Beginner ESL Teaching Resources for Kids

Last month I published a post about the best textbooks for ESL beginners in middle and high school. It received tons of appreciation and a few people asked me if I could create a similar list for elementary level ESL beginners.

In a way, I’ve always found that it is easier to find materials for younger learners mostly because there are TONS of activity books, YouTube channels, and printables geared towards kids. But most importantly, let’s not forget, that the younger the English learner, the more even the “playing field” is for them. When a child starts learning English in Kindergarten or first grade, they are learning the alphabet, phonics, and vocabulary just like all the other children.

So without further ado – here is my list of recommendations. Just like last time, I’ve split it into three parts. The first one is recommended books, the second one is websites and the third one – YouTube channels.

*This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of my links, at no extra cost to you.*

Books

ESL Activities and Mini Books for Every Classroom

This book has been a life-saver for me when I have newcomers at the elementary level. The book not only contains interactive activities that promote communication and vocabulary development but also tips on how to help out your new friend in the classroom during those very important first days and weeks.

ESL activities and mini books for every classroom

ESL Games: 176 English Language Games for Children

While I have not personally used this book, it has super good reviews and looks like a great addition to a classroom. Teaching vocabulary is the #1 necessity and struggle for an ESL teacher. That’s why having a bag of tricks like games to practice whatever you have taught in class will always come in handy.

ESL Worksheets and Activities for Kids

This book works well for beginning English learners in grades 1-3. It provides activities and worksheets to practice numbers, colors, shapes, weather, etc. – everything a beginner student will need. In addition, the book can be used both as a filler or even a main lesson – depending on how much time you have and your student’s needs. One more thing – the activities are reproducible, which, as we know, can come in super handy!

Websites

The Internet Picture Dictionary

Whether you are a traveling teacher or not, you will appreciate this website, which allows your students to practice vocabulary with pictures, words scrambles, fill-in-the-blank exercises and more. Great for beginner instruction, filler in a lesson or group competition.

iSLCollective

I already mentioned this website in one of my other posts about resources for ESL teachers but I would like to bring it up again. Mainly because I use it ALL THE TIME! It is a treasure trove of printable worksheets by age, level, type, and more. It has educational videos, projectables and film lessons. And did I mention – it’s free? All you have to do is register with your email and you have an amazing array of activities for your younger and older learners alike.

Boggles World ESL

This particular website is super helpful for young English learners, especially to practice phonics. It, too, has a great variety of printable worksheets and flashcards and is filled with games and lesson ideas. A great tool to help your young ones master the vocabulary and sounds of the English language.

ESL Games +

I love this website and so do my students! While some of the games are for students who have a better grasp of the English language than absolute beginners, it is great for vocabulary development, learning phrasal verbs and practicing sentence structures. It can be as competitive or as easy-going as you wish. Very highly recommend!

Youtube channels

Visual learning has taken over the world! English learning is no exception. And when it comes to teaching little ones, YouTube can be a great asset to your daily routine. Here are a few channels that will allow you to learn English with music and movement.

The Learning Station

You may be familiar with this station for their simple and catchy songs. But if you are new to it – it is worth checking out. The channels contains simple nursery rhymes that allow your young English learners memorize numbers, colors, days, months, seasons, and more. It also has videos that you can imitate together – incorporating movement in language learning is super helpful, not to mention mood boosting.

Super simple songs

This channel is for the youngest ones – ages 5-6 – and activities and songs provided on it will blend nicely and be appreciated by all children in kindergarten-1st-grade classrooms.

Maple Leaf Learning

Another channel for the youngest of learners, which can also be utilized for ESL students up to 2nd and 3d grade (depending on their interest level, of course). Songs, characters, movement – similar to other channels but at the same time unique in its presentation.

So here you are. I hope you find this list helpful and can use the resources from it with your students.

Questions about the WHAT and HOW of teaching absolute beginners?

If you have beginners in your classroom, are just starting out or would like to learn more about what it takes to teach and reach absolute beginner English learners, check out my ebook Teaching Absolute Beginners: an ESL Teacher’s Handbook! It contains all the necessary background information as well as printable templates, lesson plans, collaboration tips and more. Click on the image or the link above for more details!