The first day of teaching a new English class can be difficult for any foreign language teacher. Often ESL schools don't provide much information concerning the class, so the teacher goes into class with only a vague idea of the true English level of the students. A university foreign language class may speak at a low intermediate level, and a high school ESL class may be advanced. This raises the problem of entering an English class with a lesson plan and ESL activity that quickly proves to be too hard or too easy.
There is a very easy ESL activity that can help make the first day of English class go more smoothly, discover the true level of the students, provide opportunities to speak English and learn more about the ESL students. Have the foreign language students introduce themselves in front of the entire class.
Public Introductions as an ESL activity
As long as the English students are not at a very basic level, having them come up and introduce themselves to the class and the foreign teacher is doable by all English levels. The trick to this English learning activity is to quickly judge the appropriate level of the students. Asking a few questions either before the class or at the beginning, such as an individual students name, information about the school, class or city are a good way to get an idea of what they can handle.
Other things to consider is how large is the class and how long the class is. If the English class is very large or time is too limited, the introduction may have to be short to hear from every student, or only a few students may be chosen to introduce themselves. If only a limited number of students will speak the English teacher may ask for volunteers, or make a game out of choosing students. This game could be as simple as flipping a coin or guessing a number.
Whatever the method, at least half the class should speak, but a third of the class speaking is better. It's also important that the English teacher introduce him or herself first to let the foreign language students learn about their new teacher and show them how the ESL activity should work.
Basic Level ESL Classes
At the basic level the English students should simply go to the front of the class, say their name, age and how they feel. These students will likely need some prompting and it may be necessary to teach them sentences such as “My name is...”. These introductions will usually go fairly quickly.
When dealing with a basic English class, the foreign teacher should have other ESL activities based around introductions, such as the question “How are you?” and the proper response. Depending on how well the English students handle the initial questions before the actual activity begins the foreign language teacher can either teach introductions before or after the ESL students introduce themselves.
Intermediate Level English Students
Intermediate ESL students can vary greatly in their English. The lower level students can be asked questions such as their names, age and hobbies. These foreign language students should give proper sentences when they answer. The teacher should also provide some prompts if the students have some trouble with their answers or are too shy to respond. If a student answers very well and time permits, the foreign teacher should be prepared to ask further questions related to their answers.
At higher intermediate levels the students should be asked the above questions as well as why their friends like them, what they want to do in the future, and what do they want to learn in class. This allows the students to provide more thoughtful answers and show just how good their English skill is. If an ESL student does badly the teacher must be ready to provide help or prompts to keep the student from becoming too embarrassed.
Advanced Level Foreign Language Students
Advanced ESL students can be asked a variety of questions depending on the size and length of the English class. If there is enough time asking them to introduce their home town or family as well as themselves, explaining why they're special or asking them questions after they're done speaking are all effective ways to encourage speaking. If any advanced English student gives a short answer the teacher must be ready to ask them "why."
If the advanced English students are particularly skilled and outgoing, the teacher could encourage them to ask each other questions. But this can become risky if some of the students try to embarrass their classmates.
This simple ESL activity can occupy an entire English class, and encourages the foreign language students to speak. It also allows the foreign teacher to learn more about the English students. Introductions will also let students learn about their new ESL teacher and helps everyone relax.
After the first day think about having the students do some role play or show a video. If you're teaching IELTS make sure the students practice their conversations, and consider lying for some questions.
When considering teaching English spend some time looking carefully at the school, ask questions and protect your passport.
Daniel Clarke - Dan Clarke is a freelance writer and English teacher living happily with his wife and daughter in Nanjing, China. He moved to China 4 ...
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