ESL online teaching essentials for a fun, organized English classroom!
VIPKID, Qkids, Gogo Kid, Magic Ears & more
Teaching English online can be such a fun, rewarding experience.
You get to meet fantastic kids, work from home (or anywhere else in the world with good internet access!) and choose your own hours. Woot!
This becomes even BETTER when you have the correct online teaching set-up.
Having the right equipment and awesome props reduces stress before and during classes, making you a more awesome and attentive teacher!
I worked for VIPKID for almost 3 years as Teacher Diana QPP and it took me some time to get a collection of things that I was happy with.
This blog post is my list of essential online English teaching items that were super helpful for me during my time at VIPKID.
Hopefully they will be helpful for you too and take some of the hassle out of wondering what to buy!
I am definitely not suggesting that you have to buy ALL of these items before starting. It can be expensive to do all at once and you can always upgrade later!
Side note: This list does not include a computer / laptop or a desk.
I assumed that most people probably know that they need those… right? 🙂
Okay let’s go!
Note: This post contains affiliate links.
Online Teaching Essentials for ESL Teachers
#1 - A Comfy Chair
This probably seems like another really obvious item to include, but I REALLY underestimated it.
When I started out, I did not realize how much sitting for 4+ hours almost every day for months on end would affect me.
I had a decent office chair and thought it would be fine. However, it quickly started to flatten and my butt / legs / lower back started to hurt quite badly.
At a certain point, my lower back actually started twinging in pain during my lessons and it was becoming a problem.
I invested in a gaming chair to help my posture and general comfort. This was a GREAT choice.
While you don’t necessarily need a gaming chair (or maybe you have a better back than me!), I figured that for the amount I was sitting, it was worth investing in something comfortable.
Plus, you can always use it for things that are not ESL teaching-related and you will have it for a long time.
Comfortable Chair Options (from $99 - $199)
OFM ESS Collection High-Back Racing Style Bonded Leather Gaming Chair – Comfortable Computer Chair
BestOffice PC Gaming Chair Ergonomic Office Chair Desk Chair with Lumbar Support Flip Up Arms Headrest PU Leather Executive
#2 - Magnetic Whiteboards
Oh whiteboards… What would we do without magnetic whiteboards?
For teaching online, they are useful for SO many things: grammar lessons, classroom backgrounds, rewards, and games!
I like to have one large whiteboard behind me and then multiple smaller boards that I can hold up throughout the lessons.
I have also seen online ESL teachers with smaller spaces who have mini whiteboards that stand up on their own and are super cute!
I would recommend 1 large whiteboard and at least 2-3 small ones depending on how many lessons you are teaching throughout the day.
When I made this list (June 2021), the whiteboards below were $6.99 (the smallest one), $15 (the folding one) and $32.99 (the biggest one).
Overall, whiteboards are really convenient, easy to use, and cheap!
Affordable Whiteboards for Online Teaching
Small Dry Erase White Board – Magnetic Desktop Whiteboard 10″X10″ with Stand, 4 Markers, 4 Magnets & Eraser- Portable Double-Sided Whiteboard
OFM ESS Collection High-Back Racing Style Bonded Leather Gaming Chair – Comfortable Computer Chair
amazonbasics Magnetic Dry Erase Board, 24″ x 36″, Aluminum Frame – Large Whiteboard for Online Classroom / Office
#3 - Good Lighting
Having good lighting is essential for great lessons and for getting great reviews.
In the online ESL teaching world, lighting problems seem to be one of the most common parent complaints!
But there are many reasons to upgrade your lighting besides parents…
Students can see you better, there are no weird reflections from your whiteboard (or off your glasses if you wear them), PLUS you look extra awesome on-screen during your lessons!
While you can definitely pull lamps from around your house and position them at different angles to try and make it work (what I may have done at the beginning lol), having a ring light is so much easier.
With a simple ring light, you get better light quality and colouring in addition to not cluttering up your teaching space!
A ring light is also something that you may already have. If not, you can easily get one off Amazon for quite a good price (less than $50 for sure).
The first two lights I listed below were $24 and $28 each.
**If you are really tight on space, I highly recommend the clip-on option.
The Neewer light is more expensive ($90) but has amazing reviews and is more versatile if you want to use it for other things too!
Awesome Lighting Options for your ESL Classroom
Cyezcor Video Conference Lighting Kit, Light for Monitor Clip On,for Remote Working, Distance Learning,Zoom Call Lighting, Self Broadcasting and Live Streaming, Computer Laptop Video Conferencing
10” Ring Light with 50” Extendable Tripod Stand, Sensyne LED Circle Lights with Phone Holder for Live Stream/Makeup/YouTube Video/TikTok
Neewer Ring Light Kit:18″/48cm Outer 55W 5500K Dimmable LED Ring Light, Light Stand, Carrying Bag for Camera,Smartphone,YouTube,TikTok
#4 - Webcam and Headphones
Next on the list of essentials: a high quality webcam and headphones.
For me, the webcam that came built into my laptop was not good enough for teaching purposes.
It was blurry and a bit laggy so I invested in the Logitech C920x (listed below $69.99).
I have used this camera now for over 4 years on a VERY consistent basis. I have never had a problem with it and I would highly recommend it! We got a second one for my husband’s computer as well because we liked it so much.
For my headphones, I chose the SkullCandy headphones listed below.
These have excellent sound quality and are super comfortable.
In addition to that, I really wanted something that was wireless because my original headset would often get stuck on things or get tangled in my hands during those exciting TPR moments!
The SkullCandy headphones are about $149 so I also gave an awesome more affordable option that is $32.
What you choose definitely depends on whether you would use them for other things too, like commuting, gaming, or enjoying music!
Headphones and Webcam Options for ESL teaching online
Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphone – True Black – Headphones for Gaming & Teaching Online
Jeecoo Xiberia USB Pro Gaming Headset for PC- 7.1 Surround Sound Headphones with Noise Cancelling Microphone- Memory Foam Ear Pads
Neewer Ring Light Kit:18″/48cm Outer 55W 5500K Dimmable LED Ring Light, Light Stand, Carrying Bag for Camera,Smartphone,YouTube,TikTok
#5 - Thermal Laminator + Adhesive Magnets
I don’t know whether you have already discovered the joy of laminating in your brick & mortar classroom, but if you don’t already have a laminator… it is FANTASTIC!
I use my laminator ALL the time.
All those sheets that get squished, activities that need to be reprinted, and rewards that get worn out over time… all in the past!!
Ultimately, a laminator makes so much of your work last MUCH LONGER.
I found this especially useful for rewards, reference sheets, and pictures (even flashcards) which you are often holding up and moving around during lessons.
Inevitably these things get bent or wrecked because paper is super flimsy on its own.
The great part about laminating, is that you can then stick an adhesive magnet on the back and put whatever you are holding onto the whiteboards (make sure you get a magnetic one!).
Here are the laminating supplies that I have been using for years.
I use the laminator for my other teaching as well and it has never failed me!
I have the same one listed here and it is only $21.99 + $14.99 for the pack of pouches. The magnets here are 100 magnets for $8.99.
Laminator and supplies for Teachers
Scotch Thermal Laminator, 2 Roller System for a Professional Finish, Use for Home, Office or School
House Again Flexible Magnet Round with Adhesive Perfect for Crafts & DIY Projects, Hanging & Organizing Light Objects at Home Office or Warehouse, 100Pcs
#6 - Props and Fun Teaching Accessories!
This is without question the MOST FUN part of this blog post… though I do really love my laminator… 🙂
It’s time for awesome props and accessories to up your teaching game!
These are the categories of props that I used the most:
- Puppets
- Flashcards
- Costumes
- Laminated rewards / games
- Lots of things to do with animals! (always a hit with the kids and included in many different units)
- Plastic food (great for rewards, vocabulary, colours, etc)
I love using props and costumes in my lessons.
It makes it more fun for the kids and it makes the time pass more quickly too.
I taught a lot of the “Voice of VIPKID” lessons (the singing ones) so the costumes were especially handy for those!
Whether you are singing or not, props will greatly enhance your classes and make students want to keep booking with you.
Everyone loves a fun teacher!
How much you want to spend on these will vary depending on how many classes you are teaching and whether you have any other use for them.
Personally, I use tons of these with my daughter as well so I can justify spending the money in two ways. This makes it a bit easier!
In any case, I thought I would put some of my most fun props / accessories up here to give you some ideas as you build your own collection!
Side note: *LOVE* the Melissa and Doug puppets. They are great quality and they don’t wear out!
PRICES: (June 2021) All items listed are between $10 (the flashcard set) and $35 (the double set of Melissa and Doug puppets).
Fun Prop Ideas for Online ESL Teachers
Melissa & Doug Barn Buddies Hand Puppets, Set of 6 (Cow, Sheep, Horse, Duck, Chicken, Pig)
merka Educational Flashcards for Toddlers – Learn Letters Colors Shapes Numbers, Animals and Alphabet – Toddler Preschool Learning Toys for Ages 1-2, 2-3 and 2-4 – 58 Flashcards and Picture Cards
Funny Glasses Party Sunglasses Costume Sunglasses,12 Pack Cool Shaped Funny Party Glasses
Melissa & Doug Animal Hand Puppets (Set of 2, 4 animals in each) – Zoo Friends and Farm Friends
CozyBomB Magnetic Fishing Pool Toys Game for Kids – Water Table Bathtub Kiddie Party Toy with Pole Rod Net Plastic Floating Fish
M.C. Squares Stickies 5×5 Dry-Erase Sticky Notes | 6-Pack Reusable White Board Stickers with Included Marker | Made in The USA
82 Piece Animal Toy, Assorted Mini Dinosaur Insect Ocean Sea Animal Farm Animal Jungle Animal Dog Figure, Realistic Vinyl Plastic Zoo Play Set
#7 - Keeping it organized - Home Classroom Organization
The last thing I wanted to include in this list of essentials is ways to keep all your stuff organized!
I used to teach 6-9 classes each morning of all different levels.
It was a TON of props, flashcards, rewards, and notes to keep organized.
The easiest way that I found to prepare, was to get a designated organizer for my classes and prep the drawers the night before.
This made the morning (when sometimes you aren’t feeling amazing at 4:30am) so much easier.
Plus, it was also less stressful because I knew that everything I needed was ready for me!
Personally, I liked having an organizer with different sizes of drawers so that I could stuff all the larger extra props into the bigger drawers and keep the small drawers numbered with only what I needed for each lesson.
PRICES: (June 2021) I have the middle organizer here and it is $64.99. The other two are less expensive but still great options at $39 (the wire one) and $79 (the rainbow one).
Awesome Storage and Organizers for Online Teaching
Honey-Can-Do Rolling Storage Cart and Organizer with 12 Plastic Drawers – Props, Crafts, Home Office
Finnhomy 12 Drawer Organizer Cart Utility Cart Rolling Storage Cart Smoke Drawer Studio Trolley Office Suppliers for Home School
And that is the final part of my recommendations!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope you found the information useful.
Good luck with your online English teaching, you will have a blast!
