ESOL conversation teacher resources curated by MESH
These curated resources support conversation-based ESOL teaching across a wide range of levels and contexts. They can help teachers create engaging speaking activities, introduce topical discussion and build learner confidence through practical communication tasks.
These resources cover:
- News-based conversation lessons and discussion activities
- Warmers, fillers and short classroom speaking tasks
- Health, wellbeing and everyday life topics
- Audio, podcast and interview-based listening activities
- Learner stories and lived experience resources
- Global issues, climate, politics and social themes
- News literacy and critical thinking activities
- Refugee, asylum seeker and sanctuary seeker experiences
- Modern slavery awareness and safeguarding discussion resources
- Adaptable resources for adult ESOL learners
- Image, video and media-based conversation prompts
Resource links
Breaking News English
ESOL resources at 7 levels, based on news stories. Uses US English.…
Bromley by Bow ESOL resources
ESOL teaching resources to help learners improve their language through Health and wellbeing themes. The free resource explores common health …
EFL Magazine: 10 Great Warmers and Fillers for EFL Teachers
Ideas for warmers and fillers in English teaching classes.…
Happy and Healthy in Hull
A wonderful free PDF download of a magazine made by and for ESOL learners. Includes topics such as the NHS, …
How do I get to University? Asylum Seekers and Refugees
This video is designed to assist sanctuary seekers who are thinking of applying to university.…
Humanising Language Teaching (HLT)
HLT is a free online magazine for Teachers of English. Includes ELT articles and resources by contributors such as Mario …
Modern Day Slavery Awareness Film
These films can be used in ESOL classes to raise awareness of modern slavery. The Leeds City Council Migration team …
New Internationalist: Easier English Wiki
ESOL resources on climate change and other global themes. Includes many ready lesson plans and resources on topics such as …
Radio ESOL
A selection of interviews with ESOL students, done by Leeds City College. Great for listening practice and sharing experiences with …
The Guardian Foundation
Downloadable resources for teaching secondary, which can be adapted for Adult ESOL learners – some very useful topics.…
The Times – News Literacy Resources
An inspiring programme giving students the journalistic tools to think critically and confidently about the news. The programme is aimed …
Topical Talk from The Economist
Free teaching resources for weekly classroom discussions about the news. It’s free to sign up and offers interesting reading …
VOICES Network Podcast
The VOICES network is a collective of refugees and people seeking asylum. Together, they speak out about issues that affect …