions on what short stories to read, depending on the level of your students.

Here are some suggestions of short story collections for each level of ESL learner:

“The Very First Americans” by Cara Ashrose: This collection of short stories features Native American culture and history, written in simple language.
“Oxford Bookworms Library: Starter Level” This series offers simplified versions of classic stories, such as fairy tales, adventure stories and more.
“Classic Tales for ESL Students” by L.A. Hill: This collection of classic stories from literature is retold with easier vocabulary and sentence structure.

Intermediate

“The Best American Short Stories” This series features contemporary short stories from a wide range of American writers, so there’s something for everyone here.
“Short Stories in English for Intermediate Learners” by Olly Richards: This collection of engaging stories is designed specifically for intermediate ESL students.
“Roald Dahl: The Collected Short Stories” This delightful collection of quirky and imaginative tales has become a favorite of many of my students.
“Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri: This Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of short stories explores the immigrant experience, something which many ESL students can relate to.
“Dubliners” by James Joyce: This classic collection of interconnected stories captures the essence of Dublin in 1914. But it still feels modern to many students.
“Nine Stories” by J.D. Salinger: This classic collection of short stories is a class favorite when I’ve used it.

What do your students really care about? Give them a chance to talk about it in front of the class.

Have each person choose something they’re passionate about, something they might consider themselves an expert on.

Challenge students to think of a creative way to present five must-know facts about that subject. They might make a movie, create a poster or brochure, write a song or even put on a skit.

Have each person present their creative project to the class, and then give the class five minutes to ask questions of the presenter.

Set certain parameters like students must speak in complete sentences or require that every student ask at least two questions at some point during the presentations.

Students will love sharing about their passions, and they’ll get some great speaking, listening and discourse information in the process, as well as teach the rest of the class some interesting vocabulary.

Ask for class for a volunteer to start a class WhatsApp chat group. They can also decide to use another messaging app like Telegram, Viber, Voxer or any other app that has a group chat function.

Encourage them to send at least one message and to respond to a couple others for their homework.

This text group has the added advantage of students being able to make friends with one another, and a place to ask about missed homework assignments on days when they can’t make it to class.

Note that if a student doesn’t want to be included in the chat group, you should have a back up assignment prepared for them.

Listening is one of the ESL student’s most difficult skills to acquire, so listening to a short podcast episode is ideal homework.

You can ask students to write a little about the podcast to turn in to you, or you can ask them to briefly summarize what they heard for the class in the next session.

Here are some suggestions for well done podcasts:

The English We Speak : Produced by the BBC, this podcast focuses on teaching commonly used phrases and idioms in conversational English.

The Moth : A storytelling podcast where real people share their personal experiences and anecdotes in English.

Stuff You Should Know : Though not specifically designed for ESL students, this podcast covers a vast array of interesting topics, providing exposure to diverse vocabulary and subject matters.

Ask your students to write a letter . The letter can be written to a friend or family member (which they could then actually mail or email), or it could be a fan letter to a favorite musician or actor. They could even write a letter to Santa Claus or a historical figure.

For example, a student might choose to write a letter to Marie Antoinette, asking her what it was like to be the queen of France at such a young age.

You can also choose to have students write letters to one another. Then the next homework can be writing that letter writer back.

Ask you students to review a product on Amazon (or any other shopping website that has reviews). Ask them to select a product they have really used, so they have a genuine opinion on the quality of the product and whether it lived up to their expectations.

Then, in the next session, show the reviews on the overhead projector to the class and ask a student to read the review.

You can then go over any errors in vocabulary, grammar or sentence structure and revise the review together as a class.

Since anyone can edit a Wikipedia article, it’s a great place for ESL students to hone their writing and editing skills, and they’ll have a built-in readership, too!

Ask students to select a person that they know a lot about—a well-known figure from history, pop culture, music or film would all work. Then ask them to read the Wikipedia entry to see if they can add anything else to the article.

Perhaps the article on Ryan Gosling is missing a key detail about his recent Ken performance. If so, the student will revise and edit the article. They should take notes on what they changed, so they can explain it to you or the class the next day.

Ask your students to get creative. Have them write a short story or a poem . This can get them to use descriptive language that they don’t always have a chance to use.

One good activity to do before you assign this homework is an adjective bubble chart. For this, you start with one adjective. For example, write “moist” on the board, circle it and then draw 4-5 lines coming off of the”moist” bubble.

Ask your students to come up with other adjectives that are related to “moist” and so on. They may come up with “wet,” “watery,” “soaked” or “damp.” Then draw lines from each of those. This can lead to words that you never expected to come up.

Have your students select 3-4 adjectives from this introduction activity that they’ll use in their story or poem.

Ask your students to prepare a short presentation on an aspect of their home culture to tell the class about in the next session.

For example, a student from China may explain the Lunar New Year, a student from Vietnam may explain Tet or a student from El Salvador may tell the class about their quinceañera .

They can use photos, art, a PowerPoint presentation or they can just explain in their own words.

Then open the class up for questions.

Can you legitimately send students to the movies for homework? You can when you’re teaching ESL.

Your students don’t have to commit to a full-length movie. Instead, you can use the videos on FluentU to screen mini-lessons using clips from TV shows and movies, movie trailers, news segments, vlogs or music videos.

Use these videos in the classroom or assign homework to watch a few and complete the subsequent quizzes. You can also ask students to complete flashcard quizzes based on vocabulary words you want them to pay special attention to. These quizzes are adaptable so every student will have a unique experience catered to his learning level.

There are plenty of ways to use a movie for language development. And whether students watch a new release or catch an old Elvis flick on TV, they can do any of the following activities as homework:

Summarize the plot.
Describe a main character.
Note new or interesting vocabulary (particularly slang) they hear while watching.
Write an interview with one of the characters in the movie.

I’m sure you also have your favorite movie-related language activities and many work as homework assignments. So get creative with how you have students share about what they watched.

For the most part, people are willing to help someone in need, and that is doubly true for someone who needs to complete an assignment for school.

That’s why sending students out to interview native speakers on campus is such a fun homework assignment.

Start by helping your students write a list of questions they’ll use for their interviews. Students can choose a topic or you can assign one, like leisure activities or celebrity news.

Tell students to list five to ten questions they might ask on that topic that will elicit specific answers.

As a class, discuss how students might introduce themselves to a potential interviewee.

Then send students out to their interviews after class. They can share the answers they got in the next session.

Music is great for English learners since it stresses many aspects of language that can otherwise be hard to isolate, like the emotion of language, intonation and stress.

Have students choose their favorite English language song to listen to for homework and then ask them to do the following:

Practice the lyrics to learn intonation and rhythm.
Note slang and cultural references in the songs.
Summarize the theme of the song, or just what it’s about.
Have students share their favorite lyrics and what a particular song means to them.

Give individual students or groups of up to three students a list of items to find on their homework scavenger hunt. But instead of being specific in your list (for example, including items such as cat), be descriptive in your list.

You might include items such as something frightening, something beautiful, something quiet, something cool.

Students find items they think fit the description. For example, someone who is claustrophobic might choose an elevator for something frightening. They then take a picture of it.

The next day, have each person get with a partner and show them the pictures they took for each item on the list.

If the connection is not obvious, students should ask their partner to explain why they chose a particular item, such as the elevator.

Assigning homework that works isn’t as hard as you might think, especially if you focus on the following points.

Put your homework in writing. It can be tempting to just announce homework assignments to students at the end of class, but language learners benefit when you reinforce what you say with what they can see. So take a minute to write any homework assignment on the board so students can read it as well as listen to it.
Let students know what goals you have for a particular assignment. Is it practicing a certain grammar point ? Improving their listening skills ? Pronunciation practice ? When students know why they’re doing something, they’ll be able to tell on their own when they’ve successfully completed their homework assignment.
Keep your homework practical . Your students may not find themselves planning out a menu for Thanksgiving when they leave your ESL classroom, but odds are they’ll have to order food at a restaurant at some point. Think about realistic ways students will have to use English in the real world and try to make your homework practical.
Let your students be creative . Give your students choices on how they express themselves or present information. It’s okay for students to make a home movie, put on a one-man play or paint a picture to present to the class. Just because you prefer a particular type of creative expression doesn’t mean your students do, so give them choices and let them express themselves.
Make homework fun! Every class has its own personality, so what’s fun for one might not be fun for another. Tailor your assignments to the personality of your class. Think about what they would think is fun, and go with that.

No matter what you believed in your student days, homework doesn’t have to be boring. With a little creativity when assigning homework, you might find that the activities you assign for outside of class become the highlights of your students’ days.

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Creative Homework Ideas for Teachers that Make Online Learning More Engaging

July 2, 2022

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Online education is a beautiful way to learn, but sometimes you run into those moments when kids are bored and not in the mood for the lesson — or worse, they claim not to understand it. This post features creative homework ideas that help teachers avoid these sticky situations and make online learning more engaging. Instead of one boring worksheet, why not create a little project? Kids are more excited about learning when they feel they have a say in the process. These homework ideas for teachers focus on giving your student’s leadership roles .

There are several ways to get help with homework, including online resources and hiring a tutor. However, some students prefer to take a more independent approach and figure out their homework independently. There are a few things to keep in mind when doing this, such as focusing and staying organized. Additionally, several online resources can be helpful, such as online education courses and websites with homework ideas.

9 Creative Homework Ideas for Teachers

1. homework for teachers: think about it.

The most boring homework idea is still the most effective one. Boring but effective. Children get to think about a problem and devise their solution for this homework. They may choose to work alone, or they may work in groups of two or three. Explanations are left out until the end, so kids don’t feel rushed or pressured to come up with a solution.

2. Create a Character

This type of worksheet is simple enough that any kid can complete it on their own and do it effectively enough to make the whole class feel involved in learning. In addition, kids get to create a character for a story and give that character a name and face. This opens a conversation about how online homework doesn’t always have to be stuffy and dull — you can have fun with it!

3. Homework for Teachers: Research Your Topic

These homework ideas will help kids remember the information you teach them throughout the course. Take your topic, or a major aspect of it, and ask your students to do some research to understand it better. Whether they do this research on the Internet or in books, depending on their age, they’ll have ample opportunities to discuss it with one another as they learn more about your topic.

4. Homework for Teachers: Create a Story About Your Topic

This is one of the most fun types of homework because it allows kids to practice their writing skills and research, problem-solving, and creative thinking abilities . They’ll have to review the topic you taught them, draw inspiration from your lesson , and synthesize all these ideas into something new. In this way they’ll not only be doing an informative project, but they’ll also be able to use their creativity in the process — which makes learning much more fun!

5. Do a Puzzle

This is another fun project for kids because it combines all of the skills they learned throughout the course. For example, the kids can do a puzzle that works or come up with their idea for a mystery and then try to figure out how to make or create it. This type of exercise helps them learn how to think flexibly and gives them lots of practice in reading and following directions.

6. Homework ideas for Teachers: Create a Recipe

This type of homework helps kids practice the skills you taught them. For example, if you teach them how to make a recipe, they’ll need to write out the steps to learn how they should go through it. They can either work alone or with their friends, but doing this independently will help them understand more what they’re learning — and applying — in class right now.

7. Homework ideas for Teachers: Create a Storyboard About Your Topic

This is another excellent way for kids to apply what they learned in class into an interactive project that benefits their education and general learning process . This will help you manage kids’ responsibilities better, and they’ll be able to work with their peers to learn something they won’t just read about in a textbook later.

8. Homework for Teachers: Create a Comic Strip About Your Topic

Kids are more apt to remember something if they can actively participate in the learning process. So for this type of homework, they’ll create a comic strip that relates to your lesson and their own interests. This will help integrate different aspects of art with their interest in the topic and make the learning process fun again. You can also have them classify other comic strips based on various criteria you set for them.

9. Review Your Lesson

After you’ve taught your lesson, have kids go back over it and review what they’ve learned throughout the class. There are several ways you can go about this homework. For example, you can have them read over it once, review, and study it more in-depth, or give them an assignment where they’ll summarize the learning material and carry it out in a different, less structured way.

These homework ideas and tips provide a way to make online education more engaging while helping kids learn. First, to improve our skills and Personalize your homework assignments based on the child’s interests and personality. Then, depending on the age and experience of your students, assign them reading material to complete or projects that have a more interactive nature.

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Creating Engaging Worksheets and Handouts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of creating dull and uninspiring worksheets and handouts for your students? Do you want to captivate their attention and make learning a more enjoyable experience? Look no further!

In this step-by-step guide, we will provide you with valuable tips and advice on creating engaging worksheets and handouts that will leave a lasting impact on your students. Get ready to transform your teaching materials into interactive and exciting resources!

The Power of Engagement: Creating Engaging Worksheets

Creating engaging worksheets is the first step towards promoting active learning in the classroom. Here are some essential tips to help you make your worksheets more captivating:

Incorporate Interactive Elements:

Introduce interactive elements such as puzzles, matching exercises, or fill-in-the-blanks with a twist. This not only adds an element of fun but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Use Visuals to Enhance Understanding:

Visual aids are a powerful tool to engage students and enhance comprehension. Incorporate relevant images, charts, or graphs to convey information effectively. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words!

Provide Real-Life Examples:

Connect the content of your worksheets to real-life situations to make them more relatable. Students are more likely to engage with materials that they can see the practical application of.

Include Varied Question Types:

Keep your worksheets interesting by including a mix of multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, and hands-on activities. This helps cater to different learning styles and keeps students actively involved.

Step-by-Step Guide for Worksheets: From Planning to Execution

Now that you understand the importance of creating engaging worksheets, let's dive into a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Define Learning Objectives:

Clearly define the learning objectives you want to achieve through the worksheet. This will guide your content selection and ensure that the activities align with your desired outcomes.

Step 2: Organize Content and Structure:

Break down the information into logical sections or steps. Use headings and subheadings to guide students through the worksheet and create a sense of structure.

Step 3: Design Clear Instructions:

Write clear and concise instructions for each activity or question. Students should be able to understand

what is expected of them without confusion.

Step 4: Review and Revise:

Before finalizing the worksheet, review it for clarity, accuracy, and alignment with your learning objectives. Revise any confusing or irrelevant content to ensure a seamless learning experience.

Effective Handout Design Tips: Enhancing Visual Appeal

Handouts play a vital role in delivering information effectively. Here are some effective handout design tips to make your materials visually appealing and engaging:

Use a Consistent Layout:

Maintain a consistent layout throughout the handout to provide visual coherence. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break down information and make it easily digestible.

Choose Appropriate Fonts and Colors:

Select fonts that are easy to read and avoid using too many different fonts within a single handout. Use colors strategically to highlight important points or draw attention to key elements.

Utilize White Space:

Don't overcrowd your handouts with excessive text or images. Leave sufficient white space to enhance readability and allow students to focus on the content.

Incorporate Engaging Visuals:

Include relevant visuals such as diagrams, illustrations, or infographics to convey complex concepts or ideas. Visual elements can make your handouts more visually appealing and memorable.

Step-by-Step Guide for Handouts: Designing with Purpose

Creating effective handouts requires careful planning and attention to detail. Let's explore a step-by-step guide to help you design purposeful handouts:

Step 1: Determine Key Information:

Identify the essential information that needs to be conveyed through the handout. Focus on the main points and avoid overwhelming students with excessive details.

Step 2: Choose an Appropriate Format:

Decide on the format that best suits the content and purpose of your handout. It could be a one-page summary, a step-by-step guide, or a visual aid.

Step 3: Organize Content Strategically:

Arrange the information in a logical and sequential manner. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet

points to create a clear hierarchy and

facilitate easy navigation.

Step 4: Proofread and Edit:

Before finalizing the handout, carefully proofread it for any grammatical errors or typos. Ensure that the information is accurate, concise, and effectively conveys the intended message.

Conclusion:

By following these step-by-step guides and implementing effective design tips, you can create engaging worksheets and handouts that will captivate your students' attention and enhance their learning experience.

Remember, the key is to make the materials interactive, visually appealing, and aligned with your learning objectives. So, go ahead and start transforming your teaching resources into exciting tools for student engagement and success!

Incorporate these strategies into your teaching practice, and witness the transformative power of engaging worksheets and handouts in your classroom. Get ready to inspire, motivate, and empower your students on their educational journey!

Classroom Organization

11 ESL Homework Ideas To Engage Your Learners & Simplify Lesson Planning

Are you looking for ESL homework ideas for your classes? If you’re thinking about setting homework you’re onto a good thing. Learning a language requires a lot of exposure and practice. And much of that happens outside of class.

The more students make contact with English outside the classroom, the faster they’ll progress. And if you can connect their homework assignments to what you’re teaching in class, you’ll make lesson planning a lot easier for yourself.

So, without further ado, here are 11 ESL homework ideas for adults that you can use with groups, individuals, in-person or online.

If you want to become a qualified online language teacher and earn a living from home, I recommend checking out CeOLT (Certificate of Online Language Teaching).

Click here to find out more .

How To Make Homework Work For You &Your Students

Many ESL teachers are wary of setting homework because students often don’t do it! You may remember being set useless homework in language classes that you weren't motivated to do, such as learning lists of words for a test.

The problem is, if ESL learners rely too much on you or on coming to lessons, they will make slow progress because so much language learning takes place outside of the classroom.

The trick then is to integrate homework assignments into what happens in class so that it becomes non-negotiable. In the list of ESL homework ideas below, you’ll find tasks that are fun and motivating to do as well as ways to fit them into your class time.

1.Read A Short Story Or Short Book Chapter

Reading is the foundation of the StoryLearning method and makes for the perfect ESL homework idea.

Instead of spending time reading in class, get the students to do it between classes.

They can find a quiet time to read the story or chapter as many times as they like.

In my short story books , they’ll find tools to help them understand the material such as glossaries and comprehension questions.

In class, students can then discuss the chapter or story together. If you’re teaching 1:1, you can ask them to present a summary and show you new words they learned from the chapter. You can then discuss it together.

For more ideas on how to use my short story books for teaching check out my Short Stories teacher’s Guide .

2. Listen To A Short Podcast Episode

Many ESL students struggle with English listening skills so they need as much practice as possible.

If you teach conversation classes then this activity will also mean fewer lesson planning headaches. And you won’t waste any class time on listening.

Tell your student to listen to a short ESL podcast such as the BBC’s 6-Minute English podcast. Ask them to prepare a summary of it to present to you in class. If the episode includes show notes, they can compare their summary with those notes.

You can also adapt this homework activity for groups and ask them to discuss the podcast in pairs in class. This is also a great opportunity to use class time to clarify and new words, or structures that came up in the episode.

If you’re feeling ambitious or your students have a high level, you could plan a whole series of lessons or a semester around a particular podcast such as a true crime or other investigative journalism show.

3. Presentation About A Passion

Not everyone is passionate about learning English and many ESL students come to class because they have to. But even if they’re not interested in English, they must be interested in something, right?

You can harness their hobbies and passions and generate some excitement for the English language by asking them to present a special object to the rest of the class.

This can also work well in a 1:1 online lesson. You can ask your student to prepare a short talk about an object that they hold up to the webcam to show you.

You can use time in class to work on presentation and storytelling skills. You can model this type of presentation by telling them about your own significant object so they know what to aim for.

4. Write A Review

Who doesn’t love sharing their opinion whether it’s about the latest movie they’ve seen or the hot new restaurant they had dinner at?

You can harness this desire and get your student to practice useful language by getting them to write reviews as homework. These could be movie reviews, product reviews, restaurant reviews etc.

In class, you can take a look at the structure of reviews in English plus the language used such as colourful adjectives or phrases for giving opinions.

That way, your students will have a model they can use to write their own reviews at home. Back in class, students can share their reviews with each other and discuss them – would they see this movie, buy this product etc or not based on the review.

You can also give feedback both about the content of the reviews as well as any language points to improve.

5. Get Creative

Creativity requires constraints and there’s no greater one than writing a story in your second, third or fourth language.

You can challenge students to write a short story based on words they’ve learned recently in class or on a particular topic you’ve been discussing. Give them a word count to respect as well.

Again, you can use class time to read stories together and analyse their structure so that they know what to aim for.

After they’ve written a short story at home, they can come back to class to read and discuss each others’ stories.

6. Share Amazing Anecdotes

Telling an interesting anecdote is a real skill in any language, especially in a new one that you're learning. But it's a great way to work on your speaking skills.

You can use your class time to read or listen to anecdotes in English. You could even tell your learners a funny or sad story about yourself. Once they’ve understood what makes a great anecdote, it’s time to create their own one for homework.

At home, learners can write their anecdotes, or even better, can prepare and rehearse them orally, so they’re ready to tell them in class.

During the lesson, you and the other students can react to the anecdotes and ask follow-up questions.

7. Blogs And Blogging

Did you know that blogs are an incredibly rich resource for language learning and teaching? You can use blogs in many ways both inside and outside of the classroom.

As a homework activity you could ask students to read a blog post of their choice and leave a comment for the writer.

If your students prefer watching YouTube videos, they can watch videos and leave comments underneath them.

In both cases, in class time, students can report back on the blog they read, why they chose it and what comment they left and why.

If you and your students are feeling really ambitious, you could start a class blog or they could start writing their own individual blogs about their English learning journeys.

For even more inspiration for your teaching, check out these best ESL bloggers .

8. Start A Podcast

This one is a bit more ambitious, but as well as listening to podcasts, learners can also consider starting their own!

In fact, English learner Daniel Goodson from Switzerland started his podcast, My Fluent Podcast , to develop his speaking skills and gain confidence. He interviews other learners who have similar projects.

Of course, your students don’t have to make the podcast public. It can simply be a project between you and the members of the class. They could interview each other or otherwise upload short episodes on a topic of their choice.

Again, if they do this outside of class as homework you can use time in class to give them feedback on their work. Their episodes can also be a springboard for further discussion as well as a listening comprehension activity for the other students.

9. Class WhatsApp Group

Another way for students to use English outside the classroom thanks to digital tools is to create a class WhatsApp group.

Other chat apps like Telegram or Voxer would work just as well.

In this group, you can ask your students questions or share material for them to discuss.

Their homework in this case could be as simple as sending at least one message per week in the group. For more ideas about using apps check out this post about English teaching apps.

10. Write A Letter

Do you remember writing letters to a pen friend when you were learning languages at school?

Instead of writing letters to someone else, your students can try some creative writing activities that involve writing letters to themselves.

That’s right, you can ask them to write a letter to their younger self with advice or to their future self about goals and dreams. There’s even a website where you can write and schedule a letter to your future self called FutureMe .

This activity is quite a personal one so you’d need to be willing to get vulnerable yourself and share your letter before encouraging your students to talk to each other about the content of their letters.

11. The Student Becomes The Teacher

Here’s an interesting reversal of classroom roles that works well with groups. For homework, you can ask your students to teach the rest of the class some new vocabulary or a spelling or grammar rule.

You won’t expect them to give a whole class on the topic. But they could do a short presentation of the topic in the format they prefer – through song or story or in a more traditional way.

As long as you keep expectations clear, they’ll benefit from peer teaching this way. After all, you can only teach what you’ve understood well yourself.

11 ESL Homework Ideas

So there you have it – 11 engaging ESL homework ideas that your students will actually want to do outside of class!

As you can see, these ESL homework ideas are a million miles away from the types of boring worksheets that you had to fill in for language classes at school.

Thanks to these engaging ideas, you’ll make your lesson planning easier and your students will be excited to do their homework. And they’ll start to become more independent learners who make faster progress.

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Homework for ESL Students – 10 Ideas for Teachers

Meet David De’ Ath , founder, editor, and writer at Wonderful World English. With his extensive background as an English teacher, David provides valuable insights and practical tips on ESL for students and teachers alike.

Learning English as a Second Language (ESL) is an enriching venture and offers students the ability to access global opportunities.

Homework in ESL is crucial, serving as a bridge between classroom theory and practical language use.

It’s essential for reinforcing learned concepts and enhancing general language proficiency.

To make this learning journey both effective and enjoyable, it’s important to craft homework tasks that are engaging and tailored to diverse learning styles.

This approach helps to maintain students’ interest and motivation, which are key to successful language acquisition.

These ESL homework ideas are designed to enhance language learning and engage students both in and out of the classroom: Daily journaling, vocabulary flashcards, reading comprehension, listening to podcasts/songs, video diaries, role-play scenarios, grammar worksheets, online games, book club discussions, and a pen pal program.

I am an experienced ESL teacher, and I can attest first-hand to the importance of self-study, homework, and review.

Our carefully selected ten homework ideas aim to transform routine learning into an exciting adventure.

These activities are more than just assignments; they’re interactive experiences designed to deepen students’ understanding of English.

From creative writing to practical exercises, these tasks are intended to make learning English a dynamic and enjoyable process, paving the way for a richer, more confident use of the language.

Homework Ideas for ESL Students

ESL students need more than just traditional classroom lessons.

Homework is a vital part of their language development and serves as a bridge between acquired knowledge and practical application.

The following homework ideas are designed to captivate students’ interest, deepen their understanding, and enhance their fluency in English in the classroom and real-life situations.

Let’s dive into these creative and effective homework strategies that promise a richer, more interactive language learning experience:

1. Daily Journaling

This is a great idea to engage students by embracing the habit of maintaining a daily journal.

Writing about their daily experiences, emotions, thoughts, or selected topics can sharpen their writing skills while learning to articulate their feelings and ideas in English.

This journaling process serves a dual purpose: it strengthens their grasp of the language and provides a personal space for self-expression.

As they regularly engage with this practice, English becomes an integral part of their daily routine and will facilitate a more natural and fluent use of the language in their everyday lives.

This activity bolsters their linguistic abilities and fosters a deeper connection with English as a medium of personal reflection and expression.

Writing is a huge aspect of mastering a language.

For a guide on how to improve writing skills for yourself or your students, click the link below!

Related Article: How to Sharpen Writing Skills – Full Guide

2. Making Flashcards

Students can develop their vocabulary skills through the classic and effective method of creating flashcards.

This exercise involves students writing down new words and their meanings on individual cards.

They can add illustrations or use words in sentences to make the learning process more engaging and impactful.

This visual and contextual approach helps better retain and understand new vocabulary.

By regularly reviewing these flashcards, students can gradually build a robust vocabulary base, which is essential for fluency in English.

This method will reinforce their word knowledge and encourage active engagement with the language, making vocabulary learning a more interactive and enjoyable experience.

Flashcards are suitable for students of all ages and can be fun.

For some great insights on effectively teaching ESL students vocabulary, the guide below is for you!

Related Article: How to Teach Vocabulary to ESL Students – The Guide

3. Reading Comprehension Exercises

Immerse more advanced students in the world of English reading by assigning short stories or articles complemented by comprehension questions.

This exercise is pivotal in enhancing their reading skills and deepening their understanding of various contexts in English.

Students encounter different writing styles, vocabularies, and themes by engaging with diverse texts, enriching their language experience.

The follow-up questions serve to test their understanding and encourage critical thinking about the content.

This approach bolsters their ability to comprehend English texts and stimulates their analytical skills, making them more adept at interpreting and engaging with the language in its written form.

Such reading exercises are fundamental in helping students gain confidence and proficiency in navigating English literature and media.

4. Podcasts and Songs

Teachers can offer listening exercises in their curriculums by using English podcasts and songs.

This method exposes students to a variety of accents, speaking speeds, and vocabulary in a natural context.

After listening, students can engage in activities like writing summaries or answering questions about what they heard.

These post-listening tasks are crucial for enhancing their comprehension and retention.

This approach is great at improving listening skills while making the learning process more enjoyable and relatable.

By regularly interacting with authentic English content, students develop a better ear for the language and learn to appreciate its rhythm and nuances in different forms of media.

This not only aids in language acquisition but also connects them culturally to the English-speaking world.

Check out the guide below for a list of the BEST English podcasts!

Related Article: Best Podcasts to Learn the English Language in 2024 (Top 10)

5. Video Diaries

This one encourages students to create short video diaries as a regular assignment.

This task provides them with a platform to practice speaking about a variety of topics in English.

Whether they choose to talk about their daily life, share opinions on current events, or discuss their hobbies, these video diaries offer a unique opportunity for students to engage actively with the language.

This activity not only improves their spoken English skills but also significantly boosts their confidence in using the language.

It helps them to overcome any hesitation or fear of speaking by providing a safe, personal space to express themselves.

The process of recording and watching their own videos can also be a powerful tool for self-evaluation and progress tracking.

This innovative approach to language learning empowers students to become more fluent and self-assured English speakers.

6. Role-play in Real-world Scenarios

Ask your students to prepare role-plays that mimic real-world scenarios, such as shopping, ordering food, or making appointments.

This practical approach to learning takes them beyond the confines of traditional classroom exercises and immerses them in everyday situations. T

Through role-playing, students get to practice conversational English in a structured yet dynamic context.

It allows them to apply their language skills in practical situations, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in real-life settings.

This method is particularly effective in familiarizing them with common phrases and vocabulary used in daily interactions.

Additionally, role-playing can be a fun and interactive way to learn, helping to reduce the anxiety often associated with speaking a new language.

By engaging in these simulated experiences, students gain confidence and fluency, which are crucial for their overall language development.

7. Grammar Worksheets

This is a classic form of homework for ESL students, to offer them worksheets that concentrate on specific grammar points, such as verb tenses, sentence structure, or prepositions.

Regular practice with these worksheets is instrumental in solidifying their understanding of English grammar.

This methodical approach allows students to focus on one aspect of grammar at a time, ensuring a thorough grasp of each concept.

Such targeted exercises help correct common mistakes and deepen their comprehension of the language’s structure.

By consistently working through these grammar worksheets, students build a strong grammatical foundation, which is vital for effective English communication.

This foundational knowledge enhances their writing and speaking skills and boosts their confidence in correctly using the language in various contexts.

For some tips on how to teach grammar to ESL students, we’ve put together a guide to help teachers everywhere!

Related Article: How to Teach Grammar to ESL Students – Teacher’s Guide

8. Online Games

Motivate your students to engage with educational language games available online.

These games offer a fun, interactive way to learn and practice English.

Students can improve various language skills through game-based learning, including vocabulary, grammar, reading, and even listening comprehension.

The interactive nature of these games makes the learning process more enjoyable and less intimidating, especially for younger learners or beginners.

As students play, they receive immediate feedback on their performance, which helps reinforce correct usage and understanding.

This approach enhances their language skills and keeps them motivated and engaged in their learning.

Online language games provide a dynamic and enjoyable way to supplement traditional learning methods, making language practice an activity that students can look forward to.

For some ideas of classroom games, both traditional and digital, check out the guide below!

Related Article: Fun Classroom Games to Play – Teacher’s Guide

9. Book Club

Another great idea is to start a book club in your class, where students can read and discuss a common book.

This collaborative activity enhances their reading skills and promotes critical thinking and group discussion skills in English.

Choosing books that are appropriate for their language level, the book club encourages students to dive into stories and themes, expanding their vocabulary and comprehension.

Discussing the book with their peers allows them to share perspectives, articulate their thoughts, and engage in meaningful conversations in English.

This interactive and social approach to learning also builds a sense of community among the students, making English learning a shared and enjoyable experience.

The book club thus becomes a platform for growth, not just in language proficiency but also in cognitive and social skills.

10. Pen Pal Program

The tenth great homework idea for ESL students is to start a pen pal program with English-speaking individuals from different parts of the world.

This initiative provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in regular written communication with native English speakers.

Through exchanging letters or emails, students practice their writing skills in a real-world context, learning to express their thoughts and ideas clearly in English.

This regular interaction not only improves their language proficiency but also offers valuable insights into different cultures and lifestyles, enhancing their cultural understanding and global awareness.

The pen pal program is more than just a language exercise; it’s a bridge that connects students across cultures, promoting international friendships and broadening their perspectives.

This kind of cultural exchange can be a highly rewarding and motivating experience, encouraging students to apply their language skills in meaningful and authentic interactions.

You can reach out to other teachers on platforms like LinkedIn and see if they would be willing to start a pen pal initiative for both them and your students.

The homework ideas presented for ESL students transcend the traditional concept of assignments.

They are designed as interactive learning experiences that not only build language skills but do so in a way that is practical, enjoyable, and highly effective.

Integrating these varied activities into the ESL curriculum allows teachers to cultivate a dynamic and nurturing learning environment.

Such an approach encourages students to actively engage with the English language, not just within the confines of the classroom but in their everyday lives as well.

Promoting this kind of immersive learning experience makes students more likely to develop a lasting proficiency and a genuine appreciation for the language.

These activities, therefore, play a crucial role in shaping confident, competent English speakers who are prepared to navigate the global landscape.

We hope you find value in this article; let us know if you require any assistance.

Have a wonderful day!

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10 entertaining homework ideas for online English Language Learners

Did hearing the words, “do your homework,” when you were a child excite you?

For most of us, the word homework doesn’t conjure up exciting or fun memories.

Homework was likely one of the last things you wanted to do as a student!

However, what if you could make homework fun for students? What if homework was entertaining?

In this article, we share some entertaining homework ideas for English language learners to help them improve their English while having fun!

You might be familiar with lots of ESL games and activities for your students , but assigning the right homework can feel overwhelming.

This is particularly true if you don’t want to burden your students with a tremendous amount of information.

Have you ever thought about combining games with homework?

There are many alternative ways to create memorable lessons, such as incorporating karaoke songs to learn English.

Here are 10 fun and entertaining homework ideas for your ESL students:

Cafe hopper
Tiktok star
Let’s go to the movies
Hello Mr. Teacher
Interview a stranger
Shine like a Karaoke star
Expert on the loose
24 hour challenge
It’s a wrap!
Masterchef in the making

1. Cafe hopper

Most people love checking out cafes and this is an easy homework task to assign to your students.

Have your students visit a variety of cafes as part of their homework.

Then, consider what they could do for homework in a cafe of their choice.

Here are some fun ideas for turning cafe-hopping into homework:

Practice ordering in English off of the menu.
Take a photo of the cafe’s and share the differences and similarities with you in class.
Speak to a stranger in each cafe in English and ask them some interesting questions about their life.
Interview the barista about their favorite kind of coffee or beverage.

This is a stress-free homework idea that your students will love, especially if they are coffee or tea lovers!

2. TikTok star

Tiktok is a fun social media application where you can watch videos and songs from creators. You can also watch creators lip-synching to catchy tunes.

Show some fun examples in your class of some famous TikTok songs being lip-synched to by others and practice doing one together.

For homework, have them choose their favorite song on TikTok.
They can lip-synch to the song and download the song to their camera album without having to actually post it to TikTok.
Have them share their creation with you in the next class!

Depending on the age and location of your student, TikTok might not be an option for them. If you are teaching older students or adults , then it might be easier for them to use social media for this homework assignment rather than young children.

If they are too young to use the app, have them find an online video of their favorite song and ask a parent to record them singing!

3. Let’s go to the movies

Going to the movies doesn’t sound like homework, does it? Well, as you might already be discovering, homework doesn’t have to be conventional!

Find some interesting movies that are playing in your students’ area or ask them to watch a movie of their choice in English.

Tell them that their homework is going to be based on the movie they watch.

Here are some ideas for making going to the movies part of their homework:

Have them write a summary of the movie or their favorite part.
Tell them that they have to give you a movie review in your next class.
Have them act out their favorite part of the movie with a sibling or family member and record it (in English of course!).
Ask them to make a poster advertising the movie with captions, titles and text to accompany any drawings.

If you are struggling to find movies they can go and watch in the cinema, you can always use these ESL movies and TV shows as a resource.

Students can also watch movies from the comforts of their homes.

4. Hello Mr. Teacher!

Students love playing the role of the teacher!

This can work for in-person or online ESL classes.

Tell them that as part of the next classroom activity, the first 5 – 10 minutes will be their time to shine as the teacher!

For homework, ask them to:

Think of one topic that they know a lot about (This could be a sport, musical instrument, game, topic, etc…).
Have them prepare 5 important things that someone needs to know about their topic.
Tell them that in their next class they will be the teacher and share their knowledge! (They can even give you homework!).

Have fun with this homework idea and role-play the student where you ask them questions after they finish.

Your students will love this one!

5. Interview a stranger

This one might need some parent support and guidance if you are teaching children, but having them interview someone is an entertaining homework idea for English language learners.

It encourages their own voice as they come up with ideas.
It helps with writing skills as they write out their questions.
Interviewing encourages conversation and role playing which is a fun way to learn English.

You could have your younger students interview a family member and ask questions related to that family member’s childhood.

Here are some sample questions you could help your students form:

What kind of things did you like to do when you were my age?
What was your favorite thing about school?
What types of sports did you play when you were young?
Tell me about what life was like when you were a child.

Have them choose and write out 5-10 questions and come back to class to report on their findings!

6. Shine like a Karaoke star

Who doesn’t like a bit of karaoke? Imagine….singing your heart out to “I love rock n roll” in the privacy of your own home!

You don’t need to go to a karaoke place to actually sing karaoke songs. There are lots of great karaoke songs available online to learn English with your students.

YouTube is a great place to start, just by searching for your favorite song + “karaoke lyrics” in the search bar.

In class, help your student(s) choose a song and task them with finding the online karaoke lyrics to sing along.

Have them sing this for homework! You could even ask a parent to help them record it if they are comfortable with that.

Here are some fun and popular karaoke songs online to learn English:

“I Will Survive” with Gloria Gaynor
“Livin’ on a Prayer” with Bon Jovi
“Summer Nights” with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John
“Don’t Stop Believin’” with Journey

7. Expert on the loose

There is an expert in all of us, including your students!

In this fun and entertaining homework idea, have your student share their expertise on something!

To add a different dimension to the homework idea, “Hello Mr. Teacher,” task your students to dress up as the expert and make a short speech on their topic of choice.

Here are some examples:

Harry Potter
Michael Jordan (to talk about basketball)
Favorite sports athlete
Insect scientist
Astronaut (if your student knows a lot about space)
Presidential candidate
Pilot (for students who know a lot about countries)

Even if they are not an expert on the topic, part of the homework assignment could be to do some research and learn more about their chosen field.

You could even ask them to dress up and come to class in the role, ready to share their knowledge with you!

8. 24 hour English challenge

This one is self-explanatory and incredibly fun!

Set a challenge for your student to only speak in English for 24 hours.

This means that you might need to get parents involved with the homework assignment, so that they can help out.

The idea is that they have to speak only in English (as much as is possible given their situation) when interacting with family, friends and at school.

Your students might already be immersed in English environments, but, oftentimes, they are speaking their native language at home with family and friends.

Having your students force themselves to only speak in English is challenging and a great way to encourage English outside the classroom.

9. It’s a wrap!

Lots of students love to rap! Rap music is poetic and encourages a lot of ESL language skills that we want to build in our students.

This is an activity that you can model with your students in class and assign it for homework for them to create their own rap.

Again, they can come back to class and rap their new song to you! It might, however, work better with older students who have a good base level of English, to begin with.

Here are some fun homework assignments incorporating rap:

Create their own rap if they are the creative type
Find a well known rap online and practice it to present in class
Assign your students to find a rap online that they sing and record with their friends

10. Masterchef extraordinaire

For the food lovers, creating a homework assignment that includes cooking can be really fun.

Most kids love the idea of cooking, especially if it centers around cooking their favorite food!

When considering this as a homework idea, consider these possible assignments:

Create and write out a recipe for a unique culinary dish.
Make a video about the cooking experience.
Record a tutorial of how to cook something.
Turn it into a competition if you have multiple students.

Plus, this works with physical and online classrooms.

Of course, if you have a physical classroom with multiple students, this could be a really fun in-class experience with some homework assignments to accompany it.

Who doesn’t love a food-related assignment?

If you choose Masterchef extraordinaire, allow your students to share the food they make with the class and encourage lots of conversations in English.

Homework doesn’t have to be boring!

As you can see, homework doesn’t have to be boring!

Most of your ESL students have a lot to do even outside class, and that’s why assigning homework that doesn’t feel like homework is ideal!

This is an opportunity to get creative, creating excitement for your students to learn English.

If you use some of the homework ideas mentioned here, make sure you document the experience and continue to discover new activities that bring laughter and joy to the classroom.

And when you are applying to online teaching jobs , be sure to share how you plan to creatively incorporate class assignments and homework for your students!

Enjoy the process and make learning an enjoyable experience for everyone.

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13 Fun Homework Ideas: The Best Ways To Make Homework Fun For Kids Quickly & Easily

Ellie Williams

Figuring out how to make homework fun can be a tricky task for parents.

Does it feel like you’re constantly nagging your kids to do their homework? If your answer is yes then worry not as we’ve all been there! It’s natural for parents to want their children to progress and do well in school, but after an entire day of paper, pencils, and books many youngsters will resist getting on with their homework – and that’s putting it mildly!

Top Tips To Make Homework Fun:

Work together
Use rewards and incentives
Sort them a snack
Make it visual
Try different learning apps
Set up a homework play date
Turn it into a game
Let them play teacher
Use a timer
Create a special homework space
Remember to be positive
Get help if you need i t

Thankfully, there are ways of making homework less boring and that little bit more fun for your child. Whether they need to practice spellings, learn their times tables or revise for an important exam, our top fun homework ideas will help you to magically take the ‘work’ out of homework.

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1. Work together

Adults often work best in the company of others, and the same can be said of kids, so why not sit with your child while they’re studying and get on with some of your own work or life admin?

Whether you’re returning emails, doing your online banking or organising the next primary school PTA fundraiser, creating a shared workspace and modelling focused work is a great way to spend quality time together while they complete their homework. Win-win!

Quick win : Whilst your child is tackling their fractions homework, you could sit down with them and take a look through your finances or even test yourself on the work that your child will be doing in their SATs .

2. Use rewards and incentives

Rewards and incentives are great when it comes to getting your children to follow your household rules and routines, and homework is no different. Things like stickers or the promise of time on their iPad or games console for slightly older children can all work wonders in getting them to do their homework without a battle.

Quick win: For every few questions they answer they could get a minute of screen time!

3. Sort them a snack

Let’s face it: A hungry child is an unfocused, unmotivated and unhappy child.

Most children come out of school ravenous, so let them nibble on a nutritious after-school snack while they get on with homework; things like popcorn, apple slices, grapes, flapjacks, or crackers and cheese are all great snack options.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Netmums has a list of healthy after-school snack ideas and recipes to try.

Quick win: One of the best brain foods for kids is a nice and crispy apple! So when your child is craving something sweet just cut up an apple and let them munch away.

4. Make it visual

Help to eliminate the late night ‘Oh, I forgot to do that’, and create a weekly homework chart so your child can see what they have to do each day and check off each homework ‘To Do’ as it’s been completed.

Again, Pinterest has some great free printables to help keep kids organised. Get them involved by letting them colour it, or decorate it with their favourite stickers, and pin it up somewhere at their height, where they will see it easily every day as a reminder. Some exciting new stationery and colourful pens might help too.

Quick win: An easy way to make homework fun is to grab a piece of paper and get your child to draw out and decorate a ‘homework chart’ consisting of 5 days. Stick it on the fridge and add a sticker to each day after they’ve done their homework, when they’ve collected 5 stickers they get a treat!

5. Try different learning apps

If your child prefers to be online, there are some great online apps around that children will have fun using, yet encourage learning too. Here are our favourite free maths websites for example. Speak to your child’s teacher too and see which apps the children use in school so you can support what they’re doing at home.

Quick win: One of our favourite apps that makes homework fun is Times Tables Rockstars!

6. Set up a homework play date

Holding a homework playdate where your child can invite one of their best school buddies over to do homework together can be a great way for them to learn and make sure the work gets done, especially slightly older primary children.

Plus, it’s likely that their parents will be delighted!

Younger children may need a bit more support and guidance but can still gain a lot from the experience of learning together with a friend – think of this as a mini-educational play date for them – with a special tea afterwards of course!

Quick win: Let your child and their friend play for a while, and then get them to work through their homework with the incentive of a yummy ‘tea party’ when they’ve completed all of their homework.

7. Go outside

If the weather allows, create a comfortable outside study space and allow your child to do their homework outdoors.

The fresh air can help kids with their concentration if they’ve been stuck in a classroom all day, and studies also show that being outside, closer to nature, can increase productivity. The reward of a quick game of Frisbee or a kick-around of a football between tasks will help them stay motivated too.

Quick win: Check out this fun outdoor maths activity for some inspiration of ways you can make homework fun.

8. Turn it into a game

Who said home learning had to be boring? If children enjoy what they’re learning, they’re more likely to remember what they’re being taught, so turn their learning into a fun game. Using sweets like Smarties to help with maths and number work can turn the experience from a chore into a treat. If they get the right answer, they get to eat some!

Another trick that you can use when your child is learning spellings is to write them in foam or in magnetic letters. It sounds simple, but we can guarantee that it will make homework a lot more fun for your child.

These maths games for kids and times tables games are a great place to start.

Quick win: If you’re looking for some fun homework ideas then check out this simple multiplication activity you can do at home, it’ll even get in one of your child’s five a day!

9. Let them play teacher

Make another fun homework game by creating your own mini-classroom and letting your child step into the role of teacher.

Have your child explain a concept to you as a teacher, as you, or their sibling, plays the role of the student. This game works particularly well with subjects that require theory, like Science for example, as it will improve their understanding of the concept and build logic and reasoning skills.

Quick win: Make homework fun by getting your child to choose their favourite teddys and toys and setting them up in their own mini classroom. Start off with registration, ‘mummy’ ‘present’, ‘mr teddy’ ‘here’ etc. You’ll soon notice that your child is growing in confidence regardless of the topic as children love playing teacher!

10. Use a timer

Some children may have difficulty working for prolonged periods of time without a break, so using a timer can be great for getting them to complete homework without the whining. For example, if your child is given 20 maths problems for homework, you can say “Complete the first 10 questions then we’ll take a 5-minute break, then complete the next 10 questions”.

Many children will need a mental break and will work more effectively when given the opportunity to take one. At the end of the task, they get to pick an activity of their choice. If your child gets easily distracted, a timer game can work well to keep them focused on the task in hand.

Quick win: Put the timer on your phone so that your child can see the countdown whilst they’re working.

11. Create a special homework space

A special study space can make homework more fun and help motivate your child to get it done! Choose a space in your house that’s least likely to distract your child, and create a simple, organised, and kid-friendly homework HQ.

You could hang up some of their artwork above the desk, and have all their school essentials nearby so everything is close to hand.

Quick win: Make sure that they aren’t surrounded by things that will distract them. Televisions and iPads are a no go at homework time!

12. Remember to be positive

Remember to always be upbeat and positive about school and the importance of their homework. Give your child lots of praise and encouragement about how well they’re doing to help them stay motivated and on track.

Quick win: After every homework session spend five minutes talking through what your child has accomplished. If you’re running out of activities to do, have a look at our list of home learning packs – all free to download.

13. Get help if you need it

Homework can be frustrating if your child doesn’t understand the material or gets bored easily. If your child is struggling, get them some expert help!

A Third Space Learning online tutoring lesson exploring the value of digits in numbers up to 10,000,000.

Quick win: Third Space Learning has plenty of advice on learning maths for kids and parents but if you need more support, our primary school maths tutors are easy to organise and very affordable.

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9 Ideas for Engaging Homework Online

9 Best Ideas for Engaging Homework Online | The Entrepreneur Review

Academic achievement increases when pupils are engaged. It leads to improved grades and increased drive to learn new things, develop abilities, and face obstacles & Ideas for Engaging Homework Online.

Face-to-face learning is beneficial in promoting good behavioral changes as well as improving students’ academic performance. Online education, on the other hand, allows pupils more autonomy.

Students may study at their own speed, or they can utilize the plethora of multimedia and on-demand information to learn more quickly than they would in a conventional setting Ideas for Engaging Homework Online.

Here are 9 Ideas for Engaging Homework Online;

1. employ tales in the online learning process. a teacher sitting at a computer and utilizing a whiteboard during an online class..

Storytelling is one of the most effective methods of communicating an essential message to another person & Ideas for Engaging Homework Online. It brings knowledge and truth to life by providing greater meaning and context.

Stories are considerably more memorable to students than data or facts. In my global history lesson, I recall learning about the tale of the Trojan Horse. Would I recall anything if my instructor had just mentioned the Trojan War? No, I don’t believe so.

You may tell a tale about anything, not simply historical events or biographical Ideas for Engaging Homework Online.

By stimulating your pupils’ visual sensibility, combining narrative and data visualization may make a difference. Use innovative infographics, charts, slideshows, and other data visualization forms to empower your students’ visual learning. Since 65% of us are visual learners, this may add enormous value to every narrative you tell.

2. Use Prezi Video to go beyond typical online classes.

Instead of sharing your screen, connect Prezi Video to any video conferencing platform and display your material alongside you as you present.

Why should you give it a shot?

Prezi Video will wow your students and keep them interested.

Ideas for Engaging Homework Online
My global history lesson
TED Talk Competition

You will no longer be a little rectangle in a student’s Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or any video conference. You may capture students’ attention and increase online student engagement by having your slides show next to you on screen.

Prezi will motivate you to experiment with new forms for storytelling, presenting, and producing tasks. With each homework assignment, students will also improve their creative and presenting abilities & Ideas for Engaging Homework Online.

Prezi Video may be used to present in online lectures (independent of the video conferencing program you’re using) and effortlessly record videos for students to view and revisit at their leisure. Prezi is popular with students. Learn what instructors had to say about their Prezi Video experiences.

3. Promote classroom responsibility.

A culture of responsibility is critical in society. That implies that every student understands their position and takes responsibility for carrying it through, whether it’s a group assignment or solo work.

Involve your students in group projects to teach them all of the important collaboration skills, such as dealing with duties, demonstrating initiative, being responsible for given tasks, learning time and quality management, interacting with diverse individuals, and so on Ideas for Engaging Homework Online.

Working in groups may not be pleasant for everyone, but it is important to exercise responsibility today in order to be a better team member later in life.

4. Improve and update online classes

Although the facts and history have not changed, the technique of communicating them has. Sharing the same is nothing out of the ordinary. Year after year, I share pdf files or presentations with my students, but a little format experimentation never harmed anybody.

Here are some suggestions & Ideas for Engaging Homework Online:

Create a movie to illustrate complicated concepts such as arithmetic formulae or Newton’s laws. You will assist students learn the content completely and provide them with a video that they may view anytime they forget anything.

Make an infographic to communicate a narrative about a certain event, person, or process in an interesting and easy-to-understand manner. Texts, charts, timelines, maps, photos, videos, and even GIFs and stickers may be used to capture students’ attention.

Customized maps may be used to convey geographic information. Pupils will learn about the geography of nations and cities as well as better grasp data & Ideas for Engaging Homework Online since they can see it.

Create fascinating and engaging presentations that stress the topic in detail rather than just moving from one slide to the next.

Provide comprehensive information with a lot of data, figures, and charts using dashboards and reports, such as regional financial development reports or election results.

Make posters that call attention to essential themes such as societal equality, cybersecurity, or entertaining events.

Check out this detailed, interactive solar system infographic created using Infogram.

Isn’t it amazing? To see it in more detail & Ideas for Engaging Homework Online, open this link and click the button in the upper right corner to see it full screen.

5. Experiment with various feedback strategies to interest pupils.

Feedback is something that students often overlook. Providing and receiving critical criticism is a kind of “art for improved social life,” therefore incorporating it into your online lectures is a terrific Ideas for Engaging Homework Online.

6. Use live responses to engage students during online sessions.

Interactivity may be a source of frustration for any virtual presenter Ideas for Engaging Homework Online. Several video systems enable you to add emotions such as applause or a thumbs up or down during a virtual conversation, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Prezi Video takes student involvement to the next level by enabling them to instantaneously exhibit an image, video, GIF response, or sticker right next to their face.

Here’s a thought & Ideas for Engaging Homework Online: Request that students send a GIF that expresses how they feel as the lecture begins. That’s a terrific way to break the ice, boost energy, and select a strategy depending on how they feel right now.

7. Online mood boards for student engagement

A mood board is a popular sort of collage that includes text, photographs, objects, and compositions. It is often used to picture a certain style or idea in interior design, event planning, and fashion Ideas for Engaging Homework Online.

It’s also a wonderful educational Ideas for Engaging Homework Online. While creating mood boards, allow your students to imagine what they’ve learned, the emotions they’ve felt, or whatever is on their minds right now.

How? Invite students to build a mood board using photos, symbols, entertaining GIFs, movies, and text using a visualization tool like Infogram. They may express themselves in an infinite number of ways, demonstrating their creativity, humor, and expertise, and you will get useful feedback on your work.

8. Mini-TED Talk Competition

Presenting is a set of abilities that includes anything from time management and information analysis to creating visual material and public speaking. Everyone should start developing presenting abilities & Ideas for Engaging Homework Online in school.

Inspire your pupils by providing a selection of the most exceptional TED presentations on subjects like as physics, nature, relationships, technology, and design. Let students to see a fantastic TED talk, explain the components of a good presentation, and urge them to produce one on their own.

Set the timeline and speech criteria, and provide them the resources to make an amazing virtual presentation, such as Infogram’s slide templates or Prezi’s student software Ideas for Engaging Homework Online.

9. Distribute interactive homework

Homework is an essential component of the learning process. Do the pupils like it? Not all of the time. Nonetheless, there are methods to provide practical tasks & Ideas for Engaging Homework Online that will interest pupils. Here are a few such examples:

Invite students to produce an overview of the subject in any format they want. Comprehensive infographics, blog entries, animated or recorded video, presentation, web page, articles, and so forth.

Provide group tasks that empower kids to fully express their creativity and recognize when they go above and beyond. If it’s a cultural diversity study project, encourage them to wear appropriate clothing and cosmetics, put on an accent, and learn certain practices. Let their imagination to flourish!

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9 Fantastic Project Ideas for EFL/ESL: Tips for success

I love learning through projects. It’s one of the best ways to engage EFL/ESL students while challenging and improving their English skills. Projects may take a while, but they’re always worth it.

If you’re an EFL/ESL teacher who doesn’t have to follow a strict curriculum or set of lesson objectives, and can instead plan your own classes, projects are a great way to change the pace of your lessons.

The nine project ideas in this list can be used with any age and English ability, although some might not be ideal for absolute beginners and very young children. In general, they take between 1 and 10 sessions to complete.

I’ve been running EFL/ESL projects for years with great success, and I’ve added tips to each of them, based on my experience.

Before we get stuck in, it’s worth taking a step back and thinking about the purpose of our projects.

Why do we do projects in EFL/ESL?

Projects are fun. That’s a pretty good reason to do them in your classes; when students are enjoying themselves, they’re motivated to learn.

However, it’s not enough. Playing video games is fun, but I wouldn’t recommend that for EFL/ESL.

When choosing a project, think about what your students are going to learn and how. What’s the purpose of the activity?

Learning new vocabulary through organic acquisition and gaining fluency in relevant conversation could be the purpose. Or, a focus on specific words and grammar. It could be to practice language used for communication in a team, or to learn about the customs and cultures of other countries.

There’s no right answer here . As long as you can be sure the project will benefit the students by developing their knowledge and skills in English, you’re doing it right.

Some teachers like to identify the goals of the project before deciding on what they’ll actually do. That’s a good way of aligning with a long-term curriculum. However, it limits the range of projects you can choose from since many won’t achieve the goals you want.

The other approach is to choose a project first. The main benefit of this is that you can pick a project you know your students will engage best with and figure out the goals later. The drawback is that when you come to setting goals, you can only choose within the limits of the project.

Okay, that’s enough setup. Let’s get straight to the list!

Run a small business
Cultural discovery
Arts and crafts
Dramatization
Plan a vacation
Create a community
Table-top role-playing game

1. Short film

This list is in no particular order, but I had to put this entry at number one. It’s the type of project I’ve had most success with, and the one I’ve done more times than any other. By far.

You can create films about anything. I’ve had classes make spooky movies for Halloween, murder mysteries, documentaries, and fantastical adventures. I’m currently making a compilation of English jokes with one of my private classes.

Be careful, though. Films can take a long time to create, and if you aren’t pushing students to progress, kids especially can end up wasting hours on trivial things.

Here is my general timetable for film projects:

Session 1: Ideation. Come up with the genre and concept of the film. Decide major characters and consider where filming will take place and if you need any props or equipment. Make a list (or storyboard) of all the scenes you’ll need to film.
Session 2: Plan the first scene. Collaboratively write the script for the first scene and do a practice run, figuring out where to film and what problems might arise.
Session 3: Record the first scene and plan the next. Make sure students bring appropriate costumes and props for the first scene. What you film here will be in the final product. If you have time remaining, start planning the next scene.
Remaining sessions: Alternate between planning and recording scenes until you’ve finished them all.

IMPORTANT : If you’re doing this project with children/teens, check parents are okay with it. And never share video footage (with other students, or posting online) without first asking permission.

Keep the film short. As a general rule, each minute of film takes about an hour of lesson time. Avoid planning long, elaborate stories – you won’t have enough time to finish.
Keep scenes short. Chop scenes up into mini-moments which you can capture quickly. Long scenes are harder to get right and require multiple takes as students struggle to remember their lines.
Write or print the script in large letters so students can see their lines from a distance. This way, they can quickly glance at the script behind the camera before you start the scene instead of holding the script in their hands.
Expect giggling. When students make mistakes or get nervous, they’ll start laughing. It happens with professional actors. Be patient and encourage students to refocus quickly.
Use a basic movie editor (iMovie is great) to put scenes together. If your students are older teens or adults, you could even get them to edit it themselves.

If you have access to a kitchen, cooking can be a great way to learn practical English.

Not only will students follow instructions on a recipe (reading practice), but they’ll learn vocabulary that rarely appears in a textbook. Ingredients like baking soda and lemon zest, or verbs like whisk and dice.

Logistics are the biggest challenge. Choosing something simple you can prepare and bake in one session is probably the best approach, then you don’t have half-cooked ingredients lying around for a week between classes. You can use sessions before and after to plan and practice related language.

While simplicity is good, I recommend using authentic recipes. Perhaps something your grandmother used, which has real English and even old-fashioned measurements. That way, you expose them to some of your culture.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you know of any students with allergies in the class, so you can avoid certain ingredients if necessary.

Baked goods like cookies are best for kids. They’re quick, easy, and can be taken home at the end of class.
Plan for at least 10 minutes of cleaning up time.
If you need to pre-heat ovens, remember to do that at the start of the lesson.
If you don’t have cooking facilities like an oven, you can make a salad or other cold meal in the classroom.

3. Run a small business

The idea here is simple. Think of a product to either buy or make, then sell it for a profit. The prospect of earning a little money is motivating, and students will learn a ton of relevant English as well as some practical business skills.

However, it’s not for everyone. Young kids will struggle, and adults who already work in business may think it’s below them.

Here’s an example of a successful business project I ran with a small group of teenagers.

Christmas was approaching. The group had the idea of making baubles and other decorations and selling them in bundles. We did some calculations and figured out our expenses and the price we’d need to sell the products for in order to make a profit. Everyone contributed an equal share, and we bought clear plastic baubles, glitter, glue, and lots of other materials. We spent approximately 25 euros. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we made some beautiful baubles, tags for presents, and boxes covered in wrapping paper. The students sold the decorations to family and friends. The overall revenue was about 60 euros, so we made a profit of 35.

Okay, so we hardly set the world on fire with our profits. But that wasn’t the point. The purpose of the project was to learn some business skills in English, develop the ability to communicate in a team, while also learning language related to decorations, crafts, and Christmas.

Getting the product right is key. Make sure students choose something that they can sell, even if it is only to generous friends and family members.
Make sure production isn’t too difficult or time-consuming. You don’t want your classes to turn into factory work for weeks on end.
If your students are responsible enough, have them handle the money.
Divide the costs and profits equally. Having an equal share system is the best strategy, with everyone contributing a small amount to cover initial expenses and receiving an equal amount of the final pot.
This type of project is long, but near the end, there won’t be that much to do. Once the products are ready, students can sell them. At that point, you can return to normal classes with a brief business update in each session.
Set a deadline for the end of the project. At a certain point, you have to finish, even if all the products aren’t sold.

4. Cultural discovery

A cultural discovery is a flexible project you can do with all ages and abilities. In essence, it involves students researching a different culture and presenting it to the rest of the class in some form.

The way I like to do this is with a cultural festival day (or week, if you have a large class). Set the date in advance, and on that day/week, everyone will share what they’ve found.

People can dress up, bring food, play music, give mini-presentations, and ideally, a mixture of these things. The more the better.

With a few different groups sharing the culture they’ve been learning about, you can create a powerful experience.

Give students time to research and prepare, but not too long. If the big day is months and months away, they’ll waste a lot of time. Make things urgent, so they work fast.
Consider sharing your own culture at the start as an example of things you’d like to see.
Groups of 2-3 work best in preparing this kind of thing, but if you have a larger class (20+) have bigger groups and fewer cultures. If you have too many cultures (more than 5), the “cultural festival” will take too long and things will get muddled.
Encourage students of different backgrounds to share their own cultures. Alternatively, people who have been on holiday somewhere can research that place and maybe bring some photos and souvenirs from their trip.

5. Arts and crafts

There are hundreds of different arts and crafts projects you can do with your class to learn about almost anything. Some can be as short as a single lesson, while others can take a full term.

I prefer longer-term projects as you can create some impressive final products.

But things don’t have to be elaborate and challenging. A lot of the time, arts and crafts acts as a great vehicle for learning English, with the final creation as a secondary bonus.

If you’re looking for ideas for arts and crafts projects, I actually have a whole article for you: How to Use Arts and Crafts in EFL/ESL + 7 easy activities . There you can also learn my strategy for getting the best out of these projects.

Bring extra materials and equipment for students who forget to (or can’t) get their own, and those who mess up the first attempt.
Keep instructions slow and simple, and spend time helping students who are struggling.
Have extension activities for students who get things done at lightning speed.
Set aside time for tidying up, and assign everyone a job to ensure the room gets cleaned quickly.

6. Dramatization

This project idea is similar to the first entry in the list – making a short film. There’s acting, story creation, and lots of speaking English.

But they’re far from identical. The kind of dramatization I use in my EFL/ESL classes is a lot more free-form and takes much less time.

First of all, performance in front of parents/friends is not required – most of the time it’s just for the rest of the class to see. This is certainly not a whole-school production (although you can definitely try that if you’re feeling brave!)

Secondly, scripts are optional. With some classes, I’ll encourage them to avoid the use of scripts, and instead use their English skills to communicate ideas how they see fit. There’s an element of improvisation in what they say.

Thirdly, scenes are longer and don’t need to be perfect. When making a film, you want to get the best footage, so shorter clips are better. But in a dramatization, there’s no recording. That means students can keep scenes going for a lot longer (especially when improvising lines).

Finally, dramatizations require much less in the way of costumes and props. A lot more can be left up to the imagination of the viewer and you don’t need to plan things before the class.

I like to give students a prompt and see what they come up with. For example, “your region is suffering the worst storm in a hundred years. Gather your friends and find safety in your house on the other side of town.”

The activity works best in a single session. Each performance should take 2-3 minutes. Plan for two thirds of the class to be planning and practicing, while the final third is performance.

Kids often get silly when left to plan out a story on their own. Make sure they’re on task.
Sometimes dramatizations can end up being mime-stories with less confident students. Reinforce the idea that this project is for practicing spoken English.

Dramatization is a sister-activity to role plays. Role plays, however, are fully improvised, with no time to prepare. I absolutely love them.

To learn why I think they’re so great, read: Why All EFL/ESL Teachers Should Use Role Play Activities and to learn the difference in terms, check out: Dramatization vs Simulation vs Role Play: Guide for EFL/ESL

7. Plan a vacation

Planning the details of a vacation gets students learning real, practical English, discovering new places, and developing the language needed to work in a team.

Depending on the age and ability of your students, you can go quite deep into this.

With younger, less proficient students, you can look at some destinations on a map and create a basic plan of what you want to do on each day. It’s a great way to teach time connectors like “after that”, “the next day,” and “later that day”.

With more confident students, why not have them research the price of real flights, hotels, and tickets? Give them a budget to work with. Write a list of things you need to take in your luggage, and consider about what kind of transport you’ll need when you’re there.

Anyone who’s planned a vacation knows there’s a lot to think about. Learning how to do all of that in English covers so many aspects of useful, applicable language.

With children, letting their imaginations run wild is often more productive than sticking to the limitations of reality. Let them stay at a five star hotel if they want.
At the end of the planning, you can role play some special imaginary moments from it.
Keep the vacation short – students will probably get bored planning a year-long trip around the world. A week’s itinerary is plenty.

The only downside to this project is you don’t actually get to go on the vacation…

8. Create a community

Have you ever played the Sims? This project draws a lot of inspiration from that wonderful game, but in a non-virtual format.

Coming up with characters is fun. Thinking about what they look like, their personalities, their background, where they live and work, and their relationships with people around them… it’s a joy. I’ll admit, perhaps it’s not for everyone. But if you have a creative, social class, this could work a treat.

The best place to start is a small neighbourhood. You can draw up a map together if you like, or keep things all in the imagination.

Get each student to come up with a character. Give them some prompt questions depending on their ability and maturity, and have them flesh out the character as much as possible. If you have a large class, have small groups come up with households.

You can go through plenty of vocabulary here. Physical appearance: tall, short, brown hair, green eyes, etc. for beginners. And with higher ability students, words like slender, auburn hair and freckles.

Personality and background come next. Think about strengths and weaknesses. Life ambitions and short term goals. Family history. Secrets. Younger students will struggle with this – they don’t have the maturity to put themselves so deeply in other people’s shoes, so don’t push too hard.

Then, you can join the dots. Are some of these people friends? Enemies? Colleagues or old school mates? A good exercise is to have everyone mingle around the classroom and think up connections with other characters they bump into.

Once you have a community set up, the next stage (optional) is to role play or dramatize interactions and events. Have students get in character and act out a party, accident, or confrontation at work. The opportunities are endless.

This activity won’t work with everyone. Some people won’t find it as exciting as others, and some might be uncomfortable acting things out. That’s fine. Don’t push it if you see things getting negative.
Come up with a character yourself. Make them clearly defined and colourful to set the tone for everyone else.
Look for character profile prompts online. Authors often use a series of questions to flesh out their characters, so there are plenty of resources available.

9. Table-top role-playing game

This is my favourite activity. It just about makes it onto this list as a “project” because it’s an extended activity that takes place over multiple classes. But really, it’s an ongoing game/story.

Dungeons & Dragons is the most famous table-top role-playing game (TTRPG), popularised by Stranger Things and various YouTube channels like Critical Role.

Essentially, players (students) create an adventuring character and take actions and decisions in an imaginary world narrated by the Game Master (in this case, you, the teacher). While there are rules, players can try whatever action they want. It’s full of role-play, improvisation and conversation.

Here’s a video of Vin Diesel playing to show you how fun it can be.

I have three Dungeons & Dragons games going on with classes at the moment. My students adore it. But it doesn’t have to be D&D. In fact, the rules are pretty complicated, and not everyone is into fighting orcs and dragons and that kind of thing.

Instead, you can choose one of the many other TTRPGs out there, with different themes and rules. With younger students, I’ve created a few games of my own that avoid complexity and favour interaction with the world using their English skills.

And that’s what this is about. Learning English. Having fun is great, but where TTRPGs really shine in EFL/ESL is for language acquisition.

Learning new vocabulary in the story is relevant and valuable. Getting their sentences right in a tense conversation with the Queen is vital – they’re motivated to learn new things and improve what they know. You can use their exploration to introduce new words and phrases, without it feeling forced.

The improvement I’ve seen in students’ ability and confidence using TTRPGs is astonishing. That being said, with the wrong approach, things can go off the rails pretty quickly, and students get frustrated. Another drawback is you can only do it with small groups (6 or 7 at most, 3-4 is optimal).

The Enchanted RPG

I’ve made a role-playing game specifically for ESL!

Find out how I designed it and how you can start playing in this video .

And subscribe to my YouTube channel for more updates!

Make sure students understand the idea of the game. They can imagine what their character would do, but can’t invent things about the world.
Ensure students work as a team, both in-game and out of the game. If their characters split up and do different things, the whole experience falls apart.
Avoid players fighting against each other. This almost always leads to unnecessary tension between students.
Prepare in advance. There’s quite a lot of planning and preparation to run a game like this, but if you get it all done early, you won’t have so much to do week to week.

Conclusion: Pick and choose

Not all of these project ideas will work for your specific class. People have different personalities and interests, meaning each group is unique. One class might love the excitement of role playing a fantasy adventure. Others might think that’s lame and prefer to learn about cultures in the real world.

As a teacher, you know your students better than anyone else. That means you’re in the best position to choose the project you think is best for them.

So pick the ones you think will work and adapt them. Apply your own slant and give your students agency, too. Together, you’ll make the project a worthwhile and memorable experience.

If you’re looking for more games and activities, check out my other lists: 9 EFL/ESL Speaking Games & Activities Perfect for Beginners 9 EFL/ESL Games & Activities for Intermediate Learners 9 EFL/ESL Games and Activities for Advanced Learners 9 High Energy EFL/ESL Games for Boosting Vocabulary 9 Engaging Homework Ideas for EFL/ESL: No worksheets! 9 Exciting EFL/ESL Activities for Writing & Spelling 9 Fun EFL/ESL Games & Ideas With Standard Playing Cards 9 EFL/ESL Games With No Materials or Preparation Needed 9 EFL/ESL 5 Minute Games Every Teacher Needs to Know 9 Superb EFL/ESL Games & Activities Using Just Pen & Paper 9 Classy EFL/ESL Games & Activities for Adults (+ tips) 9 Confidence-Boosting EFL/ESL Speaking Games for All Levels 9 Exciting Flashcard Games for EFL/ESL Classes

I’m Will, a teacher, blogger, and fantasy author. I grew up in England, but now I live in Spain where I teach private English classes to dozens of wonderful students.

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Fun with Geography

Get ideas for how to have fun with geography in your daily life.

Photo: A coastal city of Cinque Terre, Italy offers great views

Photograph by Harry Wenkert, MyShot

Geography doesn't mean studying maps and memorizing state capitals! From making a treasure hunt to keeping a sensory journal, get ideas for how to have fun with geography in your daily life.

Draw a Map of an Imaginary Island

Use map elements, like symbols and a key, to show different features of the island and its people.

Learn About Seasonal Celebrations

Find photos of seasonal celebrations around the globe. For example, you can search for photos of summer and winter solstice celebrations or celebrations associated with the equinoxes. Share with your family and friends what you find out about the celebrations, where they take place, and how they express the unique characteristics of that particular season.

Make an Earth Pendant or Light Catcher

Trace the earth onto a piece of acetate, using colored cellophane for land and water, and hang it from your window with yarn.

Mark Latitude and Longitude

Whenever you read a magazine or newspaper article, find the latitude and longitude of the location in which the focus of the article takes place. On a world map, mark the locations. See how long it takes until you have marks in most countries.

Photograph of a woman participating in a public participatory mapping project in India.

Look at an article in a newspaper, magazine, or online. How might information in the article be represented on a map? Create a map showing that information.

Photograph of a roadmap with the road and desert in the background.

Learn From Maps

Find examples of maps when you are in a shopping mall, amusement park, train station, or another place. Critique whether or not the map is easy to use. Then make your own map of the area.

Picture of students around a chalkboard.

Share Your Enthusiasm for Geography

Spread your knowledge of geography while teaching others how cool it is. Have your class come up with fun ideas to engage others in geography, or start a geography or outdoors club at your school. Here’s some help from the National Council for Geographic Education to get started.

Find Your Birthday Coordinates

Use the month for latitude and day for longitude. For example, if your birthday is November 26, your coordinates could be 11°N, 26°E. Or, you can make four sets of coordinates for your birthday, depending on whether you use north or south latitude, or east or west longitude. Explore a world map and plot your birthday coordinates. What would it be like to have a party there?

Photograph of man walking over U.S. map chalk drawing on sidewalk.

Look around you for maps in everyday life. Find an example of a helpful map and an example of a unhelpful map. Analyze what makes the maps helpful or not. Talk to a friend or family member about how different maps can display the same information in very different ways.

Make a Papier-Mâché Globe

Use newspaper strips and a balloon. Use colored paints to show land and water and add borders and labels.

Neighborhood Map

Create a map of your neighborhood without key map elements, like a compass rose, labels, and a key. Then have a family member or friend try to use the map to reach a particular destination. Talk about the ways in which the map was difficult to use.

Close up of the Clotilda's ship registration document with a focus on the name.

Create a Treasure Hunt

Give clues based on the cardinal points. If you don't have a compass, remember, sunrise happens in the east. Sunset happens in the west.

Follow a Tropical Storm's Path

Plot the path of a tropical storm or hurricane on a map. Record data about the storm , and make predictions about whether a storm will become a hurricane. Confirm or revise your predictions as you get new data.

Photograph of flags blowing in the wind.

Make a Flag

Country flags are designed to represent the history or ideals of a country. Design a flag that represents you—you can model it on your heritage, favorite activities, sports, animals, or family.

Make a Treasure Hunt

Give each person playing a sheet of paper with clues. For example, "Which house has a mailbox in a certain shape?" and "Name three intersections with four-way stop signs." Set geographic boundaries to make sure everyone stays within a safe area. The first person to return with correct answers wins.

Map Your Senses

Plot an unusual, but safe, route on a map of your school or surrounding area. Use a journal to take notes on the things you see, smell, hear, touch, and taste along the way. Take photographs if you can. Then use art supplies to create a sensory map of your community. Be creative! Use pens, pencils, paint, construction paper, pictures, or any other materials.

Explore a Line of Latitude

Pick a line of latitude and use a globe to trace that line in a full circle. Make a list of the countries and other important features, such as mountain ranges or deserts, that the line of latitude passes through. Think about the similarities and differences between these countries and features. If you don't have a globe, use National Geographic MapMaker to do this project online.

Food Investigation

Get the recipe of your favorite family food and find out what herbs and spices it contains. On a map , find the countries that produce those herbs and spices. Do some investigating to find out more about these countries. What kind of climates do these places have? Could you grow the same spices where you live? Why or why not?

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Taking Steps Towards Healing: Actionable Therapeutic Homework Ideas

Therapeutic homework: an introduction.

Therapeutic homework plays a vital role in the healing process by providing clients with actionable exercises and activities to enhance their therapeutic journey. This section will delve into the importance of therapeutic homework and how it supports the healing process.

Understanding the Importance of Therapeutic Homework

Therapeutic homework serves as a bridge between therapy sessions, extending the benefits of therapy beyond the confines of the therapeutic space. It empowers clients to actively participate in their own healing and growth. Homework assignments encourage self-reflection, skill-building, and the application of therapeutic concepts in real-life situations.

By engaging in therapeutic homework, clients can deepen their understanding of themselves, develop coping strategies, and practice new skills. This active involvement fosters a sense of ownership and agency, enhancing the therapeutic process.

Furthermore, therapeutic homework helps clients maintain continuity between therapy sessions. It provides a structured framework to reinforce the concepts discussed during therapy, allowing clients to actively integrate them into their daily lives. This repetition and practice contribute to the consolidation of new behaviors, thoughts, and emotional patterns.

How Therapeutic Homework Supports the Healing Process

Therapeutic homework supports the healing process in several ways. Firstly, it promotes continuity and consistency by providing clients with a consistent therapeutic focus outside of therapy sessions. This helps to reinforce the work done in therapy and encourages clients to stay engaged with their therapeutic goals.

Secondly, therapeutic homework facilitates skill development . It allows clients to practice new coping mechanisms, communication techniques, and emotional regulation strategies in their day-to-day lives. Through repeated practice, these skills become more ingrained, leading to lasting behavioral changes.

Thirdly, therapeutic homework encourages self-reflection and insight . Journaling exercises, reflection prompts, and mindfulness practices prompt clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences on a deeper level. This self-reflection fosters self-awareness and insight, supporting personal growth and healing.

Lastly, therapeutic homework promotes client autonomy and self-efficacy . By actively engaging in their own healing process, clients develop a sense of agency and empowerment. They become active participants in their therapy, taking responsibility for their progress and outcomes.

To make the most of therapeutic homework, it’s essential to tailor assignments to individual client goals and needs. This ensures that the assignments are relevant, meaningful, and aligned with the client’s therapeutic journey. By collaborating with clients, therapists can co-create homework assignments that resonate and inspire growth.

Throughout this article, we will explore various types of therapeutic homework, provide examples of homework ideas, and discuss best practices for implementing and adapting homework assignments. Stay tuned to discover a wealth of resources and strategies to enhance the therapeutic process through effective therapeutic homework.

Types of Therapeutic Homework

Therapeutic homework offers a range of activities and exercises that can support the healing process and enhance therapeutic outcomes. There are several types of therapeutic homework that practitioners can incorporate into their practice. These include journaling and reflection exercises , mindfulness and meditation practices , creative expression and art therapy , breathing and relaxation techniques , and behavioral and cognitive exercises .

Journaling and Reflection Exercises

Journaling and reflection exercises involve writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a private journal or notebook. This form of therapeutic homework provides individuals with an opportunity to explore their emotions, gain self-awareness, and process their experiences. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals who find it challenging to express themselves verbally.

Practitioners can encourage clients to engage in regular journaling exercises, such as writing about their daily experiences, expressing gratitude, or exploring their thoughts and feelings on a specific topic. Journaling prompts can be used to guide clients and stimulate self-reflection. For more information on using journaling as a therapeutic tool, check out our article on therapeutic assignments .

Mindfulness and Meditation Practices

Mindfulness and meditation practices involve focusing one’s attention on the present moment and cultivating a state of non-judgmental awareness. These practices can help individuals reduce stress, manage anxiety, and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness exercises can be incorporated into therapeutic homework to support clients in developing a regular mindfulness practice.

Practitioners can introduce clients to various mindfulness techniques, such as mindful breathing, body scans, or guided meditations. Encouraging clients to set aside dedicated time for mindfulness practice and providing resources like recorded guided meditations can enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic homework . For more information on incorporating mindfulness into therapy, visit our article on homework for therapy .

Creative Expression and Art Therapy

Creative expression and art therapy provide individuals with an outlet for self-expression and emotional exploration. Engaging in creative activities can help clients tap into their creativity, process emotions, and gain insights into their experiences. Art therapy exercises can involve various forms of artistic expression, including drawing, painting, collage making, or sculpting.

Practitioners can encourage clients to explore their emotions through art by assigning specific art-based therapeutic homework activities . These activities may involve creating self-portraits, visualizing emotions through colors and shapes, or using art to represent personal growth and transformation. For more ideas on incorporating art therapy into therapeutic homework, check out our article on therapy homework planner .

Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Breathing and relaxation techniques are effective tools for managing stress, anxiety, and promoting relaxation. These techniques can help individuals regulate their emotions, reduce physical tension, and promote a sense of calm. By incorporating breathing and relaxation exercises into therapeutic homework, clients can develop skills to manage their emotions and stress levels outside of therapy sessions.

Practitioners can guide clients through various breathing techniques, such as deep belly breathing or paced breathing. Relaxation exercises, such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery, can also be assigned as therapeutic homework. Providing clients with audio recordings or written instructions for these techniques can support their practice. For more information on incorporating breathing and relaxation techniques, visit our article on virtual homework portal .

Behavioral and Cognitive Exercises

Behavioral and cognitive exercises focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distress. These exercises help individuals challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts, develop coping strategies, and adopt healthier habits. By assigning behavioral and cognitive exercises as therapeutic homework, clients can actively work on changing their thoughts and behaviors between therapy sessions.

Practitioners can provide clients with worksheets or activities that target specific cognitive distortions or negative thinking patterns. These exercises may involve identifying and challenging automatic thoughts, practicing cognitive restructuring techniques, or engaging in behavioral experiments. For more examples of behavioral and cognitive exercises, refer to our article on therapeutic homework worksheets .

By incorporating various types of therapeutic homework into practice, practitioners can empower clients to actively engage in their healing journey. It’s important to tailor the homework assignments to individual client needs and preferences, ensuring that they feel motivated and supported throughout the process. Regular check-ins, clear instructions, and feedback can enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic homework and contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes.

Tailoring Therapeutic Homework to Individual Needs

To make therapeutic homework effective and impactful , it is essential to tailor it to the specific goals and needs of each client. This personalized approach ensures that the homework assignments align with the client’s therapeutic journey and supports their progress. There are several key steps involved in tailoring therapeutic homework:

Assessing Client Goals and Needs

Before assigning therapeutic homework, it is crucial to assess the client’s goals and needs. This assessment can be done through discussions, interviews, or assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. By understanding the client’s specific goals, you can create homework assignments that directly address their areas of concern and support their therapeutic progress.

Collaborative Goal-Setting with Clients

Collaboration is a fundamental aspect of creating effective therapeutic homework. By involving clients in the goal-setting process, you empower them to take ownership of their therapeutic journey. Through open and honest communication, work with your clients to set clear and achievable goals. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of partnership and ensures that the homework assignments are aligned with the client’s aspirations.

Adapting Homework for Different Modalities and Preferences

Every client is unique, and their preferences and learning styles may vary. When tailoring therapeutic homework, it is important to consider the client’s preferred modalities and activities. Some clients may benefit from journaling and reflection exercises, while others may find creative expression through art therapy more effective. By adapting the homework assignments to match the client’s preferences, you can enhance their engagement and motivation.

By adapting therapeutic homework to different modalities and preferences, you can create a more personalized and effective therapeutic experience for each client.

Tailoring therapeutic homework to individual needs enhances its relevance and impact. By assessing client goals and needs, engaging in collaborative goal-setting, and adapting the homework to different modalities and preferences, you can create a more meaningful and effective therapeutic journey for your clients. Remember to regularly evaluate and adjust the homework assignments based on the client’s progress, ensuring they continue to support their healing process.

Examples of Therapeutic Homework Ideas

When it comes to therapeutic homework, there are various activities that can support the healing process and enhance personal growth. Here are some examples of therapeutic homework ideas that can be beneficial for individuals seeking self-improvement and emotional well-being:

Daily Gratitude Practice

Engaging in a daily gratitude practice is a powerful therapeutic homework idea. Encourage clients to set aside a few minutes each day to reflect on things they are grateful for. This simple exercise can help shift their focus toward positivity and cultivate a sense of appreciation for the present moment. Clients can keep a gratitude journal or use a gratitude app to record their daily thoughts.

Breathing Exercises for Anxiety Relief

Anxiety can be overwhelming, but practicing breathing exercises can offer a sense of calm and relief. Encourage clients to explore different breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing. These exercises can help regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety symptoms, and promote relaxation. Clients can practice these techniques whenever they feel stressed or anxious.

Art Journaling for Self-Expression

Art journaling provides an outlet for self-expression and creativity. Encourage clients to create an art journal where they can freely express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through various art forms, such as drawing, painting, collage, or writing. This therapeutic homework idea allows individuals to explore their inner world, gain insights, and process their feelings in a visually engaging way.

Guided Imagery for Relaxation

Guided imagery is a powerful technique that uses visualization to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Clients can listen to guided imagery recordings or use their imagination to create calming mental images. This therapeutic homework idea allows individuals to escape from daily stressors and access a state of deep relaxation, enhancing their overall well-being.

Cognitive Restructuring Worksheets

Cognitive restructuring is a technique that helps individuals identify and challenge negative or irrational thoughts. Provide clients with cognitive restructuring worksheets that guide them through the process of identifying negative thoughts, examining evidence for and against these thoughts, and generating more balanced and realistic alternatives. This therapeutic homework idea can help clients reframe their thinking patterns and cultivate a more positive mindset.

By incorporating these therapeutic homework ideas into their practice, therapists and practitioners can empower their clients to take an active role in their healing journey. Remember to tailor the homework assignments to the specific needs and goals of each individual, ensuring that the activities align with their preferences and therapeutic modalities. For more resources and ideas on therapeutic homework, explore our therapy homework resources article.

Best Practices for Implementing Therapeutic Homework

To ensure the effectiveness and success of therapeutic homework, it’s important to follow best practices when implementing these assignments. By incorporating clear instructions, regular check-ins, adjustments based on client progress, and support for accountability and motivation, therapists can optimize the therapeutic benefits of homework.

Clear Instructions and Guidelines

Providing clear instructions and guidelines is essential to help clients understand the purpose and expectations of the assigned therapeutic homework. Clearly outline the objectives, steps, and any specific techniques or strategies involved. This clarity helps clients feel confident in their ability to complete the homework and increases their engagement and commitment to the process.

Regular Check-Ins and Feedback

Regular check-ins and feedback play a crucial role in supporting clients throughout their therapeutic journey. Schedule regular sessions to discuss the progress, challenges, and insights gained from the homework assignments. Actively listen to clients’ experiences and provide constructive feedback to help them overcome obstacles and reinforce positive changes. These check-ins demonstrate your support and commitment to their growth and help maintain momentum between sessions.

Adjusting Homework Based on Client Progress

As therapy progresses, it’s important to assess and adjust the therapeutic homework based on clients’ progress and evolving needs. Collaborate with clients to evaluate the effectiveness of the assigned tasks and make necessary modifications to ensure continued growth and challenge. This flexibility demonstrates responsiveness to their unique circumstances, promoting a personalized and effective therapeutic experience.

Supporting Accountability and Motivation

Supporting accountability and motivation is essential for clients to stay engaged and committed to their therapeutic homework. Encourage clients to establish a routine and set realistic goals for completing the assignments. Provide them with tools and resources, such as a therapy homework planner or therapy homework app , to help them track their progress and stay organized. Celebrate their achievements and provide positive reinforcement to maintain their motivation and enthusiasm.

By implementing these best practices, therapists can optimize the therapeutic benefits of homework assignments. Clear instructions and regular check-ins foster client engagement and understanding, while adjusting the homework based on client progress ensures continued growth and challenge. Supporting accountability and motivation helps clients stay committed to their therapeutic journey. Together, these practices create a supportive and empowering environment that enhances the healing process.

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About 1 in 5 U.S. teens who’ve heard of ChatGPT have used it for schoolwork

Roughly one-in-five teenagers who have heard of ChatGPT say they have used it to help them do their schoolwork, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17. With a majority of teens having heard of ChatGPT, that amounts to 13% of all U.S. teens who have used the generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot in their schoolwork.

A bar chart showing that, among teens who know of ChatGPT, 19% say they’ve used it for schoolwork.

Teens in higher grade levels are particularly likely to have used the chatbot to help them with schoolwork. About one-quarter of 11th and 12th graders who have heard of ChatGPT say they have done this. This share drops to 17% among 9th and 10th graders and 12% among 7th and 8th graders.

There is no significant difference between teen boys and girls who have used ChatGPT in this way.

The introduction of ChatGPT last year has led to much discussion about its role in schools , especially whether schools should integrate the new technology into the classroom or ban it .

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to understand American teens’ use and understanding of ChatGPT in the school setting.

The Center conducted an online survey of 1,453 U.S. teens from Sept. 26 to Oct. 23, 2023, via Ipsos. Ipsos recruited the teens via their parents, who were part of its KnowledgePanel . The KnowledgePanel is a probability-based web panel recruited primarily through national, random sampling of residential addresses. The survey was weighted to be representative of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 who live with their parents by age, gender, race and ethnicity, household income, and other categories.

This research was reviewed and approved by an external institutional review board (IRB), Advarra, an independent committee of experts specializing in helping to protect the rights of research participants.

Here are the questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and its methodology .

Teens’ awareness of ChatGPT

Overall, two-thirds of U.S. teens say they have heard of ChatGPT, including 23% who have heard a lot about it. But awareness varies by race and ethnicity, as well as by household income:

A horizontal stacked bar chart showing that most teens have heard of ChatGPT, but awareness varies by race and ethnicity, household income.

72% of White teens say they’ve heard at least a little about ChatGPT, compared with 63% of Hispanic teens and 56% of Black teens.
75% of teens living in households that make $75,000 or more annually have heard of ChatGPT. Much smaller shares in households with incomes between $30,000 and $74,999 (58%) and less than $30,000 (41%) say the same.

Teens who are more aware of ChatGPT are more likely to use it for schoolwork. Roughly a third of teens who have heard a lot about ChatGPT (36%) have used it for schoolwork, far higher than the 10% among those who have heard a little about it.

When do teens think it’s OK for students to use ChatGPT?

For teens, whether it is – or is not – acceptable for students to use ChatGPT depends on what it is being used for.

There is a fair amount of support for using the chatbot to explore a topic. Roughly seven-in-ten teens who have heard of ChatGPT say it’s acceptable to use when they are researching something new, while 13% say it is not acceptable.

A diverging bar chart showing that many teens say it’s acceptable to use ChatGPT for research; few say it’s OK to use it for writing essays.

However, there is much less support for using ChatGPT to do the work itself. Just one-in-five teens who have heard of ChatGPT say it’s acceptable to use it to write essays, while 57% say it is not acceptable. And 39% say it’s acceptable to use ChatGPT to solve math problems, while a similar share of teens (36%) say it’s not acceptable.

Some teens are uncertain about whether it’s acceptable to use ChatGPT for these tasks. Between 18% and 24% say they aren’t sure whether these are acceptable use cases for ChatGPT.

Those who have heard a lot about ChatGPT are more likely than those who have only heard a little about it to say it’s acceptable to use the chatbot to research topics, solve math problems and write essays. For instance, 54% of teens who have heard a lot about ChatGPT say it’s acceptable to use it to solve math problems, compared with 32% among those who have heard a little about it.

Note: Here are the questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and its methodology .

Artificial Intelligence
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Olivia Sidoti is a research assistant focusing on internet and technology research at Pew Research Center

Jeffrey Gottfried is an associate director focusing on internet and technology research at Pew Research Center

Many Americans think generative AI programs should credit the sources they rely on

Americans’ use of chatgpt is ticking up, but few trust its election information, q&a: how we used large language models to identify guests on popular podcasts, striking findings from 2023, what the data says about americans’ views of artificial intelligence, most popular.

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Creative Homework Ideas
Create a board game. Complete a quiz - you could also ask students to write the quiz in groups and then swap and complete for homework. Write a lesson plan for teaching the topic to a younger class. Teach the teacher - create a poster, Complete a series of exercises. Complete a family tree, real or imaginary.
13 Ways to Make Homework More Meaningful and Engaging
The brain loves to do tasks in contexts with which it is familiar. 7. Allow students to collaborate in determining how homework will be assessed. If they help design the criteria for success, such as when they create the rubric for an assignment, they "own" the assignment.
20+ creative alternative homework ideas for teachers
2. Make a board game. This is definitely one of the most creative homework assignments. Let your students come up with an idea for a board game about the lesson content. They have to make cards, and pawns, draw, write, cut, and paste. They have to use their imagination and inventive ideas to create a coherent board game. Click to open.
13 Fun Homework Ideas: The Best Ways To Make Homework Fun
Use a timer. 11. Create a special homework space. 12. Remember to be positive. 13. Get help if you need it. Thankfully, there are ways of making homework less boring and that are a little bit more fun for your child. Whether they need to practice spelling, learn their times tables or revise for an important exam, our top fun homework ideas will ...
Creative Homework Ideas For Your Students
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Published: June 19, 2020. Homework often gets a bad rap. It can be time-consuming for both students and teachers, stressful, and—as some unengaged students love to point out— "boring.". But savvy educators know that the right assignment can engage students on a more meaningful level and lead to better student involvement in the classroom.
Is Homework Ever Fun? 10 Ways Teachers Can Make It More Engaging
Incorporate Art. Most students enjoy engaging in creative thinking. Help make homework more fun and relaxing by adding art-focused assignments to the mix. One idea is to give students options to draw, write a song, or play an instrument in response to a certain book. Chris Cotter, director at Alpros, a language school in Japan, adds that ...
13 Entertaining ESL Homework Ideas to Keep Your Students Engaged
13. Go on a Photo Scavenger Hunt. Give individual students or groups of up to three students a list of items to find on their homework scavenger hunt. But instead of being specific in your list (for example, including items such as cat), be descriptive in your list.
10 Helpful Homework Ideas and Tips for Primary School Teachers
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Creating Engaging Worksheets and Handouts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Define Learning Objectives: Clearly define the learning objectives you want to achieve through the worksheet. This will guide your content selection and ensure that the activities align with your desired outcomes. Step 2: Organize Content and Structure: Break down the information into logical sections or steps.
11 Time-Saving & Engaging ESL Homework Ideas
1.Read A Short Story Or Short Book Chapter. Reading is the foundation of the StoryLearning method and makes for the perfect ESL homework idea. Instead of spending time reading in class, get the students to do it between classes. They can find a quiet time to read the story or chapter as many times as they like.
Homework for ESL Students
These ESL homework ideas are designed to enhance language learning and engage students both in and out of the classroom: Daily journaling, vocabulary flashcards, reading comprehension, listening to podcasts/songs, video diaries, role-play scenarios, grammar worksheets, online games, book club discussions, and a pen pal program.
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Here are 10 fun and entertaining homework ideas for your ESL students: Cafe hopper. Tiktok star. Let's go to the movies. Hello Mr. Teacher. Interview a stranger. Shine like a Karaoke star. Expert on the loose. 24 hour challenge.
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8. Write a journal. Either at the start of the day or before they go to bed, writing a short English entry into a journal is a powerful way of embedding English in students' day-to-day lives. This activity is for most ages, except the youngest kids. Image by Pexels from Pixabay.
13 Fun Homework Ideas: The Best Ways To Make Homework Fun
Set up a homework play date. Go outside. Turn it into a game. Let them play teacher. Use a timer. Create a special homework space. Remember to be positive. Get help if you need i t. Thankfully, there are ways of making homework less boring and that little bit more fun for your child.
10 ESL Homework Ideas and ESL Writing Projects
Find fun, engaging ideas to suit any level! Here at Twinkl, we've compiled a list of 10 ESL homework ideas and writing projects to try with your students. From practising their English skills to sharing their native language, you're sure to find something to suit your pupils' needs. A presentation or report on their country or language.
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Here are 9 Ideas for Engaging Homework Online; 1. Employ tales in the online learning process. A teacher sitting at a computer and utilizing a whiteboard during an online class. 2. Use Prezi Video to go beyond typical online classes. 3. Promote classroom responsibility.
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Session 2: Plan the first scene. Collaboratively write the script for the first scene and do a practice run, figuring out where to film and what problems might arise. Session 3: Record the first scene and plan the next. Make sure students bring appropriate costumes and props for the first scene.
Fun with Geography
Have your class come up with fun ideas to engage others in geography, or start a geography or outdoors club at your school. Here's some help from the National Council for Geographic Education to get started. Find Your Birthday Coordinates. Use the month for latitude and day for longitude. For example, if your birthday is November 26, your ...
Empower Your Clients: Effective Therapy Homework Ideas Unveiled
Drama Therapy: Encourage clients to engage in role-playing exercises or create and act out scenes to explore different perspectives and gain insights into their own experiences. For additional therapy homework ideas for creative expressive arts activities, refer to our article on therapy homework for self-expression.
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When it comes to therapeutic homework, there are various activities that can support the healing process and enhance personal growth. Here are some examples of therapeutic homework ideas that can be beneficial for individuals seeking self-improvement and emotional well-being: Daily Gratitude Practice. Engaging in a daily gratitude practice is a ...
Activities & Materials
Our activity collections help teachers design themes that connect and reinforce concepts and prepare classrooms for intentional activities across multiple areas of development. Activities support language, literacy, social-emotional, mathematics, and science skills. Each activity is matched to a specific age group (from 0 months through six years).
Use of ChatGPT for schoolwork among US teens
About 1 in 5 U.S. teens who've heard of ChatGPT have used it for schoolwork. By. Olivia Sidoti and Jeffrey Gottfried. (Maskot/Getty Images) Roughly one-in-five teenagers who have heard of ChatGPT say they have used it to help them do their schoolwork, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17.
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AstroDevam / TOI Astrology / Apr 23, 2024, 00:20 IST. AA. Follow us. Gemini's active day, fueled by Mercury, offers learning opportunities and innovative solutions. Engage in discussions, new ...

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20+ creative alternative homework ideas for teachers

20 Creative homework ideas

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2. Make a board game

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6. Visit the zoo

7. Visit the local dumping ground or container park

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Games and activities as homework

10. Minecraft

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Physical homework activities

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18. Video job application

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22. Help in a retirement home

23. Help at a homeless shelter

24. Collect litter

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Creative Homework Ideas for Teachers that Make Online Learning More Engaging

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