In this video I break down my top 5 props for online ESL teachers and I don’t just hold them up to the camera—I show real in-class footage so you can see exactly how I use each one. As a former circus performer and teacher, I’m always looking for props that do two things at the same time: keep kids engaged and make the target vocabulary pop on screen. When you’re teaching through a little webcam box, big visuals and quick interactions aren’t “extra”… they’re the lesson. I walk you through my go-to puppet (because a puppet can “talk,” “eat,” and “feel” without the student freezing up), plus squishy food for instant vocab and silly reactions. Then I show my soft sports props like a plush soccer ball and a plush sports set—perfect for action words, “I like / I don’t like,” and fast TPR. I also bring in my juggling rings and even playing cards for colors, counting, and quick games. If you’re building your prop stash, my takeaway is simple: pick items that are camera-friendly, reusable across levels, and easy to grab without breaking your teaching flow.