The art of teaching English

Guest post : Mehnaz Rajab The most powerful and easiest way to achieve fluency in any language is through shadowing. It has an amazing impact on a language learner’s journey and helps build natural confidence in speaking. As a non-native speaker, I found it quite challenging to get on track with speaking English. There were times I hesitated to talk, worried about grammar mistakes or pronunciation errors. But after spending time researching how to learn a language effectively, I discovered a method called shadowing, which completely changed the way I practiced English. Shadowing simply means listening to a native speaker and repeating what they say at the same time, following their rhythm, tone, and pronunciation. It might sound simple, but the results are powerful. When I started shadowing, I used short videos, speeches, and podcasts. At first, it felt strange because I couldn’t keep up with the speed. But with daily practice, I began to notice progress. My pronunciation improved, my ...

  Guest post :Asma Sherifdeen It was a rainy Tuesday morning the kind of day when even the students seem sleepy. I gave my grade 9 class a simple task: “Write an essay about someone who inspires you.” As usual, some groaned, some smiled, and a few just stared at the paper. After collecting the essays, one caught my eye. It was from a boy who rarely spoke in class always sitting at the back, doodling in his book. His essay was titled “My English Teacher.” I smiled, thinking he must have chosen someone else, but as I read, I froze. He had written about me. About how he used to hate English because he couldn’t understand it, and how one day, when I told him, “It’s okay to make mistakes that’s how we learn,” it changed how he felt about the subject. That essay reminded me why I chose this profession. It’s not just about tenses, essays, or comprehension it’s about building confidence, little by little. Sometimes, one kind sentence can mean more than an entire lesson plan. Since that day...

Teaching English gave me many happy moments. But one day, something funny happened that I will always remember. I was teaching a new word. I said it very confidently. But then, all my students started laughing. At first, I did not understand why they laughed. I asked, “Why are you laughing?” One student said the word again, and then I knew my mistake. I said the word wrong, and it sounded like a funny different word. I felt embarrassed and my face turned red. I didn’t know what to say for a moment. But then I laughed with the students and said, “Even teachers make mistakes!” After that, the class felt happy and relaxed. The students saw that it’s okay to make mistakes. They felt more comfortable learning English. We all laughed together and had a good time. Now, I think that moment was very important. It showed me that laughter helps learning. It also helped me connect better with my students. A small funny mistake can teach a big lesson. That day, I did not only teach English, but I a...

Learning English is not always easy. Many learners make common mistakes that can slow down their progress. Knowing these mistakes can help you avoid them and improve faster. Here are some common errors learners often make: 1. Using Wrong Verb Tenses  Many learners mix up past, present, and future tenses. For example, saying “I go yesterday” instead of “I went yesterday.” Practice using the correct tense to speak clearly. 2. Incorrect Word Order  English sentences usually follow a subject-verb-object order. Sometimes learners say, “She always happy is,” which should be “She is always happy.” 3. Confusing Similar Words   Words like “their,” “there,” and “they’re” sound similar but have different meanings. Using the wrong one can confuse listeners or readers. 4. Pronunciation Errors  Some English sounds do not exist in other languages. This makes pronunciation hard, like saying “sheet” instead of “seat.” Listening and repeating can help improve this. 5. Not Practic...

  Storytelling is a fun and effective way to learn and teach English. When we listen to or read stories, we connect with the language naturally. Stories help us remember new words and phrases better because they are interesting and meaningful. Using stories in the classroom encourages creativity and improves speaking skills. Teachers can tell stories, show picture books, or even ask students to create their own stories. This helps students practice grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation in a fun way. Stories also introduce students to different cultures and ways of life. For example, fairy tales from English-speaking countries teach morals and traditions while helping learners understand the language better. To use storytelling effectively, teachers should choose stories that match the students’ level. They can ask questions about the story, encourage students to act out parts, or discuss the characters. This keeps students engaged and helps them use English actively. In short, sto...

A dictionary is an important tool for anyone learning English. It helps you understand new words, improve your pronunciation, and use words correctly. Here are some easy tips to use a dictionary well. 1. Learn the Meaning  When you find a new word, look it up in the dictionary. Read the meaning carefully and try to understand it. If the meaning is difficult, check for simpler explanations or examples. 2. Listen to Pronunciation Many online dictionaries have sound buttons to hear how a word is pronounced. Listening and repeating helps you speak English more clearly and confidently. 3. Check the Word Type    A dictionary tells you if a word is a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. Knowing this helps you use the word correctly in sentences. 4. Look at Example Sentences   Example sentences show how the word is used in real life. Read them to learn how to use the word naturally. 5. Practice Writing   Try to write your own sentences using new words from the diction...