5 Basic ESL Homework Ideas

Homework: To give or not to give, that is the question. While there’s loads of debate as to whether or not homework actually helps students learn, most colleges will expect you to give homework. And even if there’s debate as to homework’s legitimacy, I have gathered a few homework assignments that will help us all in class the next week. 

Translate vocabulary words.This is the homework assignment I use most often because it’s a huge time-saver and helps the next class flow so smoothly. Simply give your students the list of next week’s vocabulary words, and have them write down the Chinese translation next to it. Come next class, they’ll already have an understanding of the words you’ll be using in the lesson. Another pro is that checking their homework takes little to no time at all. 

Write sentences using vocab words. As an extension of the translating exercise, this is a good one to use if the vocabulary for next week is a little more challenging. Having students write sentences allows them to understand how the word is used a little better, and can be great for words that have multiple meanings. If you don’t have time to go over each students’ work and correct mistakes and you want to give students a little more control over their learning, give students the option of looking up these sentences online, instead of thinking of them themselves. This way, they’ll probably be exposed to proper usage and grammar. Quick warning: Students easily get bored of this exercise, so use it sparingly.

Prepare a short speech for the beginning of class. If you want to give oral practice or public speaking a little more attention, definitely try this assignment. I like to choose simple, personal topics that may or may not be connected to next week’s topic. I’m always looking for new ways to get to know my students better, and, since giving a speech is rather nerve-racking, choosing a personal topic will relieve some of that pressure. Sometimes I will have them talk about the topic for next week, but usually I like to give them extra practice with a new topic, since they’ll have a chance to talk about the lesson’s topic later during class. And if you’re focusing on grammar, this can also be a creative way to implement this, instead of just having them write paragraphs or sentences. 

Find synonyms. If you want to liven your homework assignments up a bit, you can use synonyms as a fun twist to vocabulary. Either give your students the vocabulary words for next class, and have them find synonyms for them, or make a list of your own for them to use. Most students focus on learning brand-new vocabulary words, rather than building on the ideas they already know how to express. Once they’ve learned the word funny, they’ll continue to describe everything as funny. Synonyms can help expose them to words likehilarious, amusing, or comical, and help them stand out from their peers.

No homework.Easily your students’ favorite words. And I don’t mind them either. I use the “no homework” homework assignment strategically. These other homework suggestions all have had a specific purpose, and assigning no homework can do the same. If you feel the class needs a little morale or energy boost, giving them a break can do wonders. We all remember how it felt like Christmas when you didn’t have homework, even just in one class. Also, keep aware of what else is going on academically with your students. If they have a big standardized test next week, or if they have a school-required performance to attend, or if you know their final project is due in their literature class, skip on homework for that week. Showing them you care about them, and you’re invested in their lives can go a long way. 

So, try these five suggestions out, and let me know how they go. And if you’ve tried other assignments, share them in the comments below so we all can use them!