There are many theories and opinions about how to teach English but here I would like to address the very nuts and bolts of what I do to teach beginners.
As soon as you meet your student greet them slowly with a commonly used form of greeting that is not slang. Hello, how are you is much better than whats happening or hows it going. Later when the student gains confidence and is exposed to more and more English situations they could be taught a wider range of greeting styles.

The sounds of English are very important and can easily escape the untrained ear so phonics should be covered in depth with both listening and speaking. Also writing, spelling, and reading should be covered but speaking should be the main emphasis.

Start with the students life and teach them about asking their age, birthplace, family, pets, hobbies, job, schooling and so on.

Try to keep related vocabulary topics in the same category for example do not teach family then colors then go back to family again. Try to keep in the same area for a period of time.

Games are very good and can lighten up a class and give excitement to what otherwise might me be a very boring subject. Board games, cards, puzzles can all be used and encourage the students to comment in English at every opportunity.

Homework is vital but it should be mostly review with some new material added. Also use media such as movies, music, radio, TV. These can be great teachers as your children know.

Try to keep your classes interesting, upbeat and fun. Also do not scold the student too much when they make a mistake or they will lose enjoyment of the class.

My name is James Smith. I am a retired English teacher living in Japan. I am actively involved in online education.