These are some of the books and tools I use each day at Vox.
Why it matters: A really good comprehensive teaching manual for ESL teachers. I still refer to this today sometimes. Straight to the point with very clear explanations. If you only buy one teaching book, I’d recommend this one. 🔗 Buy from Amazon.
Why it matters: From the same author as the Ultimate Teaching ESL Manual above but - obviously! - focussed for online teaching. Personally, I think the first book is fine and you can just adapt the lesson plans to online, but if you’re very new (or, if like me, you just like buying books!) this one is a great addition to your teaching resources. 🔗 Buy from Amazon.
Why it matters: Rhythm, cultural reference, and RP cadence training all live in poetry. When I am learning a language, and when I working with a learner, reading poetry aloud is one of my ‘go to’ exercises. This is one of my favourite collections of British poetry - if you have worked with me you will be familiar with it. 🔗 Buy from Amazon.
Why it matters: Easy to read, intelligent, and backed by proper phonetics theory. This book is one of the best if you’re serious about accent training. 🔗 Buy from Amazon.
Why it matters: Well, it’s MY book! So I had to include it in this list! 😃 And it also contains a section on teaching accent and pronunciation (among lots of other things!)
Why it matters: It’s a bit old fashioned, yes. But it’s still one of the clearest, most comprehensive pronunciation drill books available. I used this as the basis for a lot of my early TEFL pronunciation classes. 🔗 Buy from Amazon.
Why it matters: Cultural decoding at its finest. This is a must-read if you’re interested in understanding British indirectness, formality, and coded speech. 🔗 Buy from Amazon.