The TESOL method involves learning how to teach the four skills of language, in this case, the English language: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Listening and Reading make up the receptive group, where students are passively receiving language and processing it, while Speaking and Writing make up the productive group, where students actively produce language and communicate. Let's look at each one more in-depth.

Listening
Listening is a receptive skill and what the student will use most frequently in learning English, assuming he is living in an English-speaking environment. Natural conversation is the best practice, however teachers can incorporate listening exercises in the lesson. Materials, including television shows, radio broadcasts or movies, are best because they most closely resemble the natural, standard, everyday speech of native English speakers.

Reading
Reading is the second of the receptive skills. Like with listening, materials that mimic natural language are best. Newspaper or magazine articles, for example are better choices than literary novels or poetry that contain whimsical grammar and rare vocabulary. ESL students tend to get bogged down with details, such as unfamiliar vocabulary or grammar, and must often be encouraged to initially read fast and be able to answer a broad, main idea question and later hone in on details for a more extensive understanding.

Speaking
Speaking, along with listening, is the primary skill the student will have to master to function in an English-speaking environment. Ideally natural conversation is best, but as this is difficult for beginner students, teachers will incorporate grammar exercises and short, learned conversations as speaking practice. This will get the beginner student accustomed to English sounds, inflections and vocabulary.

Writing
Writing also is a productive skill that is absolutely necessary for those wishing to study in an English-speaking environment. Unlike the other skills, writing does not necessarily need to mimic natural, everyday language. It can be more formal and structured, and the student can take time to compose and revise a piece. It is easier to start out with more informal writing, such as letters, journal entries and postcards, then move on to more complex ones, including essays and reports.

Synthesis
It is important to balance out practice in each of the four language skills. Ideally, a lesson would include an exercise for each, but if time does not permit, it is important that students get practice in each skill at least weekly. Try to pick activities that are fun and relevant.