Free TEFL resources & lesson plans - where to find them

One of the most essential elements for any TEFL teacher is the lesson plan. It’s the all-important outline for each lesson, acting as a roadmap to help you stay on course for your teaching goals, learning outcomes and all-round objectives for your lesson.

Besides teaching plans, TEFL teachers have a rich array of resources at their disposal. In this digital age, there’s a sea of information out there beyond the classroom. The trick is to know where to look.

That’s where we come in! At TEFL Iberia, we’ve been guiding our students for many years, steering them towards those tried and trusted and emerging sources of valuable information. So, here’s a breakdown of the best free resources and lesson plans for any budding TEFL teacher, and even those experienced English teachers out there.  

What kind of resources can be used for TEFL teachers?

Anything that helps you be a good teacher and helps your students learn. Think fundamentals such as flash cards, grammar sheets, videos, audio clips, infographics and activities.

Other great resources for TEFL teachers that have emerged in recent years include AI tools and online quizzes.

Why are TEFL lesson plans important?

As the old saying goes, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”

Yes, we know, it’s clichéd. But as anyone who’s ever floundered in the wake of bad prep will know, it’s all too true. 

A good lesson plan helps keep your lesson focused and well paced. It ensures each lesson has structure and works towards an end goal. It also helps you, the teacher, have everything fresh in your mind, giving you the freedom to express your teaching style, giving your students a more effective learning experience 

Creating your own lesson plan can be daunting. That’s why it’s a great idea to make use of free lesson plans, especially when you're a new teacher at the beginning of your TEFL teaching career. 

Where to find the best free TEFL resources and lesson plans

1. The British Council

One of the very best places for free TEFL resources and lesson plans, the British Council’s Teaching English website enables you to search for lesson plans by age group and level of English, helping you tailor your teaching to the needs of your students. You can also download lesson plans for business English, all covering a range of scenarios.

As well as lesson plans, you’ll find loads of downloadable worksheets, stories, poems and songs, as well as videos and listening exercises, all of which can help you to get really creative with your teaching!  

2. Breaking News English

Another great resource for lesson plans and free TEFL resources, Breaking News English provides over 1,000 free TEFL lesson plans. Everything is broken down into various categories, from business English and technology to lifestyle and social issues, so you can design your lesson based on your students’ interests.

You’ll also find speed reading challenges, fascinating discussion questions to inspire your students and easy to use mini lessons to help build vocabulary and confidence.

3 UsingEnglish.com

With 1,460 downloadable lesson plans and an array of activities, UsingEnglish.com is an excellent free TEFL resource for all kinds of different styles of teaching. 

You’ll find over 500 grammar and vocabulary practice sheets, downloadable e-books to help you with interactive classroom activities and you can even create your own online quiz using the platform’s free quiz management tool.

4. English Is a Piece of Cake

While it’s not as in-depth as some of the other leading TEFL resource sites, English Is a Piece of Cake brings a low-key brilliance with its approach to TEFL teaching resources. The website has high quality TEFL teaching plans and resources with a more personal approach. 

Created by an English teacher living in Poland, the lesson plans and activities are very engaging and challenge students with vocabulary, pronunciation, reading lessons, listening lessons and more.    

5. Twinkl

One of the most popular platforms for ESL resources, Twinkl provides everything from  full lesson plans and warm-up activities to games, flashcards and worksheets. Centred mainly around TEFL teaching for younger learners, 

You’ll also find reading comprehension packs, structured questions and answers, speaking challenges, quizzes, role play activities and more. There’s plenty of free TEFL resources available here, but you can also unlock extra content with Twinkl’s tiered membership system. 

6. Flow-Joe

If you’re looking for TEFL resources to help your students prepare for Cambridge exams, Flo-Joe is ideal. 

From practice tests and test summaries to vocabulary and grammar exercises, it’s a valuable resource to get your students prepared during that all-important lead up to a big exam.

7. Lingua House

Free downloadable lesson plans and worksheets, and lots of activities make Lingua House a great platform for TEFL teachers. 

You can test students’ listening with the platform’s excellent podcast, which delves into lots of interesting topics, tailor your search based on proficiency levels, type of English and even lesson time. Interestingly, you can also search by keyword, allowing you to get really specific and create lessons tailored to the passions and interests of your students.   

Free TEFL resources: inspiration for your classroom!

Now you know where to find the best TEFL resources and TEFL lesson plans, you’re ready to create some engaging, inspirational lessons for your students. Take your time to explore the platforms above and integrate your favourite resources into your personal teaching style. You’ll be on your way to becoming an excellent TEFL teacher!