10 Effective Homework Activities for Online English Learners (ELLs)
Learning English online is an adventure, but it can feel overwhelming for English Language Learners (ELLs) without the right tools and motivation. Homework plays a huge role in building confidence and skills outside the virtual classroom. Unlike traditional pen-and-paper tasks, online homework should be interactive, creative, and connected to real life to keep students excited. I love how these activities make it fun to complete my homework while practicing new skills. These tasks are designed to spark curiosity, encourage practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and fit seamlessly into a digital or low-tech environment. They’re flexible for all ages, from young kids to adults, and work for beginners to advanced learners. Teachers can assign them through online platforms or email, and students can submit via photos, videos, or text. Parents can join in to make it fun for younger learners, and quick teacher feedback keeps everyone motivated. Let’s explore 10 engaging and effective homework activities that make learning English a joy.
1. Movie Magic Review
What to Do: Pick a short English movie clip, cartoon, or TV episode (15–30 minutes) from a free video site. Choose something fun, like a short animated film or a simple show with clear dialogue. Watch it with English subtitles if needed. Then, write a 100-word review: What’s the story? Who’s your favorite character and why? Did you enjoy it? Record a 1-minute video summarizing your review in your own words.
Why It’s Great: Watching movies is like diving into a new world where language comes alive. You’ll hear natural English, pick up slang, and learn how tone changes meaning. Writing a review helps you organize thoughts and practice descriptive words, while the video boosts speaking confidence.
Online Twist: Share your review in a class discussion or send the video via a messaging app. If you’re shy, write a longer review instead of recording. Teachers can play clips in class to spark group chats.
Time: About 45 minutes (20 for watching, 15 for writing, 10 for recording).
Tools: Phone or computer, free video sites, voice recorder app.
Tip for Teachers: Share a word bank with adjectives like “exciting,” “funny,” or “sad.” Provide a sample 100-word review with clear sentences. Grade for clear ideas (main point stated) and use of at least three new vocabulary words.
2. Video Lip-Sync Challenge
What to Do: Find a short, upbeat English song on a video app (no need to post publicly). Think pop hits or simple rhymes for younger learners. Practice lip-syncing the lyrics, adding hand gestures or funny faces for flair. Record a 30-second video of your performance, then write down three new words from the song and their meanings.
Why It’s Great: Songs make pronunciation practice feel like a game. The rhythm helps you remember words, and lip-syncing reduces the fear of speaking aloud. It’s perfect for shy learners who want to practice privately. Writing new words builds vocabulary you can use in real conversations.
Online Twist: Send the video privately to your teacher or share in a secure class group. If cameras aren’t your thing, record audio only or write out the lyrics with translations. Teachers can give pronunciation tips in feedback.
Time: 30 minutes (15 for practicing, 10 for recording, 5 for writing).
Tools: Phone camera, free music apps.
Tip for Teachers: Select songs with clear lyrics and share a lyric sheet. Grade for correct pronunciation of lyrics and accurate meanings of the three chosen words.
3. Podcast Adventure Summary
What to Do: Listen to a short, beginner-friendly podcast episode (5–10 minutes) on a podcast app. Take notes on the main idea, two new phrases, and one question the episode made you think about. Record a 1-minute audio explaining what you learned and your question.
Why It’s Great: Podcasts feel like listening to a friendly chat, which sharpens your ear for accents and natural speech. Summarizing helps you process ideas and practice speaking clearly. The question encourages critical thinking, a key skill for advanced ELLs.
Online Twist: Download episodes for offline listening if needed. Share your audio in a class chat or email it. Teachers can start the next lesson by discussing students’ questions.
Time: 40 minutes (10 for listening, 20 for notes, 10 for recording).
Tools: Headphones, phone or computer, voice memo app.
Tip for Teachers: Choose episodes with transcripts and share a sample summary with complete sentences. Grade for a clear main idea and correct use of two new phrases.
4. Family Interview Quest
What to Do: Ask a family member, friend, or neighbor five simple questions in English, like “What’s your favorite food?” or “What did you do today?” Record the conversation (audio or video) on your phone. Then, write a short paragraph (50–100 words) summarizing what you learned about them.
Why It’s Great: Talking to someone familiar makes speaking less intimidating. You practice forming questions, listening to answers, and summarizing in writing. It’s also a fun way to share your culture or learn about others, which builds confidence for real-world English use.
Online Twist: If you’re alone, interview a virtual friend via a video call app or an AI chatbot. Submit the recording or paragraph via email or a class platform. Teachers can share fun snippets (with permission) to build community.
Time: 35 minutes (15 for the interview, 20 for writing).
Tools: Phone recorder, notebook or text app.
Tip for Teachers: Share a list of 10 sample questions like “What’s your favorite hobby?” and sentence starters like “I learned that my friend enjoys…”. Grade for correct question grammar and a clear, complete summary paragraph.
5. Karaoke Superstar Session
What to Do: Choose an easy English song with a karaoke track on a free video site, like a simple pop song. Sing along, focusing on pronouncing words clearly. Record a 1-minute clip, then write down three words you found hard to say and how you practiced them.
Why It’s Great: Singing is a joyful way to practice pronunciation and rhythm without feeling judged. It helps you notice how words sound in context, and writing about challenges builds self-awareness. Even beginners can join in with simple songs like nursery rhymes.
Online Twist: Share audio only if you’re shy, or send the video to your teacher. Classmates can vote on favorite performances in a fun, supportive way. Teachers can use clips to teach stress or intonation.
Time: 25 minutes (15 for practicing, 5 for recording, 5 for writing).
Tools: Free video sites, phone mic or camera.
Tip for Teachers: Suggest songs with clear lyrics and share the lyric sheet. Grade for clear pronunciation of at least 80% of the lyrics and detailed practice descriptions for the three words.
6. Hobby Spotlight Presentation
What to Do: Pick a hobby you love, like gaming, cooking, or soccer. Create a 2-minute slideshow or video with 3–5 slides: Show pictures (photos or drawings), describe the hobby, and share one tip for others. Present it in English.
Why It’s Great: Talking about passions makes English personal and fun. You’ll practice descriptive words, storytelling, and public speaking in a low-pressure way. Visuals help convey meaning, which is great for beginners, while advanced learners can add complex sentences.
Online Twist: Use free slide creation apps. Upload to a file sharing service or record a video walkthrough. Teachers can share presentations in class for peer comments.
Time: 50 minutes (20 for planning, 20 for creating, 10 for recording).
Tools: Phone for photos, slide app or paper for drawings.
Tip for Teachers: Share a sample slide with phrases like “My hobby is cooking because it’s relaxing.” Grade for clear hobby description, correct vocabulary, and confident presentation delivery.
7. Creative Story Spark
What to Do: Use five new words from class to write a short story (100–200 words) about a fun or silly adventure, like “A dog who becomes a superhero.” Add a simple drawing or emojis to illustrate it. Read your story aloud and record it if possible.
Why It’s Great: Stories let your imagination shine, making vocabulary stick in a creative way. Writing improves grammar, while reading aloud builds fluency and pronunciation. Drawings add a visual layer, which helps younger or visual learners.
Online Twist: Email the story or post it in a shared document. Share the recording in a class group or play it in the next lesson. Teachers can create a “story wall” online for everyone to read.
Time: 45 minutes (20 for writing, 15 for drawing, 10 for recording).
Tools: Word processor, drawing app or paper, phone recorder.
Tip for Teachers: Provide a list of five class vocabulary words and a sample 100-word story. Grade for correct use of all five words, proper grammar, and creative plot ideas.
8. Blog Comment Explorer
What to Do: Read a short English blog post or article from an ESL-friendly site. Write a 50-word comment: Agree or disagree with the author and add your own example or idea. For a challenge, start a mini-blog post (100 words) on the same topic.
Why It’s Great: Blogs mimic real online communication, helping you practice reading and polite responses. Commenting teaches concise writing, while mini-blogs build confidence in sharing ideas. It’s like joining a global conversation, perfect for intermediate and advanced ELLs.
Online Twist: Comment on safe forums or class blogs, or screenshot your comment for submission. Share mini-blogs on an online board. Teachers can highlight great comments in class.
Time: 30 minutes (15 for reading, 10 for commenting, 5 for optional blog).
Tools: Browser, notes app, or paper.
Tip for Teachers: Choose articles suited to students’ levels and share sentence starters like “I agree with the author because…”. Grade for clear comment structure and relevant ideas.
9. 24-Hour English Journal
What to Do: For one day, try using only English at home—speaking, thinking, or even labeling objects (e.g., “table,” “cup”). Keep a journal: Write 50–100 words about what was easy, what was hard, one new phrase you used, and a funny mistake you made.
Why It’s Great: This immersion challenge feels like a game, pushing you to use English in daily life. Journaling helps you reflect on progress and notice patterns, like tricky words or grammar. It’s a confidence booster for all levels.
Online Twist: Share journal entries via a class app or email. Teachers can create a group chat for students to share funny moments. Beginners can write shorter entries with pictures.
Time: Ongoing all day, 20 minutes for journaling.
Tools: Notebook, diary app, or paper.
Tip for Teachers: Share journal prompts like “Today, I spoke English when I…” Grade for detailed reflections (at least three specific examples) and use of one new phrase.
10. Recipe Remix Video
What to Do: Choose a simple snack or meal (real or pretend, like a sandwich or a made-up “alien soup”). Write a step-by-step recipe in English (5–8 steps). Record a 1-minute video explaining how to make it, using props or drawings if possible.
Why It’s Great: Food is a universal topic that makes learning fun. Writing steps teaches clear instructions and sequencing words (first, next, then). The video practices speaking with visuals, which engages multiple senses and suits all ages.
Online Twist: Film in your kitchen or draw the steps on paper. Share via a private link or class platform. Teachers can compile a “class cookbook” online. For no-cook days, describe a virtual dish.
Time: 40 minutes (15 for writing, 15 for preparing, 10 for recording).
Tools: Ingredients (optional), phone camera, paper for drawings.
Tip for Teachers: Share a sample recipe with clear steps like “Take two slices of bread.” Grade for clear instructions, correct use of sequencing words, and confident pronunciation.
Tips for Teachers, Students, and Parents
- Teachers: Assign one activity per week to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Create a short rubric with scores 1–3 for two skills (e.g., fluency, vocabulary) for quick grading. Share a clear example for each task and simple phrases to guide beginners. Offer one optional challenge for advanced students, like writing a 150-word blog post. Provide feedback within 48 hours, noting one strength and one area to improve.
- Students: Choose tasks that feel fun, like videos if you’re outgoing or writing if you prefer quiet work. Focus on using new words, not perfection. Ask your teacher for help if a task feels hard.
- Parents: Assist young learners with setup, like recording a song or finding a video. Join family tasks like interviews or recipes for fun bonding. Use paper and photos if internet access is limited.
Why These Activities Work
These tasks are built for online learning, blending creativity with practical skills. They’re short enough to avoid burnout but meaningful enough to build real progress. Low-tech options (photos, voice notes) make them accessible, even with limited internet. Choice and flexibility let students shine in their own way—whether they love performing, writing, or drawing. Plus, they connect English to real life, from cooking to hobbies, so learning feels relevant.
For variety, teachers can rotate tasks weekly: one for listening (podcasts), one for speaking (karaoke), one for reading (blogs), and one for writing (stories). A longer project, like the presentation or mini-lesson, can be a fun weekend challenge. Always tie tasks to class lessons (e.g., use vocabulary from the week) and celebrate small wins with positive feedback.
Final Thoughts
Homework doesn’t have to be dull—it can be a highlight of learning English online. These 10 activities turn practice into play, helping ELLs grow confident in a virtual world. Whether you’re a student singing karaoke, a teacher sharing feedback, or a parent cheering on your child, these tasks make English a part of daily life. Try one this week, share your results with your class, and watch your skills soar.
