Communicating with new music artists

Why not start a conversation with an artist today? It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Emerging artists, especially those with smaller listener bases, are in dire need of your support. They need people to listen to their music and to engage with it actively. Comments and replies not only boost their visibility but also help foster a community around their work.

From Rajabhat to the World

How Thailand’s love of music inspired my creative journey.

Teaching English at Rajabhat Phetchaburi was rewarding in ways I never expected. Thailand’s vibrant culture, its warm people, and its students’ eagerness to learn made every day special. I found that music wasn’t just a way to entertain; it was an effective teaching tool.

A teaching room of your own

It's not just about having a space to teach; it's about creating a hub for learning, laughter, and lifelong memories.

Starting out as a floating teacher meant I didn't have a proper classroom for the first two years. It was like being a nomad in the world of education, but it taught me to adapt like a pro.

Longer classroom activities

Here is a selection of tried and trusted longer activities that are much than just lesson-fillers and warmers.

Activities for all ages and levels including role-plays, debates, grammar focus and some simply to get students using their imaginations.

The importance of planning lessons

Planning lessons also includes seating arrangements don't forget.

Get a notebook and jot down how you see your lesson going in your head, from the warmer to the presentation to the summary. This doesn’t mean you’re teaching by numbers; it just gives you a basic framework.

On entering the classroom

On your first day as a teacher, winging it is not an option.

The best way to be confident is to be prepared. Have a broad idea of how your first few lessons are going to go. If you can get hold of a lesson plan or course book beforehand, then wonderful. If not, at least have a ‘getting to know you’ type of lesson up your sleeve.

Ways of teaching

Do you know your TBL from your ESA and CLT?

Great debates rage as to whether PPP is outdated, if TPR works for everyone and if ESA is really PPP in disguise. The good news is that the basics remain simple – keep students entertained and give them a chance to use what they are learning.

Edutainment is all about balance

Postbox letter from James

Having been in the edutainment game for most of the last 17 years, the key, I find, is find a good balance.

Incorporating community language learning in your class

A great 4-skills lesson for intermediate level English Language learners

This 4-part lesson plan (LP) is intended for roughly 8 to 15 intermediate to high intermediate level students. In my experience, many English Language classes last about 2 hours, so I’m estimating about 30 minutes for each part, which should provide ample time.