The summer holidays are winding down, and the first day of the new school year is just around the corner. If you’re anything like me, your teacher brain is already buzzing: “What am I going to do in the first class?”
Don’t worry—there’s no need to stress! Below, I’ve outlined some key considerations and tips to help you kick off the year on the right foot.
Set the Rules
Start by clearly establishing the rules: Raise your hand to speak. Say please and thank you. Always listen to the teacher. Whatever your rules are, make them clear from day one.
Having them displayed somewhere visible (mine are framed by the whiteboard) gives you something to reference if students start to push boundaries. This simple step lays the groundwork for a well-managed classroom.
Structure Is Key
A good class structure is essential for a productive learning environment. The first day is the perfect time to observe how students interact:
- Which students work well together, helping and complementing each other’s strengths?
- Which ones clash or trigger negative behaviors?
If needed, start thinking about a seating plan that promotes harmony and minimizes distractions. A well-organized classroom leads to smoother lessons and happier students.
Welcome New Students
A new school year often means new faces in your classroom. For those students, it can be nerve-wracking. Make them feel at home by:
- Partnering them with welcoming classmates.
- Ensuring everyone learns each other’s names.
- Kicking off the year with fun, “get-to-know-you” activities.
This helps the new students feel included while practicing their English right from the start.
Focus on Communication and Teamwork
Teamwork is a cornerstone of my teaching approach. When students work together to complete tasks or solve problems, their confidence in speaking and listening grows naturally.
I aim to give clear instructions and then step back, letting students collaborate with minimal input from me. This fosters autonomy and equips them with the skills to use English outside the classroom.
Incorporate Reading, Listening, and Speaking
While writing is important, it can feel heavy for the first class back. Instead, focus on activities that integrate reading, listening, and speaking—skills that form the foundation of language learning.
Make these activities fun and engaging to capture their attention right from day one.
Encourage Critical Thinking
Language learning isn’t just about memorization. Engage your students’ minds by asking thoughtful questions.
For example, instead of asking, “Did you have a good summer?” try, “What was the best part of your summer, and why?” This encourages deeper responses and keeps the conversation interesting.
Make It Fun
No matter the age group, a little fun goes a long way. The more enjoyable the class, the more engaged your students will be.
It’s the first day back after a long break—cut them some slack and play games! Show them that learning can be enjoyable, and you might just find they look forward to coming to class.
Get Them Moving
Keep energy levels high by incorporating movement into your lessons. Avoid having students sit passively for too long. Instead, get them up and moving around the classroom.
Physical activity stimulates the body and mind, helping students stay focused and engaged.
Add a Touch of Competition
I’m a big fan of introducing friendly competition.
If I ask students to quietly complete an exercise, the enthusiasm is lukewarm at best. But if I turn the same task into a team challenge with points on the line, suddenly it’s a whole new ball game!
Competition energizes the classroom and motivates students to give their best effort.
Review and Refresh
It’s safe to say most students haven’t been practicing their English over the summer. Why not kick things off with a review?
Revisit key vocabulary and grammar from the previous year with fun games like memory challenges or quizzes. This reactivates dormant knowledge and sets them up for success in the new term.
One Simple Solution for All of This?
If this sounds like a lot to tackle, I’ve got good news: ESL Escape Room is here to help.
For a very reasonable price, you’ll have access to a customizable game that ticks nearly every box mentioned above:
- Minimal prep time: Be ready in minutes.
- Flexible duration: Adapt the game to last 10 minutes or 2 hours.
- Tailored content: Choose from a wide variety of vocabulary and grammar topics.
- Versatile for any group size: From 1 student to 100, this game works beautifully.
The best part? Your students will love it. It’s engaging, educational, and, most importantly, fun. Whether you’re teaching elementary or intermediate levels, this game is a true classroom game-changer.
Start the new school year with confidence, creativity, and a little help from ESL Escape Room. Check out the ESL Escape Room tab above for more details.
Thanks for reading, and here’s to an amazing year ahead!
