Scaffolding the comparatives with adults

 I created these comparison cards (I know, nothing revolutionary!) for my adult group at A2+ level. They’re designed to practice comparatives and the as…as structure in a fun, visual, and interactive way. Although I made them with adults in mind, you can easily adapt them for teenagers as well. The cards are flexible and can be used at different stages of a lesson — from controlled practice to freer speaking tasks.

There are three types of cards:

1. Cards with two things, adjectives, and pre-filled stars (guided practice).

2. Cards with two things and adjectives, but blank stars for students to decide (semi-guided).

3. Cards with blank spaces for students to choose the two things and adjectives themselves, and colour in the stars (freer production).

Here’s how you could use them step by step with adult A2 learners:

Cards with Provided Stars (Controlled Practice)

Purpose: introduce/reinforce structures, lower cognitive load.

• Activity Idea – Sentence Builders
  Give each student/pair a card with two things (e.g., Pizza vs. Salad).
  Students read the stars and make at least 3 sentences:

  • Pizza is more delicious than salad.

  • Salad is not as expensive as pizza.
    Teacher monitors accuracy.

• Variation – Race to Compare
  Split class into teams. Show a card on the board.
  Teams take turns making correct comparative sentences. Each correct one = 1 point.

Why it works: Controlled input → clear visual support with stars → helps low-level students build accuracy before moving to freer tasks.

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Cards with Blank Stars but Pre-Chosen Adjectives (Semi-Guided Practice)

Purpose: encourage choice, personalization, and discussion.

• Activity Idea – Rank & Talk
  In pairs, students decide how many stars each side gets (e.g., Is salad healthier than pizza?).
  They must then explain and compare:

  • We think pizza is not as healthy as salad, because…

• Variation – Class Survey
  Each pair ranks their card, then compares with another pair. Do they agree?
  Quick plenary discussion: Who thinks pizza is more popular than salad? Hands up!

Why it works: Semi-controlled → still guided by provided adjectives, but requires decision-making, negotiation, and justification (key for adults).

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Cards with Blank Things + Blank Adjectives (Freer Practice)

Purpose: free production, creativity, personalization, fluency.

• Activity Idea – Create & Compare
  In small groups, students choose two things (e.g., Netflix vs. Cinema) and 4–5 adjectives (fun, expensive, relaxing).
  They decide the stars and present their comparisons to the class:

  • The cinema is more expensive than Netflix.

  • Netflix is not as social as the cinema.

• Variation – “Challenge the Class”
  A group presents their card without saying the stars. Other groups guess how they ranked it by asking comparative questions:

  • Is Netflix as interesting as cinema?

  • Is cinema more expensive than Netflix?

Why it works: Freer task → promotes autonomy, creativity, and student-centered learning. It also taps into adults’ experiences and opinions, which increases motivation and engagement.

Extra Tips for Adults:

• Encourage opinions: “Do you agree with the stars?” → sparks authentic speaking.

• Allow pair/group negotiation: Adults like reasoning, not just drills.

• Extend to mini-debates: e.g., “Living in the city is better than in the countryside” — agree/disagree.

If you want, you can download my cards here: CARDS

A TWISTER CHALLENGE REVISION GAME

 Looking for a way to make grammar and vocabulary revision more exciting? I bought a pack of jelly beans and that gave me the idea to turn them into a revision game for my students. Of course not eating or playing with jelly beans themselves :) The result was the Twister challenge revision game – a mix of knowledge, luck, and a little bit of fun competition that turned a routine review lesson into one of the most engaging classes of the semester.

Why This Game Works

Revision lessons often risk becoming repetitive. Students practise the same grammar structures, phrasal verbs, or idioms, but without much energy. By adding a game element and a touch of surprise, the Twister Challenge makes revision interactive and memorable.

• Revision in disguise – Students spin the arrow, choose a category, and answer a task. They’re revising phrasal verbs, idioms, or word formation – but because it feels like a game, the pressure is off and participation goes up.

• Points = motivation – Instead of just being “right or wrong,” students earn (or lose!) points through fun prompts: “Double your score!”, “Lose 3 points!”, or “Swap with the other team!”. The randomness keeps everyone on edge.

• Collaboration – Teams work together to solve language tasks, explain grammar rules, or invent examples. This strengthens not just their language skills, but also their teamwork.

• Relationships & atmosphere – The silly “penalties” (like starting from zero or losing points to the other team) often lead to laughter, which builds a positive group dynamic and lowers the fear of making mistakes.

What Students Practise

The game can easily be adapted to any level, but at B2 it’s especially effective for:

• Phrasal verbs – e.g. come up with, break down, set off

• Grammar structures – conditionals, passive voice, cleft sentences, inversion

• Vocabulary – collocations, topic-based words, tricky synonyms

• Idioms & expressions – the last straw, cost an arm and a leg, bite the bullet

• Word formation – exam-style transformations (base word → correct form)

• Functions / communication – polite requests, giving advice, agreeing/disagreeing

Teachers can use all six categories or select the ones most relevant for their group.

Takeaway

Games like this remind us that learning is social. When students laugh, compete, and collaborate, they remember language better. The Jelly Bean Challenge transforms a simple revision class into a shared experience – one that students actually talk about afterwards.

So next time you need to revise grammar or vocabulary, try mixing it with a spinner, some point prompts, and (optional) jelly beans. You might find it’s the sweetest way to learn.

Game Instructions

Teams compete to earn the most points by answering English questions correctly. Points are won or lost through the combination of categories, tasks, and jelly bean point prompts.

What You Need

• A spinner (to choose the category). Or you can use th eonline one.

• A set of task cards for each category.

• A set of point prompt cards (rewards & penalties).

• A scoreboard (whiteboard, paper, or digital).

• Optional: Mr Twister jelly beans for the “fun twist.”

Categories (6 total)  

1. Phrasal Verbs 

2. Grammar Structures

3. Vocabulary

4. Idioms & Expressions

5. Word Formation

6. Functions / Communication

How to Play

1. Spin the Arrow

   • A team spins the arrow to choose their category.

2. Pick a Task 

   • The teacher (or another team) draws one task card from that category.

   • The team has 30–60 seconds to answer or as the promts says.

3. Check the Answer 

   • If the answer is correct → the team earns the chance to draw a Point Prompt card.

   • If the answer is wrong → the other team may try to “steal” by answering.

4. Draw a Point Prompt 

   • Good flavors = rewards (e.g. “+5 points,” “double your score”).

   • Weird flavors = penalties (e.g. “lose 3 points,” “start from zero”).

5. Record Points 

   • Keep track of points on the scoreboard.

6. Continue Play 

   • Teams take turns spinning, answering, and drawing prompts.

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Winning the Game

• The game continues until:

  • all categories are played through, OR

  • a set time limit is reached (e.g. 30 minutes).

• The team with the highest number of points wins.

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Extra Variations

• Double Trouble: A team can risk answering a harder question for double prompts (two draws instead of one).

• Steal Mode: If the first team fails, the second team gets both the task AND the point prompt if correct.

• Speed Round: In the last 5 minutes, all tasks are worth double points.

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This way, the game mixes knowledge (tasks) with luck (prompts) — keeping it fair, fun, and full of surprises.

I have created a ready-to-use set for B2 level students. It contains:

- 2 pdf files of a category cirlce (BW and colour)

- 20 tasks for each category = 120 tasks alltogether

- 20 rewards/penalties prompts

It can be yours for 30PLN

AUTONOMY IN ACTION: TEAR-OFF FLYERS

 

What It Is

Tear-off flyers are classroom posters with small strips (tabs) at the bottom. Each strip contains a question, word, or task. Students rip off a strip and use it to speak, write, or complete a mini-challenge.

This activity is interactive, flexible, and motivating because it combines movement, choice, and surprise. Learners don’t just get “given a task” — they choose their own tab, which provides a sense of autonomy and ownership over learning. This makes them more engaged, less anxious, and more willing to speak.

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Why It Works

• Autonomy & Choice → students select their own question/topic.

• Personalization → topics are varied, surprising, and easy to connect with.

• Movement & Energy → students move around the room, adding fun and novelty.

• Flexibility → one set of flyers can be used for warmers, fluency practice, pair work, or homework.

• Reusability → once created, flyers can be reused with different groups.

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What’s Included in the pack?

🔹 Tear-Off Flyers – B2 Level

• 6 Topics × 9 Questions each (54 questions total)
  Examples: Travel, Food, School

• Students speak for 1–2 minutes, using examples and extended answers.

🔹 Tear-Off Flyers – A2 Level

• 6 Topics × 9 Questions each (54 questions total)
  Examples: Travel, Food,  Daily Life

• Students answer in at least 2 sentences (answer + reason/explanation).

🔹 Story Chain Strips

• 27 strips with random words/phrases.

• Students continue one big class story, each time including their strip.

• Great for fluency and creativity.

🔹 Find Someone Who Strips

• 27 surprising/funny prompts (e.g., Find someone who has sung in the shower).

• Students mingle, ask questions, and collect mini-stories.

• Fun icebreaker or energizer.

🔹 Homework Extension Strips

• 27 creative homework ideas (e.g., make a comic, record a 1-minute podcast, teach a new word at home).

• Students choose one to extend their learning after class.

• Promotes autonomy and different learning styles.

🔹 Blank Flyers

• Editable, ready-to-print templates with empty tear-off strips.

• Teachers or students can create their own sets of questions, vocabulary, or challenges.

 

         

How to Use in Class

1. Preparation

   • Print flyers by topic (e.g., Food, Travel, Hobbies).

   • Each flyer has 6–12 tear-off tabs with different prompts.

   • Stick the flyers on the classroom walls.

2. Activity

   • Students walk around the classroom, choose the flyer/topic they like, and tear off one question.

   • They speak individually, in pairs, or in groups.

   • Peers or the teacher can ask follow-up questions to extend speaking.

3. Correction / Feedback

   • Teacher listens and gives quick feedback on grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation.

   • Peers can also give supportive feedback (e.g., “I liked your example,” “You used new words well”).

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With this pack, you can:

• Energize your speaking lessons.

• Differentiate tasks easily across levels (A2 vs. B2).

• Reuse flyers as warmers, fluency tasks, or homework.

• Give students choice and make learning feel less like “schoolwork” and more like play.

It can be yours for 25PLN.

FIRST WEEK MAGIC

The beginning of the school year is always stressful – new classes, students full of energy after the holidays, and a long list of organizational tasks on the teacher’s shoulders. On top of that, coming up with creative activities to break the ice and build classroom atmosphere can feel overwhelming.

That’s why I created the eBook “First Week Magic – 15 Creative Activities for the Start of the School Year” 

Inside you’ll find ready-to-use ideas not only for the very first lesson but also for the first few classes – so you can start the year calmly, with tried-and-true activities at your fingertips.

It includes, for example:
✅ Human Bingo – a great way to get everyone talking
✅ Speed Dating – Summer Edition – quick and fun introductions
✅ Puzzle of Us – a visual activity to build group identity
✅ Class Recipe and Island Survival Contract – creative ways to make a class contract together

Many activities come with printable materials – in both a colorful and a black-and-white version, so you can choose what works best.

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Why is this eBook worth the investment?

✔️ Save time – no need to search for or prepare activities yourself.
✔️ Get 15 tried and tested activities that engage students and create a positive classroom atmosphere.
✔️ Clear step-by-step instructions – no stress, just results.
✔️ Use the ideas not only in the first week, but also later in the year for integration, substitute lessons, or energy breaks.
✔️ The ideas stay with you forever.

Special launch price: 49 PLN until September 12th!
After that, the price will rise to 69 PLN – so don’t miss the chance to get it cheaper now.

Let your first lessons be full of conversations, laughter, and energy – not stress and last-minute searching for ideas. 

Summer Bingo Chart

 

The first days back at school are a mix of excitement, nerves, and endless stories to share. One of the easiest (and most fun) ways to break the ice and get your students talking is with a Summer Bingo Chart. I got the idea from some website (Polish version), I just changed the content abit and the design.

What Is a Summer Bingo Chart?
It’s exactly what it sounds like—a bingo-style grid filled with prompts about summer activities. Instead of numbers, each square has a lighthearted statement such as:

• “Went swimming in a pool or lake”

• “Ate ice cream for breakfast”

• “Read a book just for fun”

• “Traveled to another city or country”

• “Watched a movie more than once”

The goal? Get students up, moving, and talking as they find classmates who match each square.

How to Use It in Your Classroom

1. Hand Out the Bingo Cards
   Give each student a Summer Bingo sheet and a pen or pencil.

2. Set the Rules
   Students walk around and talk to each other, asking questions to see if someone fits a square. When they find a match, that person writes their name in the box. (You can decide if they can sign their own square!)

3. Encourage Conversation
   The magic isn’t in shouting “Bingo!”—it’s in the chatter that happens along the way. Students will share fun facts, swap summer stories, and make new connections.

4. Wrap Up with Sharing
   Once the activity winds down, gather everyone together and invite them to share the most surprising, funny, or unique things they learned about their classmates.

Why It Works

• Breaks the ice naturally—no forced “stand up and introduce yourself” moments.

• Encourages movement—students mingle, which eases first-day jitters.

• Fosters community—kids find common ground they didn’t know they had.

Whether your students spent the summer traveling the globe or just perfecting the art of the perfect popsicle, the Summer Bingo Chart gives everyone a reason to smile and connect from day one.

Help yourself to the chart: Summer Bingo Chart

Back-to-School Speaking Fun

 As the new school year soon begins, it's the perfect time to ease students back into speaking English confidently — and have some fun along the way! To do just that, I’ve created a set of 50 engaging speaking challenge cards designed for B2-level learners. These cards focus on summer holidays, travel, and free time, while revising key grammar and vocabulary in a playful, communicative context.

To make things even more interactive, I’ve also designed a board game that works perfectly with the cards, turning speaking practice into a lively classroom adventure.

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What Are the Speaking Challenge Cards?

These are 50 task-based speaking prompts that encourage students to:

• Share real or imagined travel stories

• Use key grammar (past tenses, conditionals, modals, comparatives, etc.)

• Recycle vocabulary around holidays, activities, and free time

• Collaborate, debate, and role-play with their classmates

Each card poses a challenge — from “Tell us a story using three past tenses” to “Create a travel app” or “Describe your dream picnic.” Some are quick and fun, others require creativity and storytelling — perfect for building fluency and confidence.

    

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Language Skills Covered

• Speaking fluency and accuracy

• Grammar in context: past tenses, conditionals, modals, etc.

• Vocabulary: travel phrases, activity-related collocations, summer idioms, descriptive language

• Functional language: giving advice, making suggestions, expressing preferences, persuading

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 How to Use the Cards

Here are several classroom-friendly ways to make the most of the cards:

 1. Board Game Version (Highly Recommended!)

I created a printable game board where students move around by rolling dice and drawing a challenge card for each stop. You can:

• Divide the class into small teams or pairs.

• Use tokens or coins as markers.

• Set a timer (e.g., 1–2 minutes per challenge).

• Award points based on creativity, grammar accuracy, or effort.

I added bonus spaces with instructions like: freeze, pass the question, move forward.

2. Mystery Box Challenge

Put the cards in an envelope, box, or bag. Students draw randomly and complete the challenge solo, in pairs, or as a team. Great as a warmer or filler!

 3. Speed Rounds / Stations

Set up speaking stations around the classroom with different cards. Students rotate every few minutes, practicing a variety of skills with new partners.

 4. Digital Spin Wheel

For online or hybrid classes, upload the card prompts to a random spinner or digital tool. Have students spin, speak, and interact from their screens.

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 Teacher Tips

• Use as a diagnostic at the beginning of term to assess speaking fluency, vocabulary range, and grammar awareness.

• Differentiate by assigning easier or more complex challenges based on group level or confidence.

• Gamify with a point system or badges for specific goals (e.g., “Best Use of a Modal,” “Most Creative Story”).

• Follow up with writing tasks: “Write a blog post based on your story,” or “Create a poster for your dream destination.”

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 Why It Works

After a long break, students often need low-pressure, high-interest tasks to get back into the rhythm of English. These cards:

• Encourage meaningful communication

• Foster creativity and laughter

• Provide opportunities for peer interaction

• Build confidence through structured spontaneity

The set can be yours for 25zloty.

Gardening Idioms

 If you’re an English teacher, language learner, or conversation club leader looking to bring some fun and idiomatic expressions into your lessons, you're in the right place!

I've created 20 conversation questions using gardening idioms—perfect for building vocabulary, encouraging thoughtful discussion, and adding some greenery to your classroom or study group.

Below, you’ll find all 20 questions. Each card features a question with an idiom and a simple explanation in brackets to help learners understand and use the idiom correctly.

Feel free to copy, print, or share these! Gardening cards

   

Tips for Using These Cards

• In the classroom: Use them for warm-ups, pair work, or group discussions.

• In conversation clubs: Perfect for sparking engaging dialogue and idiom practice.

The “Third Favourite” Game – Inspired by a Student

  

This idea came from one of my students who said she enjoys spending time with children because “they ask the most unusual questions.” One example she gave:
“What’s your third favourite thing?”

I loved the creativity and randomness of it so much that I turned it into a full set of questions! 

Why third favourite?
Because it skips the obvious answers and gets people thinking more deeply or unexpectedly. It’s fun, surprising, and often hilarious.

      

🎲 How to use this set:

• Great as an icebreaker with students, friends, or in team-building sessions

• Use it as a warm-up in language lessons or drama workshops

• Play it during road trips, family dinners, or game nights

• Try it in journaling or creative writing prompts

👥 How to play:

1. One person asks a “What’s your third favourite…” question.

2. The other has to answer without saying their first or second favourite.

3. Bonus: Ask why it’s their third – the reasoning is often the best part!

I've prepared 50 ready-to-use questions to get you started – from “What’s your third favourite pizza topping?” to “What’s your third favourite weird fact?” 

Help yourself to the set: 3rd fav

“Kind Words Kaleidoscope” – A Heartwarming Way to End the School Year

 

As another school year comes to a close, it’s important to create moments that leave lasting impressions—experiences that go beyond exams and textbooks, and remind students of the value of connection, kindness, and community. One of our favourite end-of-course traditions is an activity we lovingly call “Kind Words Kaleidoscope.”

What is “Kind Words Kaleidoscope”?

This simple yet powerful activity turns colourful sheets of paper into treasured keepsakes. At the start, each student receives a brightly coloured paper where they write their name and—if they like—decorate it with a frame or doodles that reflect their personality. The teacher also joins in, participating just like the students.

Then begins the main part: the papers are passed around, and every student writes something kind on everyone else's sheet. It could be a compliment, a shared memory, or a simple note about something they admire or appreciate in the person. Not sure what to say? A cheerful "Have a great summer!" works just fine too.

Once all the papers are complete, students get to read the collection of kind thoughts written just for them. The room quickly fills with smiles, laughter, and sometimes even a few happy tears.

Why It Matters

“Kind Words Kaleidoscope” isn't just a fun exercise—it's a celebration of the relationships that were built throughout the course. In a world that moves fast and often focuses on performance, pausing to recognize each other’s qualities helps reinforce self-esteem, empathy, and gratitude.

It also:

• Fosters a positive classroom atmosphere
  Students end the year feeling appreciated and included. It strengthens the sense of belonging and helps students part ways on a high note.

• Builds emotional awareness
  Writing kind words requires students to reflect on their classmates as individuals, noticing and valuing their unique qualities.

• Creates a lasting memory
  Many students keep their papers for years as reminders of the good times and kind words shared.

A Meaningful Conclusion

Ending a course with “Kind Words Kaleidoscope” reminds us all that learning isn't just about what’s in the books—it’s also about the people we learn with. As students head off into their summer holidays, they take with them not only knowledge, but a small paper full of warmth, kindness, and connection.

Because sometimes, the kindest words are the ones we didn't expect to read—but needed the most.

🎲 Roll & Speak: Turning Dice Into Dynamic Discussions

 Ever wish your speaking activities could spark more energy and creativity—with less prep time? Meet the Roll & Speak method: a low-tech, high-impact classroom strategy that transforms ordinary discussions into spontaneous, laughter-filled speaking marathons.

   

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🔧 How It Works

This activity blends structured spontaneity (yes, that's a thing) with student choice, critical thinking, and just enough silliness to break the ice.

1. Students get a topic — It could be light (“Pineapple on pizza?”), deep (“Can money buy happiness?”), or imaginative (“What if animals could talk?”).

2. They roll a six-sided die — And whatever number they get determines how they must talk about the topic.

For example:

🎲 Roll                               Task
1	Explain your opinion clearly
2	Give 3 reasons in favour
3	Give 3 reasons against
4	What would your grandma say?
5	Make a comparison
6	Tell a story

Suddenly, “Should students wear uniforms?” becomes a platform for debate, drama, and even impersonations (depending on your dice tasks).

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🧠 Why It Works

This isn’t just fun—it’s smart pedagogy in disguise. Here's why:

• Cognitive Flexibility: Changing the speaking mode with each roll helps students think from different perspectives.

• Spoken Fluency: Students produce extended language output under playful pressure, which boosts fluency.

• Critical Thinking: They analyze, argue, and reflect—not just talk.

• Social Skills: Polite disagreement? Active listening? Empathy? It's all baked in.

• Motivation: Add the unpredictability of dice, and you've gamified speaking without sacrificing substance.

In short, it's where gamification meets communication strategy training.

Here you have some 7 cards: SAMPLE
The whole set of 30 (soon there will be more) is available for 25zl. 

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Story Dice – A Fun and Creative Writing Activity for Any Classroom

Looking for a way to spark your students’ imagination and make writing exciting? Try using story dice – simple picture dice (or cards) that inspire spontaneous storytelling. This engaging method works well across age groups and can be adapted for language arts, ESL classes, or even as a warm-up for creative writing.

How does it work?

The activity is flexible, collaborative, and full of surprises. Here's one classroom-friendly approach:

1. Introduction
   Display a random set of story dice (or visual prompt cards) on the board. Students work in pairs or small groups.

2. The Beginning
   Each group selects two images and writes the beginning of a story based on them.

3. The Middle
   After a few minutes, students pass their stories to another group. A new set of three images is shown, and the new group continues the story using those prompts.

4. The Ending
   After another swap, the final group adds a conclusion, inspired by a final selection of images.

5. Sharing
   All stories are read aloud to the class. Expect plenty of laughter, surprises, and unique twists!

To make the experience even more engaging, you can bring students’ stories to life with AI-generated images.

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Why is this activity worth trying?

Here are just a few benefits of writing with story dice:

• ✍️ Boosts creativity – Students explore unusual combinations and ideas freely.

• 🧩 Encourages logical storytelling – They must connect unrelated prompts into a cohesive narrative.

• 🤝 Fosters teamwork – Group writing builds communication and collaboration.

• 🧱 Reinforces story structure – Beginning, middle, and end are naturally practiced.

• 🎤 Improves oral expression – Reading stories aloud builds confidence and speaking fluency.

• 📖 Makes writing fun – Students see writing as a game rather than a chore.

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This low-prep, high-energy activity brings joy, imagination, and a sense of play into the writing process. All you need is a set of picture prompts and a classroom full of curious minds!

Saying Goodbye to Summer — and Building Stronger Connections

 As the school year draws to a close and summer stretches out ahead of us, it's the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with our students. This year, I created a simple but meaningful worksheet titled "Bye Summer, Hello School" to guide our last lesson together.

It’s more than just a fun activity — it’s a bridge between seasons, a way to celebrate growth, and a gentle reminder of the importance of relationships in education.

Why Focusing on Relationships Matters

In the rush of curriculum goals and end-of-year testing, it’s easy to overlook the heart of teaching: relationships. Research consistently shows that when students feel connected to their teachers and peers, they are more motivated, resilient, and successful.
The end of the year is a powerful moment to show students that they are seen, valued, and heard — not just for their academic achievements, but for who they are becoming as people.

By asking students to reflect on their best memories, their growth, and their gratitude, we encourage them to see themselves as active participants in their own learning journey. It’s an opportunity to celebrate progress over perfection, effort over outcomes.

A Conversation Worth Having

One of the most meaningful parts of the worksheet invites students to write about:

• Their best memories

• What they’re proud of

• Their summer plans and goals

• Thank-you notes to their teachers

Taking the time to sit with students and talk through these reflections can be incredibly impactful. It reminds them that their voice matters — and it reminds us why we do what we do.

Even a five-minute conversation can affirm a student's sense of belonging and hope for the future. And that might be the most important lesson they carry into summer break.

More Ideas to End the Year with Heart

If you want to extend the spirit of reflection and celebration, here are a few more ideas:
🌟 Memory Jar: Have each student write a favorite memory from the year on a slip of paper, then read them aloud together.
🌟 Gratitude Circle: Sit in a circle and take turns sharing one thing you're grateful for this school year.
🌟 Future Letters: Let students write a letter to their future selves about their dreams for the next year — seal them up and return them on the first day back.
🌟 Class Awards: Create fun, personalised awards celebrating each student's unique strengths (e.g., "Most Creative Thinker," "Kindness Champion").

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In the end, it’s not just about saying goodbye to school and hello to summer — it’s about pausing to say, "You mattered. Your year mattered. You matter."

Because strong relationships don’t end when the school year does — they build a foundation for everything to come.

Here's the worksheet: Bye school, hello summer

Let’s Talk Negotiation! 30 Free Idioms to Boost Speaking Skills

 

As many of you know — I absolutely love idioms, and I love getting my students talking even more! That’s why I’ve put together a set of 30 idiom cards all related to the topic of negotiation. These cards are perfect for speaking activities, pair work, or even role-plays. And yes — they’re completely free to download as a PDF!

   

Why teach idioms through speaking?

🧠 Because idioms bring language t

o life!
💬 Because speaking builds confidence and fluency.
🎯 And because learners remember more when they use the language, not just study it.

Tips for using the idiom cards:

• Ask students to explain idioms in their own words.

• Encourage them to give real-life examples.

• Use the discussion questions to spark debate and storytelling.

• Mix the idioms into role-plays, business scenarios, or mock negotiations.

Idioms are everywhere in English — especially in business and negotiation contexts. By teaching them in a fun, conversational way, we’re helping learners sound more natural, understand more, and express themselves more clearly.

👉 Click below to download your free PDF of 30 negotiation idiom cards – ready to print or share digitally.
Free cards

One Picture, Endless Possibilities: Practicing Deduction in the Classroom

 Modal verbs of deduction can be a tricky topic for students, and at B2–C1 level, they need to show their ability to choose between must, might, could, can’t, or couldn’t have and do it with confidence. One of the most effective ways to help learners master this subtle grammar point is through visual storytelling and speculation.

In this post, I’m sharing  creative ideas for using photo-based cards and ready-to-use conversation questions to bring modal verbs to life. Perfect for speaking practice, grammar review, or an engaging warm-up.

Visuals make abstract grammar tangible. A strange or surprising photo immediately invites curiosity and speculation — and that’s exactly the space where modals of deduction naturally fit.

We ask questions like:

• “What must have happened before this?”

• “Who might have done this?”

• “That can’t be right... can it?”

Students don’t just learn the forms — they use them meaningfully.

I’ve created a series of photo prompt cards — each showing a funny, bizarre, or confusing scene. Alongside each image are targeted questions for both present and past deduction.

Examples include:

• A soaked dog on a couch

• A man in a suit climbing out of a pool

• A laptop covered in peanut butter

• A person barefoot in the snow

Each image sparks a mini-mystery, and students become grammar detectives.

Here are some practical, adaptable ways to use the cards:

1. Guess the Backstory

Skills: Speaking, storytelling
How: Show an image. In pairs, students discuss what might have happened using modals of deduction. Then share their best (or funniest) theory with the class.

2. The Detective Game

Skills: Critical thinking, group discussion
How: Each group gets one card and must prepare a full theory about what happened, using must/might/can’t have.... Then they present their findings like detectives reporting on a case.

3. Write a News Story

Skills: Writing, grammar in context
How: Students write a mini news report based on the image, starting with a headline and using at least three modal structures in the article.

4. Story Puzzle (with multiple images)

Skills: Creative thinking, fluency
How: Give each group 2–3 images. They must create a story connecting all of them, using modal verbs throughout to explain what must/might/can’t have happened.

Want the Cards?

If you're interested in getting these picture prompt cards, just drop me a message! A set contains of:

- 20 cards with pictures and questions 

- 20 cards with pictures

and it can be yours for 20zł.