If you’re an ESL teacher, it’s not uncommon to have students who are young children, as well as some who are well into their adulthood. Teaching adult learners ESL can look different depending on their exposure to English. Some students are true beginners and have never spoken a word of English in their lives. Others have informal experience with speaking, but may have never learned to read and write. And then you have the students who know the basics of speaking, reading, and writing but want to master the language once and for all.
Regardless of what level your adult student is at, it’s important to keep in mind that teaching someone with life experience isn’t all that different from teaching a young students. Of course, you want to treat them appropriately and respectfully. But your lesson plans will
all depends on their comfortability with English, which is why we’ve pulled together the best ESL worksheets and activities for adult learners. Some of the main topics that will be applicable to adult learners are jobs and professions, as well as social issues. However, it’s important to cover the essential curriculum, too, like grammar, reading and writing.
Grammar
Oftentimes, adult learners have already adapted the English language with slang and informal phrases. There’s nothing wrong with them using colloquial terms, but it’s important to remind them that there is a “right” and “wrong” way to form sentences.