[BLOG] Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Educators
Not sure how to organise your busy ESL life? Read this blog post about the time-saving hacks for busy educators and find out!
Kaya
3/10/2024
Please keep in mind that the opinions posted on this blog are my own.
Everybody might have a different experience and opinions, and that's OK.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Educators
Teaching English as a Second Language is awesome, but let's be real – it can get crazy busy sometimes. Between planning lessons and grading, it feels like there's never enough time in the day. But hey, don't sweat it! With a few smart tricks in your back pocket, you can take back your time and make teaching a breeze. So, grab your coffee and let's check out these game-changing time-saving tips for ESL teachers.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Snag pre-made lesson plans and resources from your favourite websites and textbooks.
Spice up your lessons with recurring activities to save time on planning.
Keep your stuff organised with templates and digital tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Word.
If you’re not sure what to use, how about you take a look at my Communicative ESL Activities?
Embrace the Digital Age
Dive into cool online platforms and apps like Duolingo, Quizlet, or Kahoot! for extra fun in class.
Record quick audio or video instructions for assignments to save yourself from repeating them a gazillion times.
If you use YouTube or other platforms, save your favourite videos so you can always reach them when needed.
Simplify Your Assessment Process
Lay down clear grading rules and rubrics to speed up grading.
Let digital grading tools like Google Forms or Quizzes handle multiple-choice questions for you.
Utilise Teacher’s Books and Resources - even if you don’t use a coursebook.
Optimise Your Teaching Time
Keep things running smoothly with solid classroom management strategies.
Pre-made materials can be a lifesaver!
Amp up engagement with visuals, multimedia, and interactive stuff.
Keep Your Teaching Materials Tidy
Set up a digital filing system for all your lesson plans, resources, and student work.
Jazz up your space with colour-coded folders or labels for physical materials.
Stay on top of your game with a trusty daily or weekly planner.
Learn from Your Peers
Hang out with other ESL teachers on social media, forums, or at cool networking events.
Share your awesome lesson plans, resources, and teaching tips to save everyone some time.
Team up with other educators on fun projects or co-teach to lighten the load and bounce around some fresh ideas.
Look After Yourself
Take regular breaks and chill out with some mindfulness stuff to avoid burning out.
Draw a line between work and play to keep that work-life balance in check.
Treat yourself to some sweet professional development gigs to level up your teaching game and stay inspired.
With these time-saving hacks in your arsenal, you'll be able to tackle the challenges of ESL teaching with ease and efficiency.
By working smarter, embracing technology, streamlining grading, maximising classroom time, staying organised, collaborating with peers, and prioritising self-care, you'll reclaim your time and energy to focus on what truly matters – empowering your students to succeed in their language journey.
So, unleash the full potential of your ESL teaching prowess!










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Copyright Handy English 2021
”I used this with an adult ELL tutee of mine. I appreciate that the language was accessible for multiple proficiency levels, but the content wasn't obviously geared for children and still useful for older learners.”
August 7, 2023
”Another great resource from Handy English! I used it to give my students more in-depth practise into quantifiers and restaurant language. It's great resource and can be used after the students learn the basics of language for the restaurants and quantifiers. Definitely helped solidify what they learnt.”
February 5, 2023
”Love this resource. Great for fast finishers and also those in small ESL groups. Great for all macro skills as discussion and brainstorming is a great precursor for writing submissions.”
- Gail M.
June 25, 2023
Here's what other ESL Teachers say
Handy English: 4.8/5
”This was a wonderful resource for my students. It helped me introduce them easily to new concepts and it was quite engaging. Thanks!”
- Kiara B.
October 10, 2023
”Great resource for learning vocabulary, which supports comprehension and speaking skills.”
- Lori-Ann W.
September 29, 2023
”What a great way to get a healthy debate going. My students struggle with impulse control and they all have kept it kind and appropriate.”
- Alicia H.
September 17, 2023



