There are many people who want to learn English as a second language nowadays. The immense popularity of ESL or English as a Second Language is attributed to the wide use of the language in an international level.
Since the opening of many ESL schools inspired more students, we are also inspiring many ESL teachers to do their best in completing the task at hand. After all, teaching English is an interesting job and it allows both the students and teachers to learn the benefits of speaking and writing the language these days.
If you are a first-time or experienced ESL teacher, maintaining the attention of your students to learn the language is a common undertaking. No wonder you need icebreaker activities to inspire your students.
Welcoming ESL Students on the First Day of Class
As a teacher is can be daunting teaching your first class, but this also applies to students too.
Here are some top tips ow to make english language learners feel welcome in the classroom.
First of all we know it is not easy to be the person that speaks a different language than the other person you are trying to communicate with.
So I feel that when greeting your students the first day of class you should greet them with a great big smile and speak to them in both english and if possible in their native tongue. You may even want to give them some cards that have some very simple words on them that you think could recognise right away or that feel may be very easy to say when learning english on a beginning level to help break the ice.
As the day goes on you could make sure they are feeling comfortable with what has taken place at this point and that they are feeling comfortable with the others in the class and of course with you yourself. By this time you will know that your charming personality it working.
When it comes to the time for some open class work like showing come flash cards with simple words and objects that you fell the should know. This is the time that you could reward them with something for getting the word and object correct, such as the object that is on the picture for example a pencil if they can pronounce the word and you can understand it even if it is not totally correct reward them with the pencil any way. When you are presenting them the pencil you will let them know that they did a good job and then if it is not totally correct then help them with the pronunciation of the word correctly and tell them how well they did.
When you are caring the other person can feel your sincerily they will feel welcomed.
Best Icebreaker Games
Here are some icebreaker samples that will help you in completing the teaching itinerary.
Movie and Discussion Related to a Specific Topic
Give time for students to talk about their various interests in English language in front of the class. This is the best way to develop rapport with the students and eradicate awkward feelings during first lessons and avoid shyness while learning the new language.
Spare at least fifteen minutes for video showing that will allow the students to ask questions after the activity. This is the perfect time to let them speak the language by asking interesting questions based on the short film.
Lie Detector Game
Develop a lie detector test activity for your students to formulate interesting sentences and questions. If the students will be interested in guessing, it is the right time to let them explore in using the new language with excitement and fun.
Creating a Story as a Group and Sharing it with the Class
Instruct the students to form groups in two or three and let them create stories to be presented in front of the class. Choose a leader to present the story that each group created. In that way, their imagination, creative and communication skills will be honed.
It is more fun for students to learn from each other and the teacher when these activities are done correctly. However, the teacher must not forget to be creative in preparing for these icebreaker activities.
View more articles on our blog or view suggested esl lesson plans.