Ice Breakers Archives - ALL ESL

5 ESL Icebreakers: How to Break the Ice

allesl — Sun, 13 May 2018 10:32:33 +0000

ESL Icebreakers for Your English Class

Break the ice in your ESL class with these five free icebreakers. They’re designed to gently nudge shy students into speaking English.

1. Let Me Introduce Myself

Change self-introductions from mundane to memorable with this creative business card activity.

Students fill out custom templates. Then, they use them as conversation starters in a classroom meet-and-greet session.

You’ll finally put names to faces, making classroom management a breeze (bonus points for artistic self-portraits from the camera-shy crowd!).

Student Business Cards

2. Teacher Quiz: Self-Introduction

Turn the spotlight on yourself with this teacher quiz! Share personal stories and photos, then hide clues around the classroom.

Students team up to match answers with clues, testing their listening skills and satisfying their curiosity about you.

It’s a fun way to build rapport and make language learning more personal. What an effective teaching tool.

Teacher Quiz: Self-Introduction

3. Like or Dislike

Get ready for “Like or Dislike” – a guessing game that turns preferences into puzzles!

Students write their loves and hates, then try to identify classmates from anonymous readings.

Watch as vocabulary expands and classroom bonds strengthen through shared laughs and surprises.

Like or Dislike

4. Why Learn English?

Try this paired activity to explore the power of English:

Team up students and hand out worksheets. Challenge them to brainstorm how English can shape their futures.

Offer tantalizing hints – like how English helps aspiring pilots communicate worldwide.

Why Learn English

5. Classroom Language

Introduce “Teacher Talk, Student Talk” in your first class to establish essential classroom phrases.

Teachers use expressions like “Let’s begin,” while students learn to say “Please speak more slowly.”

Consistently using these phrases creates a shared language, making lessons more efficient and giving students practical English skills.

It’s a simple way to blend classroom man

Classroom Language

ESL Icebreakers that Open Up Students

So there you have it.

These 5 proven ESL icebreakers will open your classroom to a whole new dimension.

How do you break the ice in your ESL communication class?

Please let us know with a comment below.

The post 5 ESL Icebreakers: How to Break the Ice appeared first on ALL ESL.

3 Classroom Rules Worksheets for Your First Lesson

allesl — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 11:46:13 +0000

Your Introduction Class: Expectations, Rules, Handouts, Discipline

Let’s be honest.

Your first class is not what you’ll expect.

Your students will be shy. They’ll be uncomfortable. And they probably don’t want to be there. That’s where some ice breakers activities can help.

Or who knows? Maybe, they’ll give you a hard time and act up the entire class. Both are real possibilities.

Our advice: You’re wise to keep things simple. Keep a positive atmosphere. And make them feel comfortable using the Rassias method.

It’s your chance to help your students feel relaxed. So that’s why we’re here to help with 3 introduction classroom rules worksheets. From establishing class rules to common phrases, here are some great ways to teach your 1st class.

1. School Rules Poster

Kick off your elementary ESL class with clear expectations by introducing classroom rules from day one.

Use our visually appealing poster with simple, easy-to-understand rules and hang it prominently

This reference tool becomes your ally in maintaining discipline – just point to the relevant rule when needed. (In case those little brats get out of line!!! Just kidding!)

School Rules Poster

2. My Class, My Rules

Set clear ground rules – like “no sleeping in class.” For maximum clarity, consider translating these rules into your students’ native language.

This approach leaves no room for misunderstandings. Begin with simple, essential rules.

Finally, gradually introduce more complex ones as your students’ English skills improve. This strategy builds a solid foundation for classroom discipline.

My Class, My Rules

3. Teacher Talk, Student Talk

Introduce “Teacher Talk, Student Talk” in your first lesson. It uses a set of common classroom phrases for both you and your students.

Practice these early using the provided activity sheet. Then, try to consistently use them in all lessons.

This creates a familiar language environment and improves understanding. It also provides constant real-world English practice while managing the classroom.

Classroom Language

Your Introduction Class: Expectations, Rules, Handouts, Discipline

Giving your students phrases and a list of rules helps establish the structure for your 1st class. Because I’m the dog now, man.

When you tell your students what you expect from them throughout the year, they now have the foundation to excel in a positive and structured atmosphere.

And everything you do is important. For example, pay special attention to the body language you use and the things you say. Keep things positive.

How do you like these 1st class ideas? What are some activities that you like to teach discipline?

The post 3 Classroom Rules Worksheets for Your First Lesson appeared first on ALL ESL.

School Rules Poster for Elementary School Students

allesl — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 11:09:30 +0000

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When you just start teaching your first class, this is the ideal time to establish school rules. Because a lot of students are not familiar with classroom discipline, a school rules structure is exactly what they need.

For example, if a student is not being respectful towards others, we can reference the second rule in this list of rules. And if kids are making a mess in class, then we can reference the fourth rule in this list. Throughout the year, teachers must remind and continue to reinforce the list of school rules.

Because unless you put it into practice, it will be all for nothing. In addition, there is also a physical element to being an authority figure. Body language and tone of voice are the biggest indicators of confidence and seriousness.

Ideally, this is for kindergarten, elementary and early learners. In this case, it would be ideal to have a poster hanging up in your classroom with rules that you always should reference. All teachers know that a good set of school rules is the tool you need to be the authority figure in the class. Because if there weren’t any school rules, how would they know how to behave in class?

So how do you deal with discipline and behavior in a large classroom full of kids even if you’re not a natural disciplinarian? You make a good set of classroom rules and stick to them.

Classroom Rules Poster for Elementary Schools

We always say please and thank you
Be nice to other people
We listen to everything the teacher says
Try to help keep our classroom clean
We study and play safely

Related School Rules Worksheets

If you need more school rules and classroom management worksheets, see our free printable activity sheets below.

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Why Learn English? Worksheet on the Benefits of Learning English

allesl — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 09:33:10 +0000

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There are tons of benefits to learning English. As the true language of globalization, how can English help them in the future?

First, put the students into pairs with one worksheet per group. Without giving too much away, describe some of the benefits of learning English.

For example, if you want to become a pilot, English is the language of communication with the ground at airports around the world. In this case, the benefits of learning English help you become a pilot.

Related Culture Studies Worksheets

If you need more culture and social studies worksheets, see our free printable activity sheets below.

The post Why Learn English? Worksheet on the Benefits of Learning English appeared first on ALL ESL.

Classroom Language: Teacher Talk and Student Talk

allesl — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 10:12:44 +0000

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As an ESL teacher, you should repeat phrases like “let’s begin”, “do you understand?” and “repeat after me”. Your students can use phrases such as “please say that again”, “I don’t understand” and “please speak more slowly”. We call this “Teacher Talk, Student Talk”. Simply, these are a word bank of useful common words in English.

This is why you should stick to common phrases in your ESL lessons or any beginner lesson. In order to do this, you will need to build the teacher talk and student talk dialogue from the first class.

In the “Teacher Talk, Student Talk” activity sheet, we have built a list of useful classroom phrases. It’s a good idea to practice them in the first class so students know what you’re talking about. Afterward, you should stick to this classroom language.

Teacher Talk: Useful Classroom Language

Let’s start
Are you ready?
Don’t be shy.
Did you understand?
Like this.
Any volunteers?
Speak up.
Repeat after me.
Does anyone know the answer?
Work in pairs.
Go back to your seats.
Move your chairs in groups of 4.

Student Talk: Useful Classroom Language

I don’t understand.
Pardon me?
Can you repeat that?
Sorry, I am not sure.
See you next class.
Just joking.
Sorry, I couldn’t hear you.
How’s it going?
Long time, no see!
Excuse me.
What’s up?
Please speak more slowly.

Other Useful Classroom Phrases in English

Who?
What?
When?
Where?
How?

Related Classroom Management Worksheets

If you need more disciplining and classroom management worksheets, see our free printable activity sheets below.

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Teacher Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Teacher?

allesl — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 10:00:29 +0000

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If you’re teaching abroad in another country, your students may not have spoken to a lot of foreigners. So this means they are curious about you.

For example, do you have any pets? Did you grow up in a house? What are your hobbies? If you bring any pictures to class, this will open a world of curiosity. In addition, it makes your class more personable.

In the teacher quiz, you test how much your students have been listening to you. Before class, you hide clues around the class. Next, put students into groups of 4. Finally, they have to match answers with the clues.

For example, the clue “Where is your teacher from?” should match with the answer “New York” or wherever you are from. After they have matched all the clues with the answers, they return back to the teacher with their answer sheet.

Teacher Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Teacher?

Where is your teacher from?
What is your teacher’s name?
What is your teacher’s favorite food?
Where did your teacher graduate from?
Which club is your teacher in?
How old is your teacher?
What is your teacher’s favorite sport?
What does your teacher want to be in the future?

Related Class Introduction Worksheets

If you need more class introduction and ESL worksheets, see our free printable activity sheets below.

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Let Me Introduce Myself: Self Introduction and Exchange

allesl — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 10:23:46 +0000

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How many times have you introduced yourself in your lifetime? For example, you introduce yourself to friends, in business meetings, and during round tables. By now, you should be pretty good at your self-introduction.

In business culture, new contacts often exchange their company information, phone number, or email address. They do this by exchanging a handy business card.

Using the business card template, ask your students to fill these out. In the next class, they can practice self-introduction by walking around the classroom and greeting fellow students.

Not only does this help students, but you get to put a name on each student’s face. And if they don’t have a photo, just have them draw a picture of themselves.

Let Me Introduce Myself Example

Use the template as an example for your personal business card.

What’s your name? My name is John.
Where are you from? I am from the United States.
What’s your phone number? My phone number is XXX-XXXX
When’s your birthday? My birthday is January 4th, 1980.
What are your hobbies? I like to play soccer, read books, and watch movies.
What’s your favorite sport? My favorite sport is soccer.

Fill out the business card below and cut it out. Practice introductions with your friends in a class by walking around and asking questions about items on their business cards.

Related Self Introduction Worksheets

If you need more self-introduction worksheets, see our free printable activity sheets below.

The post Let Me Introduce Myself: Self Introduction and Exchange appeared first on ALL ESL.

Your First Class Abroad: How to Set Rules, Goals and Discipline

allesl — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 22:37:51 +0000

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Let’s be honest. Your first class is not what you’ll expect.

Your students will be shy. They’ll be uncomfortable. And they probably don’t want to be there.

Or who knows? Maybe, they’ll give you a hard time and act up the entire class. Both are real possibilities.

Our advice: You’re wise to keep things simple. Keep a positive atmosphere in your first class. And make them feel comfortable using the Rassias method.

It’s your chance to help your students feel relaxed in learning English. Tell your students what you expect from them throughout the year. Establish rules for your class like “mistakes are ok”, “listen and be quiet” and “ask questions any time”.

Your students are listening and attentive. It’s the best time to establish discipline in the classroom. For example, “no sleeping in class” is a good one. Because it’s their first class with you, it’s also not a bad idea to translate this for your students in their native language.

They have no excuse for not understanding your rules in the classroom. There’s nothing wrong with starting off simple because your students will thank you for it. As your students progress, you can modify and even add new phrases to your students’ memory.

Goals

The goal of this class is to help you feel comfortable and improve your English speaking skills. Communication is most important in this class. Although grammar is important, it’s most important that you try to communicate your idea. Use gestures or sound effects to help express your ideas.

The 3 Golden Rules

1. Mistakes are OK. Please make mistakes.
2. Listen and be quiet when other people speak.
3. Ask questions any time.

Discipline

1. Please no sleeping in English class.
2. Do not do other class homework in English class. You can do this at home or during breaks.

Related Classroom Management Worksheets

If you need more classroom management worksheets, see our free printable activity sheets below.

The post Your First Class Abroad: How to Set Rules, Goals and Discipline appeared first on ALL ESL.