Struggling with TEFL homework ideas, online teaching admin, or tricky grammar like wish? In this episode of How to English with Gav & Em, we break down real teaching challenges, share practical tips, and have a bit of fun along the way.

🚀What you’ll learn in this episode:

How to create engaging homework tasks (that students actually do!)

Why holidays matter for teachers—and how they reset your teaching brain

The reality of freelance TEFL life vs contracted teaching

How to handle online lesson scheduling, invites & time zones

What to do when students just don’t get it

A clear explanation of tricky "wish" grammar (wish vs would vs past regret)

Plus… a zombie apocalypse teaching scenario and the ultimate lesson “cake” formula

Perfect for TEFL teachers, ESL teachers, and English learners looking for practical advice, classroom strategies, and relatable teaching stories.

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Timestamps

00:00 – TEFL podcast intro

02:08 – What makes a great homework task?

04:45 – Fun, interesting & relevant homework ideas

09:28 – TEFL holidays & freelance lifestyle

13:32 – Returning to teaching after a break

16:12 – Zombie apocalypse teaching scenario

19:03 – Online teaching invites & Issues

26:00 – When students don’t understand "Wish"

33:10 – Lesson cake metaphor

38:20 – Outro