Your first meeting with the new group of students is crucial in creating a positive atmosphere. Meeting a class for the first time often produces a certain amount of anxiety in new, and even experienced teachers.

TIPS

Don’t forget to smile. Introduce yourself in a pleasant manner. If they find your name difficult, write it on board and draw a picture that reflects your personality. If the students find it difficult to pronounce, shorten your name.

Ask the students to introduce themselves. To remember their names, play this game; the first student introduces him/herself. The second student introduces him/herself and the first student. The third student introduces him/herself, the second student and the first student. Go through the entire class, and you go last.

Set the guidelines. Let your students know how you expect them to behave in your classes. In some countries, students don’t use ‘excuse me’. Teach them the polite language to interact.

Save at least a few minutes of your first class to generate some interest in the course material.

If they ask you questions, answer them politely. If you find any question silly, you need not answer. Don’t lose your temper.

Depending on the age of the students, introduce an ESL activity that is compelling to them. Competition among groups is always exciting to students. This is one of the sure-success ways to create rapport. Don’t forget ‘First impression is the best’. For the first day, plan an activity that provides opportunities for students to speak to one another or solve problems. Students also tend to work harder and respond more positively if they believe the 'instructor views them as individuals rather than as anonymous faces in the crowd (Wolcowitz, 1984).

Dress professionally to create a better impression in students’ minds and respect the culture of the country you have visited. Avoid ‘see-through’ dresses for Heaven’s sake. I have been distracted sometimes!!!

Sense of humor is a gift to those who use it well. There is no human being who hates humor. Be ready with some humorous stories that will provoke laughter. However, don’t become a comedian. Be careful of jokes, cartoons, or comments that could be interpreted as racist, sexist, or homophobic.

Never start teaching if the students haven’t stopped talking. Stop your lesson if someone distracts by talking or shouting. Students react differently to different teachers.

Never walk into a classroom without plan.

Use simple words to convey your message and make sure the students have understood you thoroughly.

Clement is an experienced ESL teacher and corporate trainer.
www.mindyourenglish.com