I’ve been featured in the EPIK newsletter and wanted to share my article with you! I wrote about the introductory English lesson I taught at my school (seems like this happened forever ago). My hope is that upcoming EPIK teachers stumble upon this article and can get a few ideas and inspiration for their own first class. 🙂

EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTORY LESSON FOR FIRST TIME TEACHERS

Put up your hand if you’ve never written a lesson plan in your life *raises own hand* now, put up your hand up if you’ve never formally taught in front of a classroom of students *raises other hand*.

That was me, with both hands raised, one month ago.

The thought of preparing my first lesson was daunting because my own mother barely listens when I talk so who says 35 students will keep their attention on me for 45 consecutive minutes. I panicked. Do I simply write my name on the board, do a dance, and then play charades? Can’t say that didn’t cross my mind.

When I went to the EPIK orientation a week before I started teaching, I attended a lecture solely based on first lessons. I incorporated what I learned from the class and added my own spin. To my surprise, the students loved it! My co-teachers were amazed and I pretended like I knew what I was doing all along.

Below I attached my introductory slideshow for you to take inspiration from for your first class:

Opening slide: This is the first thing students will see when they enter the classroom. Make it inviting and cute.

Introduce rules: Establish your classroom rooms and discuss briefly. Read out loud and have students repeat.

Introduce yourself: Ask students where they think you’re from, “ENGLAND!” “AMERICA!” “CANADA!” Then show your “Who am I?” slide. I also asked, “why did I put a Twix bar?” and “why did I put a volleyball?” This will get student’s talking and they loved guessing what the objects were and why they were on the slide.

Nametags: Before class, make your own name tag by using one sheet of blank paper. Fold it in half, open it up, fold the right side into the middle then fold left side into the middle. Roll together and the name tag should stand easily on a desk. When students have their blank name tags have them write their name in bold letters and draw one of their hobbies, favorite food, and future career. Demonstrate all of this with your own name tag.

Present: Have students present to their partner what is on their name tag. Have them say, “my name is..” “my hobby is..” Afterwards, have them present their partner to you and the entire class. They will say, “her name is..” “her hobby is..” After they stand up and present, give the student a sticker to put on their own name tag (they’ll love it, trust me). Remind them at the end of class to fold the name tag into their textbook and bring it every single class.

You’re done! Wasn’t so bad, was it? You established rules, introduced who you are, had students talking, presenting and being creative. Introductory lesson, complete.