Top Ten Gift Ideas for ESL Teachers

The wish lists of teachers of English as a second or foreign language (ESL or EFL) differ from those of other English teachers, but there’s still plenty of items on them that make affordable, easy-to-find gifts. Forget the coffee cups and scented candles and make your favorite ESL teacher smile with one of these practical gift ideas.

1) Listening material
Quality listening activities are always in demand in an ESL class. A collection of recordings based on realistic situations and accompanied by vocabulary and grammar exercises will be much appreciated. Northstar: Focus on Listening and Speaking published by Pearson ESL is a good choice for adult learners, but almost any compilation of listening material will be useful.

2) Textbooks
For those times when it’s just not possible for the teacher to plan as much as they’d like, books of fully developed lessons are a lifesaver. The best focus on everyday situations and encourage thinking beyond just correct language use. Some series that work well are Northstar published by Pearson ESL, Inside Out from MacMillon and Tapestry from Heinle & Heinle.

3) Discussion-starter material
Most ESL classes, particularly advanced level, go through a lot of discussion material. Books that pose ethical questions help teachers always have a meaty conversation starter ready. For those who teach adults, pick up a book like 101 Ethical Dilemmas by Martin Cohen or Hard Choices: Ethics Dilemmas from Frank Schaffer Publications. Younger learners can enjoy Two Sides to Every Story: Ethics, Dilemmas and Points of View by Greta Barclay Lipson. Lateral thinking puzzles are not only great for discussion, but can also be turned into games or fillers. Outstanding Lateral Thinking Puzzles by Paul Sloane and Des MacHale and One-Minute Brainteasers by Alan Stillson are two books to consider.