Meet Brooke
Hi, I’m Brooke!
I’m the teacher and creator behind Hot Chocolate Teachables. After more than 15 years teaching ESL and ELA, I know how much thought goes into finding an activity that gets students involved—and how little planning time teachers sometimes have.
I create the resources I always wanted in my own classroom: easy-to-use games, meaningful practice, and activities that make students excited to participate.
My teaching career has included working with young learners, teens, and adults, as well as running an English language school in Italy. Today, I create from my home in Sicily, where I live with my husband, our two children (and our cat and toy poodle).
Those classroom years still shape my work. Whether I’m designing speaking cards, a phonics game, or a digital adventure, I start with the skill students need to practice and look for an engaging way to bring it to life.
From the Classroom to Ready-to-Use Teaching Resources
My teaching style has always been simple: students learn more when they are actively participating, talking, moving, laughing, thinking, and playing. That is why so many of my resources are built around games you can play almost anywhere — at a desk, in small groups, around the classroom, during tutoring, in centers, or even as a quick five-minute activity when your lesson finishes early.
Before creating teaching resources full time, I spent years teaching ESL, EFL, ELA, and English language learners of all ages. I have worked with students from many different language backgrounds, taught mixed-level classes, supported young learners, and helped teens and adults build confidence in English.
I have also lived the teacher reality of packed schedules, limited planning time, mixed abilities, and the constant need to keep students engaged while still building real language skills.
That experience shaped everything I create today.
My Teaching Philosophy: Learning Through Play
I am a huge believer in learning through play, especially in the ESL and ELL classroom.
When students play a language-based game, they are not just “having fun.” They are practicing listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, problem-solving, and conversation skills in a way that feels natural and low-pressure.
That is why my resources often include:
âś“ speaking prompts that actually get students talking
âś“ grammar games that feel more engaging than worksheets
âś“ vocabulary activities students can use again and again
âś“ printable games that work with almost any curriculum
✓ Boom Cards™ for self-checking digital practice
âś“ escape rooms and task cards that encourage movement and teamwork
âś“ low-prep activities for busy teachers
My goal is to help teachers bring more energy, confidence, and joy into their lessons without spending hours planning from scratch.
Mystery Missions
Meet My Newest Project: Mystery Missions!
I’ve recently launched Mystery Missions, a digital learning platform—for other education content creators and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Mystery Missions turns grammar, vocabulary, and reading practice into interactive adventures. Students follow a story, complete seven challenges, discover clues, and work toward solving a final mystery.
They might help Agatha Moonspell find her missing spellbook, explore Pirate Island with Coco, or join Pip on a mission to Planet Zeta. Each adventure gives students a reason to keep reading, thinking, and practicing.
For teachers, getting started is simple. Activate your purchased mission, create a classroom code, and students join with that code and a nickname. No student email addresses are needed. Missions run in a web browser on computers and tablets with an internet connection, and include optional printable practice.
Explore the Mystery Missions Marketplace
A Little Less Planning, a Lot More Participation
My goal is to help you spend less time searching for activities and more time enjoying the moments when learning clicks.
Thanks for being here. I hope you find something your students can’t wait to try!