It’s the
first day of your first ESL class. Maybe you’re an experienced teacher or this
is your first time teaching. Maybe you’re a new student or a returning one.
Whichever category you fall under, the first day still remains a nervous,
exciting, or curious experience. Depending on the ESL
program, how the first day is conducted will vary. Sometimes the location will
play a role in how you, the teacher or student will respond.
Here’s
an example:
Let’s say the ESL classroom is inside a public school. The
school houses elementary school aged children. The room is filled with posters
of the alphabet, numbers, and students’ work. There’s a large attendance poster
of students’ names in Ms. so and so’s class. There is another poster of
students’ names with stickers of gold stars next to them. The gold stars
represent students’ accomplishments for the week. The chalkboard is messy, half
of it is erased while the other is filled with written notes. There are broken
pieces of chalk on the floor. The desks are small but big enough for an adult
to sit in. The desk is attached to the chair. Each desk/chair are arranged in
rows. There are a few loose leaf papers on the floor. The teacher’s desk is in
front of the classroom. On it are books, paper, and pencils scattered around.
There is no chalk available.
You, the ESL Student
You find
a desk and sit down. You watch your classmates do the same. You look around the
room. Everything is written in English. Everything looks like something meant
for children. You don’t know how to feel about this. As everyone is seated, the
teacher is putting his or her things onto the teacher’s desk. She is taking out
a binder, a notebook, and a textbook. There’s a folder too. She looks up at the
class and smiles. You notice her pick up the broken pieces of chalk from
the floor, and holds them in hand as she erases the board.
You, the ESL Teacher
As you are erasing the board, you feel nervous and anticipate starting your new class. You aren't sure what you’re going to say, but you know you have to say something. You
write, “Good morning” and “My name is…” on the board. Underneath that you
write, “What is your name?” You take a deep breath and turn around. You notice
there are 25 students, all seated and looking at you. You smile and say, “Good
morning. My name is…”
Introductions: ESL Teacher
It is
very important to introduce yourself. Here are some things you should and
should NOT do:
Should
·
Smile
J
·
State
your name slowly and clearly. You want to make sure the students can understand
how you pronounce your name. You may do this several times as you practice
getting to know your students (this also depends on the English level of the
class)
·
Welcome
your students (Example: “Welcome to Level 2 class”).
·
Give
eye contact
·
Talk
a little about yourself. For lower level classes, you want to keep this brief
and use visuals (example: pictures) to talk about yourself. For intermediate or
advanced classes, you may not have to use visuals but keep it brief.
·
What to talk about? Where you’re from? (I am from the United
States); your education background (example: I went to college and have a
degree in English); Where you live (I live in_____ (city) or (state). NEVER
give your address!); your favorite color etc.
·
Discuss
classroom rules and/or curriculum (if there is one)
Tip: Distribute assigned textbooks
if applicable. If there are no textbooks, have handouts available to start your
first lesson.
Should
NOT
·
Look
mean or uninterested
·
Talk
fast or too low
·
Don’t
welcome your students
·
Never
give eye contact
·
Tell
your life story/share personal details; students don’t want to hear too many
details about your life
**Depending
on your ESL program, you may want to check student attendance to make sure
everyone is present. Instruct them to raise their hand or say, “here,” when
their name is called. Model this for lower level classes. If there is no
attendance sheet provided, have students write their name on a blank sheet of
paper.
Tip: What I like to do is
say, “Welcome __________, nice to meet you” after the student responds.
After
this, you can do a “Get to know your students” activity.
Introductions: ESL Student
Should
·
Smile
and take a deep breath
·
Be
open to the process. Try your best.
·
Listen
to the teacher’s instructions
·
Participate
in the class activities
Should NOT
·
Be rude or show bad behavior
·
Unwillingness to try
·
Don’t listen to teacher’s instruction
·
Don’t follow the classroom rules
Teacher
models introduction activity with a student:
A.
Hi,
what is your name?
B.
My
name is ____, and you?
A.
My
name is ____. Nice to meet you.
B.
Nice
to meet you too.
Teacher
may write this on the board for students to read as they practice, OR teacher
may give handout with this question for students to practice with each other.
This can
work for all English levels.
For
advanced classes, teacher may give handout of 3 questions:
(You can choose what questions you want students to ask or
include more than 3, it’s up to the teacher)
What is
your name?
Where are
you from?
What is
your favorite color?
Students
will ask their partner, OR walk around the classroom, ask their classmates these
questions, and write down the answers. When done, students will share something
about their classmate. Example: “This is Mary. She is from China. Her favorite color is
red.”
Model- to show/demonstrate an activity for students
My advice
For both
the ESL teacher and student, the first day of class is always a new,
challenging, or nervous experience. Remember it’s just the FIRST day. Mistakes
or unexpected things may happen, but if you remain calm and go with the flow,
your first day can be a success. Remember to smile. It not only helps break the
ice, but prevents you from feeling anxious. For the teacher, smiling helps students to feel welcome. After all, it is the universal language.
Good
luck! J
For more ideas and tips, check out my latest YouTube video
