Looking for an easy way to add more speaking and vocabulary practice to your lessons?
Picture This is a free American English resource that offers versatile picture cards you can use for conversation prompts, word games, describing activities, and more. These cards work especially well with picture talk and clip‑based tasks because they help learners build language through visual support.
Picture This is a free American English resource that offers versatile picture cards you can use for conversation prompts, word games, describing activities, and more. These cards work especially well with picture talk and clip‑based tasks because they help learners build language through visual support.
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Culture Share Saturday: Nevada 🌵🎰
This week, we’re looking at Nevada, famously nicknamed the "Silver State" because of the 19th-century mining boom.
The Silver State: In the 1800s, silver mining created "boomtowns"—towns that grew almost overnight! Today, Nevada is actually a top producer of gold, too. 🪙
Vegas Vibes: Las Vegas is world-famous for its incredible live entertainment and non-stop party atmosphere. 🎭🎉
The High Desert: Nevada is one of the driest states in the US. It’s a place where the sun almost always shines!
🍎 Classroom Activity Idea: Introduce the word "Boomtown." Have students imagine a "Golden Opportunity" in their own city—what would make it grow overnight?
This week, we’re looking at Nevada, famously nicknamed the "Silver State" because of the 19th-century mining boom.
The Silver State: In the 1800s, silver mining created "boomtowns"—towns that grew almost overnight! Today, Nevada is actually a top producer of gold, too. 🪙
Vegas Vibes: Las Vegas is world-famous for its incredible live entertainment and non-stop party atmosphere. 🎭🎉
The High Desert: Nevada is one of the driest states in the US. It’s a place where the sun almost always shines!
🍎 Classroom Activity Idea: Introduce the word "Boomtown." Have students imagine a "Golden Opportunity" in their own city—what would make it grow overnight?
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Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a national holiday in the United States to honor and remember those who died serving their country in the military. Many Americans visit cemeteries to remember their loved ones, lay flowers, and take part in parades.
Because it falls on the last Monday in May, the three-day weekend is widely celebrated as the unofficial start of the summer. Millions of Americans travel, host family barbecues, and enjoy outdoor activities this weekend.
Memorial Day is also a great opportunity to explore U.S. culture and history in the classroom.
Check out this Memorial Day lesson plan.
Because it falls on the last Monday in May, the three-day weekend is widely celebrated as the unofficial start of the summer. Millions of Americans travel, host family barbecues, and enjoy outdoor activities this weekend.
Memorial Day is also a great opportunity to explore U.S. culture and history in the classroom.
Check out this Memorial Day lesson plan.
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Having a hard time getting your students to speak up and sustain conversation?
Help your beginner learners build confidence and fluency with
• simple prompts
• clear turn‑taking cues
• easy support cards for follow‑up questions.
Bring joy back into speaking practice!
📘 Read the article
🔍 Explore the full journal
Help your beginner learners build confidence and fluency with
• simple prompts
• clear turn‑taking cues
• easy support cards for follow‑up questions.
Bring joy back into speaking practice!
📘 Read the article
🔍 Explore the full journal
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With more than 15 years of EFL/ESL teaching experience, Virtual English Language Educator Dilnoza Khasilova brings expertise in teacher training, cross-cultural communication, lifelong learning, and community outreach to her work with educators around the world, and she is no stranger to our community through her projects with Russian teachers. As the founder of the Volunteer World Language and Culture program at the University of Wyoming, she is passionate about building global partnerships and supporting innovative learning opportunities.
💡 Recommendation: Dilnoza enjoys exploring blogs and podcasts focused on AI and digital development in education, including The EdTech Podcast, Teaching in Higher Ed, and Feedspot for practical teaching strategies and fresh ideas.
💡 Recommendation: Dilnoza enjoys exploring blogs and podcasts focused on AI and digital development in education, including The EdTech Podcast, Teaching in Higher Ed, and Feedspot for practical teaching strategies and fresh ideas.
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Looking for new ways to make video a more interactive part of your lessons?
This article from ESLbase shares fifteen creative techniques you can use to turn short clips into meaningful language‑learning activities. The ideas are practical, easy to adapt, and great for building listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills in your English language classroom.
This article from ESLbase shares fifteen creative techniques you can use to turn short clips into meaningful language‑learning activities. The ideas are practical, easy to adapt, and great for building listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills in your English language classroom.
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💎 Vocabulary Friday
In the past, unpolished diamonds looked like ordinary rocks before they were cut and shaped. Today, when we call someone a “diamond in the rough,” we mean they have brilliant potential that just needs a little polishing.
Many students are diamonds in the rough—full of hidden talent, waiting for the right guidance to truly shine.
In the past, unpolished diamonds looked like ordinary rocks before they were cut and shaped. Today, when we call someone a “diamond in the rough,” we mean they have brilliant potential that just needs a little polishing.
Many students are diamonds in the rough—full of hidden talent, waiting for the right guidance to truly shine.
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Culture Share Saturday: New Mexico 🌵🎨🎈
Did you know that Georgia O’Keeffe formed a deep connection to New Mexico, where the desert landscape, bones, flowers, and expansive skies became central subjects of her art? She lived there for decades, and the region profoundly shaped her distinctive style and legacy as one of America’s most influential modern artists.
Every year, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky with more than 500 colorful hot air balloons during the world’s largest balloon festival — often called the most photographed annual event on Earth! 🎈📸
Meanwhile, Santa Fe is famous for its adobe architecture and its rich blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultural influences. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with galleries, museums, and cultural festivals around every corner.
Classroom Activity Idea 🍎 Ask students to think of a place similar to New Mexico in their country. In pairs or small groups, they describe the city’s art, architecture, music, or festivals using descriptive vocabulary like vibrant, historic, or creative. Then, students share why tourists should visit!
Did you know that Georgia O’Keeffe formed a deep connection to New Mexico, where the desert landscape, bones, flowers, and expansive skies became central subjects of her art? She lived there for decades, and the region profoundly shaped her distinctive style and legacy as one of America’s most influential modern artists.
Every year, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky with more than 500 colorful hot air balloons during the world’s largest balloon festival — often called the most photographed annual event on Earth! 🎈📸
Meanwhile, Santa Fe is famous for its adobe architecture and its rich blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultural influences. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with galleries, museums, and cultural festivals around every corner.
Classroom Activity Idea 🍎 Ask students to think of a place similar to New Mexico in their country. In pairs or small groups, they describe the city’s art, architecture, music, or festivals using descriptive vocabulary like vibrant, historic, or creative. Then, students share why tourists should visit!
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Would you like to learn more about Regional English Language Officer Jennifer Uhler?
Join us online for a warm and informal farewell event dedicated to Jennifer’s work with the English teacher community in Russia. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and spend an hour with colleagues and friends as we look back on memorable moments, meaningful projects, and inspiring experiences from her years of service.
During the conversation, Jennifer will share stories from different stages of her career, reflect on her experience working with teachers and educators in Russia, and talk about the people and programs that made her journey especially memorable.
Whether you have worked with Jennifer directly, attended RELO programs, or simply want to learn more about her work and experiences, we would be delighted to have you join us.
📅 Save the date: June 11 at 16:00 MSK
Please register for the meeting in advance: https://statedept.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/bmmyTj4ETY65Tc4jgHs74Q
Join us online for a warm and informal farewell event dedicated to Jennifer’s work with the English teacher community in Russia. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and spend an hour with colleagues and friends as we look back on memorable moments, meaningful projects, and inspiring experiences from her years of service.
During the conversation, Jennifer will share stories from different stages of her career, reflect on her experience working with teachers and educators in Russia, and talk about the people and programs that made her journey especially memorable.
Whether you have worked with Jennifer directly, attended RELO programs, or simply want to learn more about her work and experiences, we would be delighted to have you join us.
📅 Save the date: June 11 at 16:00 MSK
Please register for the meeting in advance: https://statedept.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/bmmyTj4ETY65Tc4jgHs74Q
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Teaching Tip Tuesday
🎬 Many of our students already watch short videos, so why not focus on building language learning around them?
ClipChat Magic shares practical ways to use short video clips to support listening, speaking, and storytelling in the classroom. It shows how teachers can move beyond passive viewing and help students talk about, react to, and make meaning from the stories they watch.
🎬 Many of our students already watch short videos, so why not focus on building language learning around them?
ClipChat Magic shares practical ways to use short video clips to support listening, speaking, and storytelling in the classroom. It shows how teachers can move beyond passive viewing and help students talk about, react to, and make meaning from the stories they watch.
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Join Brittany Gnau, AE Live Webinar presenter, whose webinar "Not Just Roleplays! Drama & Summer Camp Games for Language Teachers" will take place on June 17 at 15:00 and 20:00 MSK!
Register and learn more here: https://bit.ly/4r1Je3F
Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412
Register and learn more here: https://bit.ly/4r1Je3F
Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412
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☀️🥑 As we enter the summer season, try this easy homemade guacamole recipe shared by a Virtual English Language Educator Dilnoza Khasilova!
Ingredients:
2–3 ripe avocados
1 small tomato (diced)
1/4 small onion (finely chopped)
1–2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)
1 lime (juiced)
1–2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
Salt (to taste)
Optional: jalapeño (for heat)
✨ Simply mash ripe avocados and mix with lime juice, tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic, and salt. Add jalapeño if you like extra spice!
💡 Tip: Make it fresh right before serving for the best flavor.
Ingredients:
2–3 ripe avocados
1 small tomato (diced)
1/4 small onion (finely chopped)
1–2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)
1 lime (juiced)
1–2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
Salt (to taste)
Optional: jalapeño (for heat)
✨ Simply mash ripe avocados and mix with lime juice, tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic, and salt. Add jalapeño if you like extra spice!
💡 Tip: Make it fresh right before serving for the best flavor.
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⚽🎳 Vocabulary Friday: “Get the ball rolling” 🎳⚽
This expression means to start something or begin an activity or process. 🟢 Whether you’re starting weekend plans, preparing summer travel, or beginning a new classroom project, this idiom is perfect for talking about getting started!
The phrase may come from sports like bowling or soccer, where the action begins when the ball starts rolling. Over time, English speakers began using it in many everyday situations — not just sports!
This expression means to start something or begin an activity or process. 🟢 Whether you’re starting weekend plans, preparing summer travel, or beginning a new classroom project, this idiom is perfect for talking about getting started!
The phrase may come from sports like bowling or soccer, where the action begins when the ball starts rolling. Over time, English speakers began using it in many everyday situations — not just sports!
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🍯 Culture Share Saturday: Utah
Have your students ever heard the English expression “busy as a bee”? 🐝
This idiom means someone is very hard-working and active. Bees are famous for always working, and that’s one reason why the U.S. state of Utah is called “The Beehive State.”
📡 Utah also played an important role in communication history! In 1861, the first transcontinental telegraph connected the eastern and western United States through Salt Lake City. Before phones and the internet, this was the fastest way to send messages across the country.
🌊 Utah is also home to the amazing Great Salt Lake. Because the lake has no outlet, salt builds up in the water, making it much saltier than the ocean. Many visitors enjoy floating easily in the lake and visiting beautiful places like Bridger Bay Beach.
🎓 Classroom Activity Idea:
Teach the expression “busy as a bee.”
Ask students to brainstorm similar expressions in Russian or other languages.
In pairs, students create short dialogues using the idiom.
Extension: Students research another animal idiom in English (for example, “eagle-eyed” or “as quiet as a mouse”) and present it to the class.
Have your students ever heard the English expression “busy as a bee”? 🐝
This idiom means someone is very hard-working and active. Bees are famous for always working, and that’s one reason why the U.S. state of Utah is called “The Beehive State.”
📡 Utah also played an important role in communication history! In 1861, the first transcontinental telegraph connected the eastern and western United States through Salt Lake City. Before phones and the internet, this was the fastest way to send messages across the country.
🌊 Utah is also home to the amazing Great Salt Lake. Because the lake has no outlet, salt builds up in the water, making it much saltier than the ocean. Many visitors enjoy floating easily in the lake and visiting beautiful places like Bridger Bay Beach.
🎓 Classroom Activity Idea:
Teach the expression “busy as a bee.”
Ask students to brainstorm similar expressions in Russian or other languages.
In pairs, students create short dialogues using the idiom.
Extension: Students research another animal idiom in English (for example, “eagle-eyed” or “as quiet as a mouse”) and present it to the class.
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🥤 Materials Monday with Molodets 🥤
Looking for a healthy and delicious way to start your day? Check out this smoothie recipe from our very own English Language Specialist Katie Neginskiy!
Smoothies are a popular part of the health and yoga lifestyle in the United States, enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast, post-workout snack, or refreshing summer treat.
So, grab a smoothie and connect with Molodets teaching materials to incorporate health culture in the USA in Molodets Module 4 Unit 3
Looking for a healthy and delicious way to start your day? Check out this smoothie recipe from our very own English Language Specialist Katie Neginskiy!
Smoothies are a popular part of the health and yoga lifestyle in the United States, enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast, post-workout snack, or refreshing summer treat.
So, grab a smoothie and connect with Molodets teaching materials to incorporate health culture in the USA in Molodets Module 4 Unit 3
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Learn more about Regional English Language Officer Jennifer Uhler and join us online for a warm and informal farewell event dedicated to her work with the English teacher community in Russia. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and spend an hour with colleagues and friends as we look back on memorable moments, meaningful projects, and inspiring experiences from her years of service.
During the conversation, Jennifer will share stories from different stages of her career, reflect on her experience working with teachers and educators in Russia, and talk about the people and programs that made her journey especially memorable.
Whether you have worked with Jennifer directly, attended RELO programs, or simply want to learn more about her work and experiences, we would be delighted to have you join us.
📅 Save the date: June 11 at 16:00 MSK
Please register for the meeting in advance: https://statedept.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/bmmyTj4ETY65Tc4jgHs74Q
During the conversation, Jennifer will share stories from different stages of her career, reflect on her experience working with teachers and educators in Russia, and talk about the people and programs that made her journey especially memorable.
Whether you have worked with Jennifer directly, attended RELO programs, or simply want to learn more about her work and experiences, we would be delighted to have you join us.
📅 Save the date: June 11 at 16:00 MSK
Please register for the meeting in advance: https://statedept.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/bmmyTj4ETY65Tc4jgHs74Q
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Join American English on June 17 at 15:00 and 20:00 MSK for the sixth and last webinar in American English Live Series 24.
During this session, "Not Just Roleplays! Drama and Summer Camp Games for Language Teachers," Brittany Gnau will explore games and activities inspired by summer camp traditions that can encourage language risk-taking and make learning memorable.
Register and learn more here: https://bit.ly/4r1Je3F
Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412
During this session, "Not Just Roleplays! Drama and Summer Camp Games for Language Teachers," Brittany Gnau will explore games and activities inspired by summer camp traditions that can encourage language risk-taking and make learning memorable.
Register and learn more here: https://bit.ly/4r1Je3F
Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412
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📢 NEW Opportunity!
Are you an English language teacher looking to expand your skills and explore innovative teaching practices?
We are excited to announce that FULL SCHOLARSHIPS are available for the ISTE Open Educational Resources Course.
This course provides educators with practical strategies for finding, evaluating, creating, and integrating high-quality open educational resources into their teaching.
Learn more: https://iste.org/courses/open-educational-resources
📝 Apply here: https://forms.gle/DthED8MbSZKz9V6S6
📅 Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
Are you an English language teacher looking to expand your skills and explore innovative teaching practices?
We are excited to announce that FULL SCHOLARSHIPS are available for the ISTE Open Educational Resources Course.
This course provides educators with practical strategies for finding, evaluating, creating, and integrating high-quality open educational resources into their teaching.
Learn more: https://iste.org/courses/open-educational-resources
📝 Apply here: https://forms.gle/DthED8MbSZKz9V6S6
📅 Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
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Get ready to learn! 💻📚 The Teaching English to Young Learners MOOC introduces the theory and practice of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to young learners 3-10 years old. This FREE facilitated course is open till July 6!
👉 Learn more and register: https://www.openenglishprograms.org/MOOC
👉 Learn more and register: https://www.openenglishprograms.org/MOOC
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⚽ Vocabulary Friday ⚽
This summer, exciting international soccer matches are taking place across the United States, making it the perfect time to explore some popular sports idioms!
Americans love sports, and sports have inspired many everyday expressions that are used far beyond the playing field. Whether you're talking about work, school, or life, you'll often hear sports-related phrases in everyday conversations.
What about you? Have you hit your stride as an English teacher?
This summer, exciting international soccer matches are taking place across the United States, making it the perfect time to explore some popular sports idioms!
Americans love sports, and sports have inspired many everyday expressions that are used far beyond the playing field. Whether you're talking about work, school, or life, you'll often hear sports-related phrases in everyday conversations.
What about you? Have you hit your stride as an English teacher?
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