Need some advice!
What to do the with the class for the first time? I don't know the class and they don't know me. They are not children. The youngest person is 20 and the oldest around 35-40- There are 10 of them in the group and they are learning English as a foreign language for the first time. So I can't do anything in English with them. What to do in this case for an hour and a half? Any suggestion?
maybe try using google translate or bing to talk to them. just do how every world language class does. start off with the basics, teach them the alphabet and work your way up. hope this helps! :D
http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS379US379&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=esl+tpr
Start with Total Physical Response (TPR) activities in the various sites here. You may be in this mode for several of the first classes, and you'll need to keep using and adding to these ideas to reinforce concepts/words.
Make sure you are VERY familiar and knowledgeable about the Seven Strategies... article here:
http://www.everythingesl.net/
There will undoubtedly be others here that will be useful.
http://www.manythings.org/
Go through Easy Things for Beginners to get ideas. There's a bunch of other information/activities here that will help in the future, too.
http://www.eslcafe.com/
Stuff for Teachers has some excellent ideas in it.
Stuff for Students will give you some ideas for the future, too.
http://a4esl.org/
Just about everything here should be useful for you in the future, too.
Nice sites but mostly for later. I just can't think of anything I can do with them for the very first time. I would probably do something with them in their mother tongue but can't think of anything :/
Read and use the TPR things. That's how every ESL/EFL teacher I know starts out his/her classes.
always talk English, doesn't matter if it's their first or 32234th class
When faced with a new class of adults learning English as a foreign language, it's important to create a positive and engaging atmosphere that encourages interaction and active learning. Here are some suggestions for your first class:
1. Introduction: Start by introducing yourself, providing some background about your teaching experience, and sharing a few interesting facts about yourself. This will help establish a rapport with the students and make them feel more comfortable.
2. Icebreaker activity: Begin with an icebreaker activity to get everyone acquainted. You can ask each student to briefly introduce themselves, share their interests, or talk about their hobbies. This will help break the initial barriers and create a friendly atmosphere.
3. Needs analysis: Conduct a needs analysis to understand the students' language goals and motivations. Ask them why they want to learn English, what skills they wish to improve, and any specific topics or areas they would like to focus on. This will give you valuable insights and guide your lesson planning.
4. Language assessment: Since the students are beginners in English, you can assess their current proficiency levels by providing some simple vocabulary or basic sentence construction exercises. This will help you gauge their starting point and plan future lessons accordingly.
5. Introduction to English: Even though you mentioned you can't do anything in English with them, it's still beneficial to introduce some basic English phrases or expressions. This can include greetings, introductions, or commonly used vocabulary. Use gestures, visuals, or translation tools to help them grasp the meanings.
6. Pair and group activities: Divide the students into pairs or small groups to engage them in interactive activities. These can be simple role-plays, information gap exercises, or any activity that encourages speaking and listening practice. Design activities that involve personal information exchange, such as asking and answering questions about themselves.
7. Cultural exchange: Incorporate activities that promote cultural exchange between the students. Encourage them to share traditions, festivals, or interesting facts from their respective countries or regions. This not only fosters curiosity but also helps build connections and promotes a multicultural learning environment.
8. Wrap-up and feedback: Towards the end of the class, summarize what has been covered and allow time for students to ask questions or provide feedback. This will give you an opportunity to understand their experience and make any necessary adjustments for future lessons.
Remember, it's important to be flexible and adapt your lesson plans based on the students' progress and feedback. Creating a comfortable and supportive environment will help motivate and engage your students as they embark on their English learning journey.