The A to Z of writing language learning materials

This A-to-Z book is for teachers of English as a second language or any other modern language. Even though teachers usually receive formal training in how to teach, the courses they take rarely include any input on how to write and create materials. Even if you are a teacher with a coursebook or a complete set of online materials, at some point in your teaching, you'll both want and need to create supplementary materials. It might be a simple worksheet to cover a trending topic that isn't in the coursebook or a digital resource like a quiz or a poll to liven up an online lesson.

In response to the lack of training available, award-winning authors Kath and John ran their first course in how write language learning materials in 2023. Both had 30 years of experience in writing materials as published coursebook authors and as teacher trainers. They wanted to share that experience and redress the balance so that teachers feel confident when writing. Through their work, many teachers have gone on to create their language learning materials and, in some cases, they have moved into careers as materials writers working for well-known publishers.

This book is based on their vast experience and evolved from their regular 'A to Z' blog. You might read this book from beginning to end or you can look down the contents page and go straight to the entry you need. Most of the entries follow a similar pattern, with text divided into sections signposted with sub-headings. However, to add that all-important variety that any set of materials should have, some entries break the mould - see, for example, C is for Crossword or S is for Script. Every entry ends with an 'Ask yourself' section so that readers can reflect on their own materials writing practice.