You can't get them to sit down. You can't get them to do their work. You can't get them to stop pulling each other's hair, and on top of all that you can't communicate with them. A difficult ESL class can be a teacher's nightmare, especially if you don't speak the students' native language, and their level of English comprehension is low. Utilize preparation, creativity and possibly a bit of your own crazy side to get your students in line.

Be prepared with lesson plans and seating charts.
Make detailed lesson plans for each day that include interactive games and activities designed to keep students busy at all times. Some students work faster than others, so be sure to have some handouts or activities that they can work on while others finish. Always have a backup lesson plan and materials ready in case your first plan doesn't work out or takes less time than you expected. You can also make a seating chart and ask students to sit in assigned desks. Separate the more talkative students or place a desk for students who misbehave directly next to your desk.

Set up a system of rules, rewards and consequences.
Talk to your principal about school rules and policies regarding classroom discipline. Find out if it is an option for you to send particularly naughty students to the principal if the students are disrupting the rest of the class. Make a chart detailing your rules and hang it in a prominent place in the front of the classroom. You will need to decide on consequences for breaking the rules. For example, if a student talks out of turn you can write his name on the board. The second time he talks out of turn or disturbs the class you can put an "x" next to his name. The third time he does something, you can put another "x" next to his name and assign him detention during lunch or recess. If the school you are teaching at does not have recreational periods like recess, think of other consequences for disruptive students. You could call their parents, reduce their participation grades, take away privileges or require them to stay late after class. When designing your system of rules, rewards and punishments, it is important to come up with a system that you can consistently enforce.

Arrive to class early.
If you can be in class before the students arrive, this will help you assert your authority in the classroom. Greet each student as he comes in, look him in the eyes and ask him to sit down. Don't simply sit at your desk or read as the students filter in. Stand up and let them know you're ready for business.

Get your students' attention.
Sometimes teachers are unable to be in the classroom early or the students just ignore their efforts. The first step to getting your class to pay attention is to first get their attention. You try strict, strange or crazy actions. Raise your voice. Start singing a song. Join in with whatever they are doing and act even crazier than they are. This can shock them into silence and give you some time to take control. Check out the article "Teaching English to Vietnamese Children is Easy, Once you Know the Rules" in the Resources for one crazy idea that worked in an ESL classroom.

Explain the rules.
Until your students understand and follow the rules, make sure to talk about expected classroom conduct before starting each lesson. It can take several class sessions for students to understand a new system of rules, but if you are strict and enforce your rules consistently, the students should catch on and improve their behavior. Don't be lenient with the rules you have created, especially in the first few weeks of teaching a new class.

Keep their attention.
Focus on teacher-centered activities until you feel more comfortable with the class. If you decide to break into group or partner activities, have a system in place to get their attention. You can ring a bell or blow a whistle when the collaborative time is finished so students know to stop talking and pay attention. During group work, walk around the class and be involved with the activities. If something in your lesson plan isn't working, move on to another activity. During class, enforce your rules consistently. It can take some time for rambunctious students to get used to staying calm during class, but if you are well prepared, punctual, consistent and engaging, your students will be easier to control.