How much does is cost? What exactly do I get?
Each individual title, containing three items, costs €3. This purchase enables you to download a zipped file containing a PowerPoint and two Word documents -a crib sheet and a paper that you can print to aid class teaching ('class notes').
The PowerPoint is designed to practise and encourage speaking and fluency for intermediate students. There is sometimes (not always) a little reading and a little grammar, but these only take a very small amount of time and usually just focus on a sentence used in the video.
When do I get the PowerPoint and Word documents? How does it work?
You give your email address when you pay (Cart). The links are sent to the email address you gave, usually within a minute. You have 30 days to download the items using the links.
Check SPAM and junk mail folders - sometimes the link will be directed there.
Are the lessons for online (distance) teaching or classroom use?
The lessons were originally devised during the COVID period and were used for online teaching. However, since the lifting of the COVID restrictions the author has used the same PowerPoints successfully in a classroom setting, using the 'class notes' as a handout (one between two or three) as an aid to group work and discussion.
Do I need all three parts to teach the lesson?
No. You can do it with the PowerPoint alone. The crib sheet should make it easier though, as it provides potential answers and gives give a clear idea of what's coming next. Likewise, the 'class notes' are not essential for a class-based lesson; the lesson can be done without the class notes, or with the teacher's own handout.
Can I just buy a PowerPoint lesson and teach it online straight away?
Theoretically you can, but it would likely be a disastrous lesson. The PowerPoint should be 'driven' - that is, clicked through slide by slide so the teacher knows what to do and what's coming - and the video should definitely be watched, not least so that the teacher can check it is suitable and appropriate for the students.
I work in a country where religion is prominent. Are the lessons suitable for all?
It is essential to read the cover sheet at the beginning of the crib sheet; this points out if there is any sensitive material and if the material is suitable for all. All the cover sheets are shown in the preview of the item for sale, so they can be read before you purchase.
Are all the presentations suitable for children of school age?
Most are; some are definitely not and are designed with adult themes (such as smoking).
It is essential to read the cover sheet at the beginning of the crib sheet; this points out if there is any sensitive material. All the cover sheets are shown in the preview of the item for sale, so they can be read before you purchase.
Aren't there copyright issues with the pictures and films?
The films and videos are not embedded in the presentation - only a link (to YouTube) is. There are no copyright issues with the videos.
All the pictures have been carefully selected and are public domain, copyright free, or able to be used with a license (published on the credit slides at the end of each presentation). All the pictures have a license accreditation, although strictly speaking most of them do not need one.
If you think a picture should not be used please contact me and I will replace it with another (although I have been extremely careful when selecting pics and licenses).
How do I stop the adverts on YouTube?
I am told that some people use an ad blocker but the author personally found it easier to subscribe. Subscribing stops all the ads, which is preferable if you use a large amount of material from YouTube.
Can I have a discount if I buy more than one?
Not available at present.
Can I edit the PowerPoints?
It is possible to edit the presentations, for example to change a word from American English to British English or vice-versa. However, it is strongly recommended that you do not delete the slides, change the animations or links, or change the format in any way. The PowerPoints are complicated and functionality will be lost if parts are deleted. In other words, you might (and probably will) stop the presentation working properly.
Any edits are performed at your own risk. Files can not be uploaded again for free after the link has expired.
Why are they only €3? Are they rubbish?
Nope. The presentations are extremely effective and the students enjoy them. Each PowerPoint has been used multiple times by the author. They are simply priced to sell.
Why isn't there more grammar? Don't the students need it?
The presentations are designed to practise speaking fluency. There is often a small grammar section at the end which develops a sentence or idea shown in the video, but these are kept short in order to concentrate on the primary objective - fluency.
Do you teach English online?
I do, and I can be contacted through the contact form.
Do you do PowerPoints for younger students (A1 A2)?
Yes I do, but currently I am still wading through my B1 and B2 presentations and preparing them for the website. It will be deep into 2024 when I start unloading A1 A2 presentations.
Some of the crib sheets are a little blurry.
I had to save some of the pages as jpegs to reduce the size. They are readable.
Are you still producing new ones? How often?
There are at least 30 more which I am currently editing and preparing for sale. I aim to add a couple a week, as time allows.
How big are the files?
Most are under 10MB. 'Octopus' is 24MB and 'Gardening' is 37MB (they are picture-heavy).
Can I buy them for my school?
Of course! However, the price is per user, not per institution. Please purchase a copy for each teacher who will be using them.