Starting a New Class: My Top 4 Ideas

April 7, 2016 at 4:52 am | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Exciting, nervous, fun, interesting are all words that come to mind when starting with a new group of students. We never know what kind of adventure a new class will bring. Each student has their own specialness they bring to the class, and the teachers as well.

Here is a list of my favorite activities when starting a new class of very young learners:

1. Warm Ups: Take several minutes and do some simple and maybe even funny actions, and have the children repeat after you. Say the action while you do it, and repeat a few times. For example, “clap, shake, wash, jump, up, down, silly face”. You get the idea.
2. Counting Songs: Many children when learning a new language have already learned numbers before coming to class. Count from 1 to 10 on your fingers, and have the students follow, count the students, etc. And of course sing the always fun Let’s Count 1 to 10 Song!
3. Read a Book: Try to find a book that students will easily recognize what is going on. Something about animals, or counting is a great start.
4. Circle Time: Teach the children how to make a circle holding hands. Pass a ball around the circle and as the students pass the ball have them say “hello” to the next student.

Basically the idea of the first class is to get comfortable with your students. And to have your students become comfortable with you the teacher.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. I have many more songs and lesson plans on the Dream English Site. Have a look, and happy teaching!

-Matt