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The Art of Creating Engaging Lesson Plans or Online English Classes


Creating engaging lesson plans for your English classes, whether abroad or online

Let’s face it—creating lesson plans for online English classes can feel like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. But fear not! With a few key strategies, you can turn any virtual class into a dynamic, engaging experience. And yes, even the most camera-shy students will be unmuting themselves in no time!


Start with a bang! 

Or at least a warm-up that gets students talking and laughing before you even dive into the lesson. Think of this as the educational equivalent of warming up before a run—you don’t sprint immediately, right?  For adult learners, consider activities that stimulate conversation. For kids, try simple activities like “Two Truths and a Lie” or a quick game of Pictionary with vocabulary words. This gets everyone engaged from the start and sets the tone for an interactive class.


Segment your lesson plan into smaller, digestible parts

No one, and I mean no one, enjoys a three-hour grammar lecture, not even your grammar-loving grandmother. Instead, keep things concise and digestible. Break lessons into 10-15 minute segments, focusing on one topic at a time. Use slides, visuals, or short videos to explain the concept, and then throw in a quick practice activity. The trick is to keep students moving between listening and doing.


For difficult grammar concepts, mixing humor or real-world examples. For instance, explain the present perfect tense by having students describe “the best thing they’ve eaten this week.” Not only does it clarify the concept, but it also keeps things fun and relevant.


Interaction is essential!

Your webcam isn’t the only thing that needs to be "on"—so do your students. To avoid becoming the dreaded talking head on a screen, aim for a lesson where your students participate at least every few minutes. Whether it’s through polls, group work in breakout rooms, or asking questions directly, keep the students practicing and talking.


For vocabulary lessons, try throwing out a word and challenging students to give examples of when they would use it. Or, have students come up with their own questions to quiz each other. The more involved they are, the more invested they will be in the material.  Use platforms like Kahoot! or Quizlet to gamify learning for vocabulary or grammar. Partner students up in breakout rooms for role-plays or discussions to encourage conversation practice. For listening practice, display short clips from movies, podcasts, YouTube or TikTok (just screen them first!). Mix it up to keep everyone interested and engaged. Variety is key, so don’t be afraid to experiment!


Let’s be Frank here—no one wants to talk about Jane’s trip to the supermarket or Tom’s boring office job for the fifth time. Instead, tailor your lesson content to things that your students are interested in and actually care about. Whether it’s pop culture, sports, or travel, find ways to tie in relatable topics. You’ll be surprised how much more engaged students are when they are learning how to describe their favorite Netflix show or practice ordering food from their dream vacation spot.


Don’t forget to ask your students for input—sometimes the best lesson topics come straight from them. Always leave time at the end of class for a wrap-up that is short, sweet, and memorable. Give a quick recap of the main points and celebrate progress. For children, end with a fun closing activity, like a “speed round” of vocabulary or a class-wide challenge. Throw in a bit of humor, and you’ll leave your students smiling—and eager to join the next session.


You’re not alone in this. Creating engaging lesson plans for online English classes can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With these strategies, you will not only keep your students entertained but also ensure they are learning effectively. Thoughtful planning allows teachers to adapt their lessons to accommodate various learning styles and needs, ensuring that every student feels valued and included.


As online education continues to grow, the ability to design captivating lesson plans will not only enhance teaching effectiveness but also foster a love for learning in students. Ultimately, with practice and creativity, educators can effortlessly develop lesson plans that inspire, motivate, and engage learners in the online classroom.


 

If you are reading this and have not yet taken a TEFL certification course, or if you have done so but still feel ill-equipped, consider earning a TEFL certification through Argo TEFL. Our 120 hour online TEFL course and expert guidance prepares teachers to feel confident with creating lesson plans and teaching a variety of learners.



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