Teacher’s Blog: Reflections on Education, Culture and Life in Canada by Mike Simpson
Should We Say Fall or Autumn? (Looking at Seasons, Semesters and Etymology)
I'd like to welcome you to fall and wish you a great season. Some of us students and some teachers, and all of us are likely interested in vocabulary like fall, also known as "autumn." The question, among many, is should we say fall or autumn and is there a...
Big Hello and Warm Welcome to You
Greetings! I am happy you stopped by. I'm Mike, a teacher and designer from Toronto. this site supports my ESL English students - I teach students English and we work in-person and online. I wanted to say hello to you and welcome you to the site. Are you interested in...
Expand Your Vocabulary with Business English Expressions (Idioms and Phrasal Verbs)
Introduction Do you find you are sometimes at a loss for words when it comes to informal conversation with co-workers or people you have to make small talk with? You might want to focus on learning idioms and special expressions, particularly those used in business...
How to Speak English: Greetings from Standard Phrases like “Hello” to Slang and Idioms like “What’s up”
"Good morning," or "How are you guys?" or even "What's up?" could be heard as standard or slang greetings in a business, school or person setting, in places like Toronto, Canada, where I'm from. I've heard and personally used a wide range of formal or informal...
How to Learn English with Music (Tips from an ESL Teacher)
Learning English is a challenge, and making the lessons interesting via music, movies, art or other media and entertainment can help create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for the learner. Whether you are a student or teacher, using music in lessons and the classroom...
Learn to Speak English Fluently and Accurately (ESL Tips from a Teacher-Tutor in Toronto)
You speak to people everywhere but aren't sure if they are picking up everything that you say. How can you ensure your words reach them clearly and you are understood? This is not a simple question but there are approaches and strategies that English learners and...
Learning and Acquiring New English Vocabulary with Google Word of the Day
Are you interested in growing your vocabulary and keeping sharp? Daily bite-sized learning activities like word games and sudoku can play a positive role. With that in mind let's look at a quick way to study new vocabulary on a daily basis. I'd like to introduce:...
Video Study: What is Fall? A Look at the Science of This Colourful and Inspirational Season
Happy fall everyone! I wanted to share a video with you that's perfect for a listening exercise for everyone who is studying English. In the following video you'll learn more about what fall is, from a scientific point of view. This video looks at concepts like why...
Falling for Autumn: Vocabulary and English Study for this Beautiful Season
What is it about fall which is so captivating? Is it the crisp air or the colour in the falling leaves? And on an English study note, which expression do you prefer and why? Fall or Autumn? About My Experience Personally this may be my favourite season of all. It has...
Tutoring in Toronto, Canada includes a Free Downtown Walking Tour with Me
Hello my friends. I am gearing up for the summer season of tutoring and exploring this wonderful city I live in, Toro to, Canada. If you are local to the GTA or Greater Toronto Area, or just plan to visit, be sure to let me know. I offer a free tour to all my clients...