Let's Talk TEFL

Hosted by Jackie Bolen

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Latest episode

Jun 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the Let’s Talk TEFL podcast with Jackie Bolen and Jennifer Smith. We’re going to discuss everything ESL/EFL teaching, including experiences teaching abroad, activity and game ideas, teaching tips, interviews with old friends, and more. Come join us in the Let’s Talk TEFL teacher’s lounge for some inspiration and entertainment!

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60 recent

June 6, 2025Episode 7120 min

ESL Classroom Energizers: Ideas to Get Some Life Back into the Classroom

Send a textDo you ever feel like there's no energy in your classroom? Not to worry! That's where these fun classroom energizers come in. Jackie and Jen share their favourite games and activities to help students have some fun and learn at the same time. These classroom energizers are ideal for a serious case of the Monday morning blues, or the Friday afternoon distraction! See even more ideas on YouTube: Top 10 Classroom Energizers. Be sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to this podcast. We'd really appreciate it!103 Low-Prep ESL Speaking Games and Activities (on Amazon)Jackie on TikTokJackie on InstagramJackie on PinterestPodcast InformationSupport the show

May 22, 2025Episode 7025 min

Teaching Spelling (for ESL/EFL): Does it Matter, Plus Games & Activities

Send a textThese days, doesn't everyone basically just use computers to write and spell-check? If that's the case, does teaching spelling to English learners have any value?Spoiler: Jackie and Jen think it does! We'll share our reasons why, and also talk about some of our favourite ESL spelling games and activities. Be sure to check out my top 5 ESL spelling games on YouTube.Have a listen and do us a favour, please! Leave a review wherever you listened to this. We'd really appreciate it! 49 ESL Writing Activities and Games (on Amazon)Jackie on TikTokJackie on InstagramJackie on PinterestPodcast InformationSupport the show

December 14, 2024Episode 6922 min

Tips for Newbie ESL/EFL Teachers

Send a textIn this episode, Jackie and Jennifer are sharing their top tips for newbie English teachers. Some of the tips include professional development, letting bad classes go, how to make a simple ESL lesson plan and more. You're sure to find some useful things to take into your next class!Have a listen, and if you like our podcast, please be sure to leave a review wherever you downloaded this episode from. We'd really appreciate it!ESL/EFL Teaching Practice and Methodology (on Amazon)Jackie on TikTokJackie on InstagramJackie on PinterestPodcast InformationSupport the show

November 25, 2024Episode 6823 min

How to Handle Disruptive or Difficult Students in an ESL/EFL Class

Send a textAll teachers have had to deal with a difficult or disruptive student. There's often one in every class and sometimes a few of them within the same class! Jackie and Jennifer share some of their top strategies for managing these students in an effective way, whether kids or adults. These include focusing on positive reinforcement, developing a rapport with students, avoiding downtime, and lots more ideas. Have a listen, and if you like our podcast, please be sure to leave a review wherever you downloaded this episode from. We'd really appreciate it!ESL/EFL Teaching Practice and Methodology (on Amazon)Jackie on TikTokJackie on InstagramJackie on PinterestPodcast InformationSupport the show

August 16, 2024Episode 6732 min

How to Teach Very High-Level English Learners

Send a textTeaching very advanced English learners can be a little more challenging than teaching beginners for a variety of reasons. Jackie and Jennifer share all of their tips and tricks such as using authentic materials, along with suggestions for activities to do with your students who are pushing to become fluent in English. ESL/EFL Teaching Practice and Methodology (on Amazon)Jackie on TikTokJackie on InstagramJackie on PinterestPodcast InformationSupport the show

August 2, 2024Episode 6633 min

Refill the Well and Beat the ESL Teaching Burnout!

Send a textIt's summer vacation for many teachers, and let's be honest, it can't come soon enough for many people! It's easy to feel the burnout when you're teaching English. We talk about some of the most common reasons why ESL teachers might feel burnt out, and then offer some suggestions for how to fill your well back up again before you hit the classroom. ESL/EFL Teaching Practice and Methodology (on Amazon)Jackie on TikTokJackie on InstagramJackie on PinterestPodcast InformationSupport the show

July 19, 2024Episode 6514 min

Pros and Cons of Using the L1 in English Class

Send a textShould teachers use the first language of the students in the classroom, or conduct the class entirely in English? It's an important question and one that's often up for debate in the TEFL world. Find out the pros and cons of using a shared first language with the students in an ESL/EFL class.ESL/EFL Teaching Practice and Methodology (on Amazon)Jackie on TikTokJackie on InstagramJackie on PinterestPodcast InformationSupport the show

July 5, 2024Episode 6412 min

Tips for Teaching English to Adult Beginners

Send a textJackie talks about all things teaching English to adult beginners. Teaching ESL to lower-level adults can be quite tricky because they often lack confidence. Here are some tips and tricks for building confidence, including making the class as student-centred as possible, doing a needs analysis and focusing on vocabulary. Find Out More:ESL/EFL Teaching Practice and Methodology (on Amazon)Jackie on TikTokJackie on InstagramJackie on PinterestPodcast InformationSupport the show

June 21, 2024Episode 6327 min

Test Prep: How to Prepare Students for the IELTS/TOEFL/TOEIC/CELPIP

Send a textJackie and Jennifer talk all things preparing students for English proficiency exams like the TOEFL, TOIEC, CELPIP, or IELTS. We give some tips and tricks, strategies, and things to avoid like the plague. Help students improve their English exam scores with these pro-level tips!Find Out More:TOEFL Reading TipsIELTS Speaking TipsJackie on TikTokJackie on InstagramJackie on PinterestPodcast InformationSupport the show

June 7, 2024Episode 6233 min

Task Based Learning and Teaching

Send a textJackie and Jennifer talk all things task-based learning and teaching. Level up your English classes with all ages and levels by incorporating some task-based activities. We talk about the reasons to use this style of lesson, as well as some of the classic activities to use. Find Out More:Task-Based Language TeachingIntro to Task-Based Learning on YouTubeTask-Based Language Activities on YouTubeJackie on TikTokJackie on InstagramJackie on PinterestPodcast InformationSupport the show