Livia Borba Teacher | Online English Lessons

WORKSHOPS FOR

English Teachers

APPLYING DOGME ELT IN YOUR TEACHING

Discover how to implement a conversation-driven, materials-light approach that prioritizes student-generated language and meaningful interaction in your lessons.

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WORKING WITH EMERGENT LANGUAGE

Learn how to notice, capture, and develop language as it naturally emerges in conversation, making lessons more relevant, engaging, and impactful for your students.

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LEXICAL APPROACH IN PRACTICE

Explore how language is acquired through chunks, how to help students notice and use collocations effectively, and how to integrate the lexical approach into your teaching in a practical way. This workshop is delivered in collaboration with teacher trainer Ricardo Barros.

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LEXIFYING YOUR COURSEBOOK

A practical workshop to help teachers bring the lexical approach into any classroom—even when using a fixed coursebook. Discover how to adapt materials, exploit texts for lexis, and create space for lexical development, all while staying aligned with your syllabus. This workshop is delivered in collaboration with teacher Bruna Passos.

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Hi, I'm Lívia Borba

I’ve been an English teacher for 16 years, working with adult learners in various language schools in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. In 2017, I transitioned to running my own teaching business to better align my practice with my teaching philosophy.

After having taught a wide range of adult learners over the years, I have discovered that my true passions lies in helping enthusiastic upper-intermediate and advanced learners refine their language skills. My approach is student-centered, and I use authentic, meaningful materials with a strong lexical focus to develop both language awareness and proficiency.

In addition, I’m deeply committed to supporting fellow English teachers. I offer language development programs designed to boost both their confidence as teachers and their proficiency and workshops aimed at helping teachers refine their teaching skills. My goal is to help teachers not only improve their own language proficiency but also feel empowered in their classrooms.

What I believe in as an English teacher and learner:

1. Learning should be student-centered and emergent

My approach aligns with Dogme ELT, which means that my lessons prioritize learners’ needs, interests, and the language that naturally emerges in conversation. I see lesson plans and materials as tools, not rigid scripts, and I believe in adapting my teaching based on what happens in the lesson.

2. Lexis is at the heart of language learning

I don’t see language as a set of grammar rules to be memorized but as a network of lexical chunks, collocations, and patterns. I encourage learners to notice and collect useful phrases, helping them develop a more natural and fluent way of communicating.

3. Language learning is a continuous journey

I believe in lifelong learning and see fluency and advanced proficiency as an ongoing, evolving process rather than a final destination. I believe in embracing curiosity and continuous development.

4. Teachers should also invest in their own language development

Teachers’ language skills are their most valuable asset. I believe that continuing to refine their proficiency not only boosts their confidence in their own language use but also enhances their ability to support their students effectively.

I’m a lifelong learner, and investing in my own language and professional development has been pivotal to my career. Here’s what I’ve accomplished so far:

→ I obtained both my C1 and C2 certificates in my early 20s.

→ I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Translation from UFRGS in 2012.

→ From August 2013 to 2014, I was a Foreign Language Teaching Assistant with a Fulbright Scholarship at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, USA.

→ I hold a Master’s degree in Linguistics from PUCRS (2021) and a CELTA certification.

→ I’ve been continuously investing in my language and professional development over the past few years by taking courses with reputable ELT professionals such as Sérgio Pantoja and Fernanda Cwiertnia. In 2022, I studied Dogme ELT with Scott Thornbury.

COURSES & SERVICES

How you can

work with me

ALL COURSES

GENERAL LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

If you are an English teacher or a learner looking for language tutoring, this is for you. I offer tailored programs for intermediate (B1-B2) and advanced learners (C1-C2) who wish to hone their English skills. The lessons focus on general language development. My aim is to help you succeed as a learner and boost your confidence to use English in any context you need.

📌 Available formats: 1:1 or in pairs, or groups on demand → contact me

EXAM PREPARATION

I offer lessons designed to enhance both language proficiency and exam-specific skills for Cambridge B2 First, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and Cambridge C2 Proficiency. These sessions provide guidance with a particular focus on improving writing skills. Whether you are an English teacher seeking a certificate or a learner aiming to earn a Cambridge certificate, these lessons are for you.

📌 Available formats: 1:1, in pairs, or small groups → contact me

Last week, I parted with a very dear student. We worked together for a little over a year, and he was an absolute pleasure to teach. Despite being super busy, he hardly ever missed a class. He did his homework and easily engaged with every discussion topic I suggested. I saw his fluency and confidence flourish before my eyes, and there’s nothing more rewarding than that. At the end of the day, that’s what makes it all worth it: not just helping learners boost their language skills, but helping them feel proud of their progress to the point where their confidence becomes noticeable.

Have you ever wondered why humans naturally form communities? Maybe it’s because we’re simply stronger when we come together.
Learning is no different. When you join a group, you gain more than knowledge. You gain new perspectives, shared motivation, and support that can make all the difference. You gain. YOU. GAIN.

Why go it alone, when you can find your people and grow together?! Let it sink in.

https://www.fernandaenglishteacher.com/
https://englishxbruna.com.br/
https://www.liviaborbateacher.com/

Feel stuck in English?

Whether you're around B1 or already at B2, there's a course designed to help you move forward — with confidence and clarity.

🧠 Struggling to find the right words?
🗣️ Want to speak more naturally and understand more easily?
📚 Ready to go beyond the basics and boost all your skills?

✨ B1 Intermediate Boost and B2 Upper-Intermediate Boost are small-group courses that focus on real English, real progress, and real confidence.
👥 3–6 students per group
📅 20 weeks | 🕖 90 minutes/week | 🧰 Materials included

Slide through to see which one is right for you →
📩 DM me if you're not sure — I'll help you find the best fit!

Feeling stuck at B1/B2? You’re not alone.

You’ve studied for years, you can hold a conversation… but something’s missing.
You're not getting better, even though you're putting in the time.
That’s the intermediate plateau — and it’s real.

But here’s the thing: it’s not your fault.
Most learners hit this wall because they’re missing the right kind of input, feedback, and strategies to move forward.

✨ If you're ready to break through, I’ve got you.
Whether you’re a learner or a teacher, I have a course designed to help you finally move beyond the plateau:

🔹 B1 Intermediate Boost – for learners around B1 who want to get closer to B2.
🔹 B2 Upper-Intermediate Boost – for B2-level learners who want to strengthen their skills and unlock more fluent, natural English.
🔹 Stepping Stones to C1 – for English teachers stuck at B2 or early C1 who want to develop more precise, confident language.

🧠 Real English.
📚 Lexical approach.
🎯 Focused on helping you sound more natural — not just pass a test.

👉 Check the link in bio or send me a DM if you want help choosing the right course!

Are you an English teacher stuck at B2 or low C1?

Feel like your English just isn’t evolving the way you'd like? You're not alone — and you don't have to figure it out alone either.

Stepping Stones to C1 is a small-group course designed for teachers who want to keep growing their language without the pressure of exam prep.

We meet once a week to work on all skills — listening, reading, speaking, and writing — using real materials and a lexical approach that helps you notice and use language more naturally and precisely.

✨ Course format:
📅 Fridays, 09:00–10:30 (BRT)
📚 18 weeks | 27 hours total
👥 3 to 6 teachers per group
🗓 July 18 to December 12 (no classes on 21/08, 28/08, 04/09)
💳 Investment:
👉 6x R$337,50
If you’re ready to finally move forward, DM me “C1 Fridays” and I’ll send you the full info.
Let’s take that next step — at your pace.

This Friday, we’re joining forces to talk about... the power of joining forces!
Because that’s what happens when we join a group: we pool our strengths, we learn, we grow, we become real forces to be reckoned with!

And yet, group courses still come with a few persistent misconceptions, like the idea that group lessons can’t be personalized.

So join us this Friday at 12:15pm BRT (GMT-3) for a warm conversation about the real benefits of learning in a group. It’s high time we debunked some myths!

Eu nunca fui muito de comemorar aniversário!
Hoje em dia até gosto! É como se fosse um dia especial só para mim!

Acho que essa foto é de mais de 30 anos atrás. Caramba 👵

Hoje completo 37 anos me sentido velha, é verdade, mas muito feliz e satisfeita com o que sou e tenho! E sim, meu trabalho é (feliz ou infelizmente?) uma parte muito importante da minha identidade, então não posso deixar também de refletir sobre o quanto já trabalhei e alcançei até agora e aguardar ansiosamente pelo que me espera pela frente.

Vocês gostam de comemorar aniversário?

Fluency ≠ Perfection. So what does it really mean to be fluent in English?

It’s not about sounding like a native speaker.
It’s not about speaking without ever making mistakes.
It’s not even about using the most advanced words or structures.

Fluency is about ease and flow.
It means being able to express your thoughts clearly without long pauses, without constantly hesitating, and without having to go around in (too many) circles just to say something simple (that’s what we call overcircumlocution—using lots of extra words because you can’t find the one you need).

It’s about being comfortable enough with the language to keep going.
And here’s the thing:
👉 Advanced English and fluent English aren’t the same.
You can know complex grammar and still struggle to speak smoothly.
You can be fluent and still have gaps in your vocabulary.

One thing that helps? Chunks.
When you speak in chunks—groups of words that naturally go together—you’re more likely to produce speech without breaking it up.
There are no pauses inside a chunk. You don’t say:
“at... the... end... of... the... day.”
You say it as one thought: at the end of the day.

Fluency comes from real use, from listening and noticing patterns, from building your own mental bank of phrases you can draw from automatically.

Perfection isn’t the goal.
Being able to communicate your ideas with clarity and confidence is.

Fluency isn’t perfection—so what does your version of fluency look like?
Tell me in the comments 👇

Many learners feel guilty if they're not speaking the entire lesson.
But speaking without feeding your brain with new words, expressions, and ideas is like trying to cook without ingredients.
Reading and listening aren’t a break from learning — they are learning.
And the truth is: most learners don't engage much with English outside of lessons. That makes quality input during class even more important.
So next time you’re reading something or listening to a podcast in your lesson…
Don't ask “why aren’t we speaking?”
Ask “how will this help me speak better?”
—
👉 Ready to make the most of your English lessons?
📍 B1 Intermediate Boost
📍 B2 Upper-Intermediate Boost
📍 Stepping Stones to C1 (for teachers)

Lesson planning doesn’t need to be rigid.
Here’s how I approach it most of the time:
– I start with input that sparks conversation
– I help students notice useful language
– I throw in a little learner training when it makes sense
– I make space for emergent language

🧠 Language isn’t just taught — it’s noticed, played with, and explored.

🔁 But not every lesson has to include all of this.
Some days are more focused than others.
Some lessons are all about the conversation.
Others are about diving deep into language.

The key? Being flexible — and tuning into what your learners actually need.

How do you plan your lessons?

Things you won’t see me doing in class:

🔸 Correcting every little thing you say
Because fluency needs space. Constant correction can interrupt your train of thought and make you second-guess yourself. I focus on the things that matter most for your development — especially patterns and recurring issues — and help you reformulate them when the time is right.

🔸 Writing down words in isolation
Words rarely live alone. I focus on chunks, collocations, and patterns so you can actually use what you learn. Learning “demand” is one thing. Learning “meet a demand,” “in high demand,” and “a growing demand for” gives you real power.

🔸 Worrying too much about covering grammar points
You won’t find me racing through grammar units. Grammar is important, yes — but language isn’t a checklist. I prioritize meaningful input, real usage, and working with the language that emerges from what we’re doing.

✨ My goal isn’t to “cover” English.
It’s to help you notice it, use it, and own it.

You've likely spent years focused on grammar rules.
Endless gap-fills. Correction drills. Avoiding mistakes at all costs.
But what if that hyperfocus on accuracy is actually holding you back?

Here’s the truth:
💡 Most of what we mean is carried by vocabulary.
💡 You can be grammatically correct and still unclear.
💡 You can be grammatically imperfect and still understood.

So no — this post isn’t saying grammar doesn’t matter.
It’s saying communication matters more.
Let go of perfection. Embrace clarity. Prioritize meaning.

If this post struck a chord, maybe it’s time to stop chasing perfection and start building real confidence in English.

Here’s how I can support your journey 👇

LEARNERS:
🔹 B1 Intermediate Boost – for intermediate learners building fluency
🔹 B2 Upper-Intermediate Boost – for upper-intermediates ready to level up

TEACHERS:
🔹 Stepping Stones to C1 – for teachers ready to refine their English and grow

Send me a message if you want help deciding which one is right for you!

O que minhas certificações me ensinaram (de verdade)
🎓 Bacharelado em Letras — UFRGS
Foi onde tudo começou.
Na graduação, desenvolvi meu inglês de maneira sólida. Acredito que isso já diz muito sobre o poder do estudo constante e da imersão, mesmo estando no Brasil. Ali, também me tornei pesquisadora: participei de iniciação científica, me aproximei da linguística (e da literatura!) e aprendi o valor do ensino superior público e de qualidade. Foi intenso, bonito e, confesso, um privilégio. Inclusive, finalizei o curso com láurea acadêmica — algo que me enche de orgulho até hoje.
🧠 Mestrado em Letras com ênfase em Linguística — PUCRS
Em 2021, já bem inserida no ensino de línguas, decidi mergulhar ainda mais. Minha pesquisa focou no ensino para idosos — e isso ampliou minha visão sobre ensino para adultos de forma geral. Aprendi sobre andragogia e geragogia, e precisei escrever minha dissertação inteira em inglês. Foi desafiador (a pandemia não ajudou), mas eu saí mais forte, com uma escrita muito mais madura e consciente.
📚 CELTA — Cambridge
Ainda em 2021, busquei mais uma certificação: o CELTA. Já dava aulas online, mas queria mais segurança e técnicas mais sólidas.
O curso foi puxado e cheio de feedbacks que me fizeram crescer rápido. Hoje, minhas aulas não seguem toda a rigidez que o CELTA ensina — e isso é ótimo. Mas os princípios que aprendi lá me acompanham em cada escolha que faço como professora.
✨ O mais importante de tudo?
Nenhuma dessas certificações me define. Elas me transformaram, sim, mas o que realmente conta é o que eu faço com o que aprendi todos os dias com meus alunos e com a comunidade que construo.
E você? Que aprendizados a sua jornada já te trouxe? Me conta aqui 👇

Think 1:1 lessons are the only way to finally make progress?

You’re not alone — many learners feel that way.

It might have been the way those groups were run: rushed, overcrowded, focused
on ticking boxes instead of real communication.

Group learning can be powerful when it’s done right.
✔️ Small groups
✔️ Real, meaningful conversations
✔️ Smart, focused feedback
✔️ Noticing the language you actually need

That’s exactly what my group courses offer.
And they might be just what you need to finally move forward.

📩 Message me to join or check the link in bio.

This quote and I, it was love at first sight.

In life, we often take the little things for granted—the smell of fresh coffee, the soft autumn sun, the lush tree outside the window (I have on here and I never tired of it).
The same goes for language learning, no matter at what level.

Of course, it can be a means to an end— a job promotion, a trip abroad, but more often, it is a journey itself. And not an extraordinary one, at first glance.

You keep making mistakes, and you don’t seem to make visible progress. You come to class, and struggle with listening. You want to speak, and you feel like the right words won’t come out (spoiler to a different post: you can probably say a lot with the words you already have). It feels like you’re going in circles, doesn’t it?

But have you noticed the small wins?
The new vocabulary you picked up.
The time you understood what a group of foreigners.
The fact that you keep showing up, no matter how hectic life gets.
The presentation you gave at your company that, though not perfect, was successful.

Progress may be slow, like at the gym. You won’t immediately see immediate results.
But if you notice the small shifts in your English, the journey becomes extraordinary.

Torn between loving and hating coursebooks? You're not alone.

They can save us tons of planning time — but they can also leave real communication behind. 

They provide a logical path — but learning isn’t always so tidy. 

They offer balanced skills practice — but sometimes at the cost of authenticity.

The truth? You don't have to ditch coursebooks to create more authentic, fluency-focused lessons. You just need a smarter way to use them.

Want to learn how to 'lexify' your coursebook lessons and help your students speak more naturally? Join the waitlist for Lexifying Your Coursebook!

Link in the bio!

Ontem encerrou-se a segunda edição da Language Detectives Academy, um curso para professores de inglês.

Esse curso é um bebê para mim. Eu tive a ideia para a criação dele há muito tempo, quando passei a me tornar uma “detetive” da língua. Talvez muitos não saibam, mas esse foi um processo relativamente recente na minha carreira. Movida pela vontade e necessidade de aprimorar meu inglês, passei a observar a língua de maneira mais cuidadosa, vendo como as palavras se combinavam. Esse processo de “noticing” foi o que deu à luz esse curso. Ele se tornou realidade ano passado e agora encerramos a segunda edição, com um total de 12 language detectives inscritos.

Um agradecimento a todas e um agradecimento em especial para as teachers aí da foto, cuja participação semanal era sempre ativa e engajada. Vocês foram essenciais para o andamento das aulas.

Infelizmente, não fechei nova turma para agora! Mas se você, teacher, estiver interessada em trabalhar comigo no próximo semestre, vai lá no link da bio. Dois cursos estão com inscrições abertas:

✨Stepping Stones to C1 — quintas às 14:00
✨C1 Advanced: your next level — sextas às 14:00

Language Detectives Academy talvez volte! Se tiver interesse, coloca teu nome na lista de espera na bio.

2025: Teacher’s favorites so far

A little roundup of things that have been making my teaching life better (and more meaningful!) this year. F

📚 A Google Docs update that changed the game
📰 A NYT article that sparked real reflection
🎤 A workshop that reminded me how much we can grow in partnership
📘 A coursebook syllabus that finally helped me bring more cohesion to lessons

And speaking of coursebooks...
🧠 Lexifying Your Coursebook is coming soon!
It’s a workshop @brunapassoselt and I are designing to help you get the most out of your coursebook without being stuck to it.
We’ll talk about how to bring a lexical lens to your lessons, adapt tasks, and focus on real language development.
Join the waitlist — link’s in the bio!

Swipe through and tell me: what’s been a favorite in your teaching life this year?

What I wish every English learner knew

Some truths you need to hear 👇🏻

1. You won’t become fluent overnight. There are no shortcuts. No secret formulas. Just time, exposure, curiosity, and consistency. Progress is slower than you’d like—but faster than you think if you stick with it.

2. Being fluent and having Advanced English are two different things. You can be fluent and still make mistakes or lack vocabulary range. Fluency is about flow. Advanced English is about depth, nuance, and flexibility. One doesn’t automatically mean the other.

3. If your speaking feels stuck, it’s probably because you’re neglecting listening and reading. Speaking is the output. But fluent, natural output only happens after lots of input. High-quality listening and reading are the foundation.

4. One class a week isn’t enough to take you where you want to be. And having more classes won’t help much if you’re not doing the work outside of them. Self-study, reflection, noticing language—that’s where the magic happens.

5. It’s not about finding the perfect method. It’s about finding your method—and sticking with it long enough for it to work. Jumping from app to app, teacher to teacher, won’t help if you’re not giving anything time to stick.

Which one hit you the hardest?

Stop chasing new words. Start mastering the ones you already know.
💬 If you’re intermediate or upper-intermediate, fluency isn’t about learning more — it’s about using what you know better.

In my courses, we focus on exactly that:
✔️ real-life collocations
✔️ everyday chunks
✔️ the kind of language that actually boosts your fluency

📚 Courses for learners now open — link in bio!

Reference: Ken Lackman (2010, Lexical Approach Activities)

Well, the soundtrack has little to do with the video!

Just a little bit of what happens when you’re my student.

What you think you need vs. what you really need to make progress.

When you're stuck at the intermediate level, it’s easy to fall for common myths — and keep doing more of what feels comfortable, but doesn’t really move the needle.

The truth?
Real progress often feels a little uncomfortable at first.
But it’s worth it — because that's how you finally get unstuck.

✨ Want support on this journey?
Join the wait lists for both learners and teachers — links in bio!

Já pode fazer #tbt do workshop Lexical Approach in Practice?

Obrigada, @ricardobarroselt , por esse convite!
Foi o Ricardo que lançou essa ideia.

Sabe aquela alegria que compartilhar ideias, insights e conhecimento sobre uma coisa que amamos? Pois foi o que aconteceu. Eu venho descobrindo cada vez mais sobre a lexical approach e incorporando ela cada vez mais na minha prática. A recompensa é poder compartilhar isso com outros teachers!

Tivemos um número de inscritos muito legal! Sempre agradeço a todos que se inscrevem, mas também sempre deixo um agradecimento especial a quem participa ao vivo. A troca no ao vivo é sempre muito legal!

E que venham outras parcerias em outros workshops.
Aliás, spoilers: já tenho 3 parcerias para os próximos workshops. 👀

Can you train your eyes to see what’s really there?
This post is an invitation to slow down, zoom in, and notice the language that often goes unnoticed.

The paragraph in slide 3 is full of natural chunks and collocations.
📌 Can you spot them before you swipe to check my notes?

If you want to get better at this kind of work, you’ll love the Language Detectives Academy — a space for English teachers to explore language deeply and meaningfully.

🔍 Swipe through, comment what you notice, and DM me if you want in on the next round.

“I’ll prep later.”
“I already know enough English.”
“I just need one more course before I start.”
April Fool’s? Maybe.
But also… the tiny lies we tell ourselves as teachers — about our learning, our prep, our students, and our limits.

This one’s for the teacher who knows better (but still needs the reminder 😉).
Which one have you told yourself lately?

Don't forget to share this with your teacher friends!

From B2 to C1: It’s not about more English—it’s about better English.
Many learners get stuck at B2 because they keep doing the same things that got them there. But what gets you to C1 is different: more precision, more flexibility, and a deeper awareness of how language works.

In this post, I’m sharing 4 shifts that can help you break through the plateau and develop the kind of English that truly reflects advanced thinking and communication.

✨ Plus, if you are an English teacher and want guidance and support in doing this, the Language Detectives Academy is now open for registration. Link in bio!

#tbt para o meu primeiro workshop ever: Applying Dogme ELT in Your Teaching.

Foi em setembro de 2023. Eu vinha estudando sobre Dogme já há algum tempo e também tinha feito o curso do Scott Thornbury sobre o assunto. Não sei de onde tirei a coragem, para ser sincera. Mas decidi que queria que mais teachers descobrissem sobre essa abordagem de ensino, ou movimento como os autores de Teaching Unplugged preferem chamar.

Sorte a minha que muitos teachers embarcaram nessa aventura comigo. Em 2024, ofereci esse workshop mais duas vezes, que só foram possíveis graças ao feedback construtivo que recebi dos participantes da primeira edição. Sou muito grata a todos que participaram porque a partir desse workshop, meu trabalho com teachers se tornou um dos pilares do meu negócio.

Não posso encerrar esse #tbt sem lembrar vocês de que neste sábado tem outro workshop, completamente novo, sobre lexical approach, agora em parceria com @ricardobarroselt . Ainda dá tempo de vocês se inscreverem!

Join the next cohort of Language Detectives Academy!

If you're an English teacher looking to refine your language skills and gain a sharper eye for how English works, this course is for you!

💡 What you'll get:
✅ A lexical approach to learning – notice patterns, chunks, and real-world language
✅ Small group sessions (4-8 participants) for engaging discussions
✅ A flipped format – complete pre-class tasks to maximize learning

📅 Next Edition: April to July 2025
🗓️ Thursday Group: 24/04 - 24/07 | 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
🗓️ Friday Group: 25/04 - 25/07 | 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

💰 Early Bird (until March 30): 5x R$216
💰 After March 30: 4x R$280

If you're ready to become a true language detective, secure your spot now!

🔗 Link for registrations is in bio!

1) I’ve been teaching for almost 15 years, but I still second-guess myself all the time. Could I have done that lesson better? Probably. Will I overthink it? Definitely.

2) know I’m highly qualified, but I still compare myself to younger teachers on Instagram. Why do they seem to have it all figured out while I’m over here questioning everything?

3) I use Instagram for work. If someone told me I could delete it forever, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

4) Teaching is exhausting. I love it, but let’s be honest—1:1 classes can drain every ounce of energy I have.

5) The more I learn about English, the more I realize how much I don’t know. And it’s overwhelming!

Can you relate? Tell I’m not alone in the comments!

Want to take your English to an advanced level? Here’s one key skill to focus on: collocational competence.

Understanding a word’s meaning is just the beginning—mastering how it naturally combines with other words is what truly makes a difference.

Next time you read or listen to something in English, don’t just learn a new word—analyze how it’s used. What words does it often appear with? Can you create your own sentences using them?

Try it out and let me know what you find!

As I was reading the seminal book The Lexical Approach, I came across this thought-provoking citation, which naturally propelled me to reflect on learners' fear of making mistakes.

Have we, as teachers, been employing techniques that discourage mistakes to such an extent that students prefer silence over risk-taking? Has the overemphasis on accuracy led to this?

I’m afraid the answer is, at least in part, yes. The intense focus on getting grammar ‘right’ may actually be hindering language learning, making students more cautious than curious.

Perhaps it's time to rethink our approach. How can we create an environment where mistakes are seen as stepping stones rather than setbacks?

Great grammar and vocabulary won’t help if your writing lacks cohesion and coherence!

If you’ve ever been told your writing feels disjointed or hard to follow, it might be because your text lacks these two key elements:

Cohesion – How sentences connect through linking words, pronouns, and repetition.
Coherence – How ideas flow logically, making your writing easy to follow.

🎯 In this post, you’ll learn what cohesion and coherence are, why they matter, and how to improve them with practical tips! Plus, you’ll see a before-and-after example of a text to spot the difference!

💡 Save this for later and share it with someone who wants to level up their writing skills! ✍️

This is what a typical day in my life looks like!

Wake up. Walk dog. Gym. Coffee. Teach. Repeat.

Help your students notice collocations!

Collocations are key to sounding natural in English, but students often struggle to notice them. Try these three simple activities to make collocations more visible and memorable in your lessons!

Collocation Hunt – Guide students to spot collocations in a text.
Gap-Fill with Choices – Reinforce correct combinations through practice.
Collocation Swap – Explore collocational patterns and limits.

Want more hands-on strategies to teach collocations effectively? 📢 Join my workshop The Lexical Approach in Practice for practical, engaging activities that make lexical learning stick!

🔗 Register now – link in bio!

Não é bem um holiday dump porque eu esqueci de fotografar muita coisa.

A verdade é que não tenho o hábito de tirar fotos e esqueço que preciso ser meio blogueirinha por aqui.

O feriado foi de filmes, cachorros, comidinhas, academia e um pouco de trabalho também.

Gostaria de dizer que estou pronta para retornar às aulas, mas gosto de ser honesta: preferia mais uns dias de feriado 🫣😆

The content of this reel is based on The Lexical Approach by Michael Lewis (1993).

📢 Registrations are open!

Teachers, it’s time to transform the way you teach English! If you want to move beyond grammar and dive into the world of lexis, then Lexical Approach in Practice is for you!

📅 Date: March 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 14:00 - 17:30 (GMT-3)
💻 Where: Online via Zoom

In this workshop, you'll learn how to:
✅ Shift from grammar-driven to lexis-driven teaching
✅ Identify chunks, collocations, and patterns in real language
✅ Adapt your coursebooks and activities to teach lexis more effectively

🎟️ Early Bird Price: R$180 (until March 2)
🎟️ Standard Price: R$200 (after March 2)
💳 Payment via Pix or Wise (Need another method? Let us know!)

📢 Spots are limited! Secure yours now:
Registration link in Bio

👩‍🏫 Meet Your Trainers:
Lívia Borba & Ricardo Barros – Experienced ELT trainers & passionate advocates for effective, chunk-based learning.

📩 Got questions? Drop them in the comments or DM us!

I had coffee with my younger self and broke the news that she would be a successful yet anxious woman in her mid-30’s. Don’t know if I should’ve told her.

Why grammar is overrated!

Many learners (and even teachers) believe grammar is the foundation of language learning. But what if we've been looking at it the wrong way? 🤯

✅ Successful language use is about more than accuracy—it’s about communication.
✅ Grammar is not just about sentences—word grammar and text grammar matter more than we realize.
✅ Words carry their own grammar—learning patterns and collocations is key.
✅ Grammar isn’t static or prescriptive—it evolves with usage.
✅ Fluency comes before accuracy—grammatical perfection comes late, but that doesn’t stop effective communication.

Instead of obsessing over rules, focus on lexis—the chunks, patterns, and words that drive real communication!

👇 What do you think? Has grammar ever held you back in learning or teaching? Let’s discuss in the comments! ⬇️

📢 Want to dive deeper into the Lexical Approach and learn how to apply it effectively? Join the waitlist for my upcoming workshop—link in bio! 🔗✨

A primeira foto é da sessão de fotos que fiz em 2021, quando criei esta página. Eu queria ter imagens de qualidade para postar aqui!

Além disso, 2021 foi o ano em que realmente comecei a trabalhar 100% de forma independente.
Em 2016, saí da última escola de inglês onde trabalhei, mas, depois disso, atuei em parceria com outra professora, a quem sou muito grata! Trabalhamos juntas até 2021, quando decidi seguir meu próprio caminho. Essa sessão de fotos simboliza um dos meus primeiros passos como professora autônoma, e eu tenho muito orgulho dela. A Lívia dessas fotos JAMAIS imaginaria tudo o que a Lívia de 2025 estaria fazendo.

A segunda foto é da sessão amadora que fizemos aqui em casa, com meu fotógrafo particular! Como estou vivendo uma nova fase profissional, senti que precisava de novas fotos. A verdade é que tenho me sentido ansiosa e estressada com os projetos em que resolvi me envolver e com o crescimento do meu negócio, mas, ao mesmo tempo — e, principalmente —, estou muito orgulhosa de mim mesma!

Se eu pudesse dar um conselho para a Lívia de 2021, eu diria: confia no processo, vai dar certo! E você, o que diria para a sua versão de alguns anos atrás?

🚨 Doing these things won’t necessarily make you more proficient! 🚨

A tutor? ✅ Helpful—but only if you actively engage with lessons, review, and apply what you learn.

Speaking a lot? ✅ Great—but if you’re neglecting input and just repeating the same patterns, your progress will stall.

Noticing language? ✅ Essential—but only if you take the next step and incorporate it into your output.

Writing? ✅ Powerful—but improvement comes from refining, getting feedback, and making conscious upgrades.

💡 The real key? Intentional learning. Engaging with high-quality input, refining your output, and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.

✨ Save this for later & share with someone working on their English! 💬⬇️

What sets lifelong English learners apart?

It’s not just about studying—it’s about staying curious, noticing language in real life, and embracing the learning journey every day.

Lifelong learners don’t just rely on classes. They immerse themselves in English, observe how words and phrases are actually used, and welcome challenges as part of the process. They know that fluency isn’t a destination—it’s a lifelong adventure.

Which of these attitudes do you already have? Let me know in the comments! 👇😊

Here’s what happens when you become my student!

Struggling with the Use of English paper? 🤯 Stop guessing and start recognizing language chunks!

✅ Why chunks matter:
✔️ They help you choose the right word effortlessly
✔️ You’ll spot collocations & fixed expressions faster
✔️ No more overthinking grammar—just natural phrasing

If you want to train your brain to notice and use chunks effectively, join the waitlist for my upcoming workshop on learning English with chunks! 🎯 Link in bio

You can also join the waitlist to become my student! Link in bio

Want to be a better teacher? Here are 5 things you need to stop doing if you want to create more effective, engaging lessons:

1️⃣ Overcorrecting every mistake – it disrupts fluency and confidence.
2️⃣ Neglecting input – students need quality exposure to language, not just output practice.
3️⃣ Assuming high TTT is always bad – sometimes teacher talk is valuable when it’s rich, natural, and models language.
4️⃣ Stressing too much about finishing a lesson plan – flexibility matters more than ticking all the boxes.
5️⃣ Focusing only on what students don’t know – highlight what they can do to build confidence!

If you’re looking to refine your approach and dive deeper into teaching with emergent language and working with chunks, join the waitlist for my workshops Language in Chunks and Working with Emergent Language—coming soon!

Have you ever focused on productive chunks?

Article:
https://www.vox.com/culture/392547/christmas-with-the-kranks-poptimism-criticism-pop-culture

Looking for lessons that truly fit your needs? Here’s what I offer:

📌 General Language Development (B1 to C2) – For teachers & non-teachers, in 1:1, pairs, or groups
📌 Exam Preparation (B2, C1 & C2) – Focused training in 1:1, pairs, or groups
📌 Language Detectives Academy – Dive deep into the lexical approach and boost your awareness of how English really works
📌 Workshops – Focused on Dogme ELT & the Lexical Approach, perfect for teachers looking to refine their practice

I teach English teachers and intermediate to advanced learners who want to take their language skills to the next level. Whether it's mastering fluency, refining writing, or deepening lexical awareness, I help my students grow with a focus on real, meaningful language use—not just textbooks and grammar drills.

If you're on a journey to speak and teach English with confidence, you're in the right place!

Tell me, where are you in your English journey?

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WORKSHOPS FOR

APPLYING DOGME ELT IN YOUR TEACHING

WORKING WITH EMERGENT LANGUAGE

LEXICAL APPROACH IN PRACTICE

COURSES & SERVICES

GENERAL LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

EXAM PREPARATION

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WORKSHOPS FOR

APPLYING DOGME ELT IN YOUR TEACHING

WORKING WITH EMERGENT LANGUAGE

LEXICAL APPROACH IN PRACTICE

COURSES & SERVICES

GENERAL LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

EXAM PREPARATION

Subscribe to receive newsletters and stay informed about upcoming courses!

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Follow me on Instagram