Top 10 Essential Classroom Management Strategies For ESL Teachers | Teacher Val

Summary

In this educational video, Val introduces 10 practical classroom management strategies for creating an engaging and productive learning environment. Key points include establishing routines, implementing point systems, using nonverbal cues, and practicing differentiated instruction. Val also emphasizes the importance of communication, technology integration, and a positive mindset in fostering a supportive ESL classroom atmosphere.

Takeaways

• 📜 Establish a routine with clear class rules and a warm-up routine to create a safe and respectful learning environment.
• 🏆 Implement a point system or award system to motivate students and reinforce positive behavior with visual tracking and rewards.
• 🎉 Use chance and countdowns for engaging transitions and maintaining focus in the classroom with chants and timers.
• 📝 Ensure well-structured lessons with a clear lesson plan, prepared materials, and anticipation of potential challenges for organized learning.
• 🤔 Recognize the power of nonverbal cues for communication, using gestures and facial expressions to manage behavior and emphasize points.
• 👀 Develop a 'look' as a nonverbal warning signal to students for behavior correction without direct confrontation.
• 🔍 Practice differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse student needs and abilities within the same class.
• 📚 Come to class early and use organized materials to prevent misbehavior and save time during class.
• 💺 Experiment with seating arrangements to find the best setup for teaching style and student learning needs.
• 📈 Keep the blackboard organized for clear communication of topics, dates, vocabulary, and sentences.
• 💻 Utilize technology wisely in ESL classrooms to engage students and manage the class with interactive tools and resources.
• 👫 Promote pair and group work to encourage interaction, cooperative learning, and practice of English in a supportive setting.
• 🌟 Be patient and empathetic, providing ample opportunities for practice and celebrating progress to foster a positive learning atmosphere.
• 😊 Maintain a confident, positive, and happy demeanor as it influences the energy and engagement of the students.
• 📈 Communicate regularly with students and build a rapport to create an open line for their concerns or questions.
• 📚 Never stop learning; attend workshops, read about strategies, and stay updated in the field of ESL teaching for continuous improvement.

Q & A

What are the common bad behavior patterns in classrooms according to the video?

Common bad behavior patterns include students talking out of turn, making noise, engaging in off-topic conversations, struggling to stay focused, daydreaming, fidgeting, not participating in class activities, avoiding participation, showing disrespect towards the teacher and classmates, and becoming disengaged or unmotivated.

What is the first step in effective classroom management mentioned in the video?

The first step is to establish a routine, which includes setting clear class rules and implementing a warm-up routine.

Why is it important to discuss class rules with students at the beginning of the school year?

Discussing class rules helps create a safe and respectful learning environment and ensures that students understand and can consistently follow these rules.

What is a point system or award system and how does it benefit classroom management?

A point system or award system is a method to motivate students and reinforce positive behavior by assigning points for participation, completing assignments, or displaying good behavior. It fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages participation.

How can chance or countdowns be used in classroom management?

Chance or countdowns can be used to transition between activities, refocus the class, and maintain a positive atmosphere. They help students understand how much time they have to complete a task and keep the class running smoothly.

What role does nonverbal communication play in managing an ESL classroom?

Nonverbal communication, including body language, eye contact, and presence, is a powerful tool for ESL teachers to communicate with students without disrupting the lesson flow, correct behavior, or emphasize important points.

Why is it important for a teacher to move around the classroom?

Moving around the classroom helps maintain student engagement, prevents teachers from becoming too stationary, and can be used as a nonverbal cue to regain attention when students become noisy.

What is the significance of practicing the 'look' as a nonverbal signal in classroom management?

The 'look' serves as a silent warning to students that they are doing something they are not supposed to be doing. It is an effective tactic for managing behavior without calling a student out in front of the class.

How can differentiated instruction help with classroom management?

Differentiated instruction tailors lessons to accommodate various learning styles and proficiency levels, providing enrichment activities for advanced students and additional support for those needing it, which can help prevent misbehavior due to the class being too easy or too difficult.

Why should teachers come to class early and stay after class for a few minutes?

Coming early and staying after class allows teachers to build a rapport with students, be available for concerns or questions, and create an environment where students feel comfortable approaching the teacher.

How can technology be used to enhance classroom management in ESL classrooms?

Technology, such as interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and online resources, can make learning more interactive and enjoyable, and when used properly, it can also assist with time management.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Establishing Classroom Routines and Rules

The first paragraph introduces the video's focus on classroom management strategies. Val, the host, outlines common behavioral issues faced by teachers globally, such as talking out of turn, lack of focus, and disrespect towards classroom rules. To address these, Val suggests establishing a routine with clear class rules and a warm-up activity to create a respectful learning environment. The importance of discussing these rules with students and incorporating engaging warm-up routines is emphasized to ensure a comfortable classroom atmosphere.

05:02

🏆 Implementing Point Systems and Nonverbal Cues

In the second paragraph, Val discusses the use of point or award systems to motivate students and reinforce positive behavior. A visual chart can track progress, and rewards can be given for reaching certain goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, Val highlights the power of nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, to communicate with students and manage the classroom without disrupting the lesson flow. The 'look' technique is introduced as a nonverbal warning signal to students engaging in inappropriate behavior.

10:03

🎓 Differentiated Instruction and Classroom Organization

The third paragraph addresses the diverse needs of ESL students and the importance of differentiated instruction to accommodate various learning styles and proficiency levels. Val suggests providing enrichment activities for advanced students and additional support for those who need it. The paragraph also covers the importance of arriving early to class, organizing materials, experimenting with seating arrangements, and keeping the blackboard organized to support effective classroom management. The use of technology, such as interactive whiteboards and educational apps, is encouraged to enhance lessons and make learning more interactive.

15:06

🌟 Promoting Interaction and Continuous Learning

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of promoting pair and group work to foster a cooperative atmosphere and reduce disruptions. Val advises being patient and empathetic with students, celebrating their progress, and creating a positive learning environment. The paragraph concludes with the advice to communicate regularly with students, build rapport, and continue learning as a teacher through professional development workshops and staying updated with the latest ESL teaching strategies.

Keywords

💡Classroom Management

Classroom management refers to the methods and strategies teachers use to create a conducive learning environment. In the video, it is the central theme, with the speaker sharing various strategies to address common classroom behavior issues and enhance student engagement.

💡Productive Environment

A productive environment is a setting where students can effectively learn and participate in class activities. The script emphasizes creating such an environment through clear rules, routines, and student engagement, which are key to effective classroom management.

💡Behavior Patterns

Behavior patterns in the script refer to common student behaviors that can disrupt the learning process, such as talking out of turn or daydreaming. The video aims to provide solutions for these disruptive patterns to maintain a focused classroom.

💡Routine

Routine is a sequence of activities that are performed regularly to establish order and predictability. The video suggests setting up a class routine, including warm-up activities, to help students settle into the classroom and prepare for learning.

💡Warm-up Routine

A warm-up routine is an initial activity designed to focus students' attention and prepare them for the lesson. The script mentions this as a part of establishing a classroom routine to enhance student readiness and engagement.

💡Point System

A point system is a motivational tool used to reinforce positive behavior and participation. The video describes using a point system to award students for achievements, with visual charts to track progress and rewards for reaching certain goals.

💡Call and Response

Call and response is a teaching technique where the teacher initiates an action or phrase, and students respond in kind. The script provides examples of chants used to refocus students and maintain a positive classroom atmosphere.

💡Countdowns

Countdowns are used in the classroom to signal transitions or the remaining time for an activity. The video mentions using countdowns to help students manage time effectively and maintain the flow of the class.

💡Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated instruction is an approach to teaching that tailors lessons to meet the diverse needs and abilities of students. The script suggests using this method to accommodate various learning styles and proficiency levels within the same class.

💡Nonverbal Cues

Nonverbal cues are body language, facial expressions, and gestures used to communicate without words. The video highlights the importance of nonverbal cues in classroom management, such as using gestures to redirect behavior or emphasize points.

💡Seating Arrangement

Seating arrangement refers to how students are positioned in the classroom. The script discusses the impact of seating arrangements on classroom dynamics and suggests experimenting with different configurations to support learning and management.

💡Technology

Technology in the classroom includes interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and online resources. The video mentions using technology to engage students and enhance lessons, making learning more interactive and organized.

💡Pair and Group Work

Pair and group work involve students working together to learn and practice language skills. The script promotes this approach to foster cooperation, reduce disruptions, and provide a less intimidating environment for language practice.

💡Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. In the context of the video, the speaker encourages teachers to be patient and empathetic, recognizing the challenges students face in learning a new language.

💡Professional Development

Professional development refers to the ongoing learning and training that teachers engage in to improve their skills and knowledge. The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of continuous learning for teachers to stay updated with the latest teaching strategies.

Highlights

Val introduces 10 practical classroom management strategies for productive and engaging environments.

Common bad behavior patterns in classrooms worldwide include talking out of turn and off-topic conversations.

Establishing a routine with clear class rules and a warm-up routine is crucial for classroom management.

Creating a list of simple, understandable class rules and enforcing them consistently is essential.

Incorporating a warm-up activity helps students feel comfortable and ready to learn.

Implementing a point or award system can motivate students and reinforce positive behavior.

Using visual charts to track student progress and offering rewards for specific goals fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Val shares her experience with the star and point system in her classes to encourage positive behavior.

Adding chance or countdowns to classroom management can make ESL classes more engaging.

Using call and response chants is an effective technique for maintaining a positive atmosphere.

Countdown timers signal transitions between activities and help keep the class running smoothly.

Well-structured lessons with a clear lesson plan are key to effective classroom management.

Communication in the classroom is 80% nonverbal, and body language is a powerful tool for ESL teachers.

Developing a 'look' as a nonverbal signal to convey a serious warning without calling attention to a student.

Differentiated instruction helps manage diverse needs and abilities in the classroom.

Arriving early to class and having a designated place for materials saves time and reduces misbehavior.

Seating arrangements play a significant role in classroom management and should be tailored to teaching styles.

Keeping the blackboard organized is important for clear communication of lesson content.

Technology can be a valuable asset in ESL classrooms for engaging students and managing the class.

Promoting pair and group work encourages interaction, learning from each other, and practicing English.

Being patient and empathetic, celebrating progress, and providing ample practice opportunities is crucial for ESL students.

Maintaining a positive and confident mindset as a teacher impacts the learning environment and student behavior.

Regular communication with students and building a rapport helps in managing the classroom effectively.

Continuous learning and attending professional development workshops is important for teachers.

Effective classroom management is a learning process that takes time and requires patience.

Transcripts

hello everyone my name is Val and

welcome back to my channel in today's

video I will share 10 practical

classroom management strategies that

will help you create a productive and

engaging classroom

environment teachers worldwide face a

few common bad behavior patterns that

are the same regardless of where they

are from or where they teach students

may talk out of turn make noise or

engage in off-topic conversations which

can disrupt the flow of the lesson and

distract other

students some students May struggle to

stay focused and attentive during

lessons uh they might Daydream fidget or

not participate in class

activities certain students May

consistently avoid participating in

class activities discussions or

assignments some students have no

respect at all towards the teacher

classmates or classroom rules it may

include talking back rudess or not

following

instructions some students may become

disengaged or unmotivated leading to a

lack of effort in their studies this

Behavior can result in incomplete

assignments and a general lack of

enthusiasm for learning English here is

what you can do to avoid or address

these Behavior

patterns one of the first steps in

effective classroom management is to

establish a routine this includes

setting clean

class rules and implementing a warm-up

routine let me break it down for you

start by creating a list of class rules

these rules should be simple easy to

understand and consistantly enforced

they help create a safe and respectful

learning environment make sure to

discuss these rules with your students

at the beginning of the school year or

semester

next incorporate a warm-up routine into

your class schedule this could be a

quick English language activity or a

simple game that gets your students

focused and ready to learn the

familiarity of a routine can help

students feel more comfortable and

settled in your

classroom I have many warmup activities

on my channel feel free free to check

them

[Music]

out another great strategy for ESL

teachers is to implement a point system

or award system this can be a fun and

effective way to motivate your students

and reinforce positive

behavior you can assign points for uh

various achievements such as

participation completing assignments or

displaying good behavior create a visual

chart in your classroom to track

students progress you can also offer

rewards like small prizes certificates

or special privileges for reaching

specific point goals this not only

encourages participation but also

Fosters a sense of

accomplishment for example um in my

classes

I use the star and point system each

team is given Five Points at the

beginning of the class positive behavior

and active participation are awarded

with points negative behavior eliminates

points the team with the most points at

the end of the class gets a star the

team with the most stars at the end of

the term gets five extra points for

their final exam

score adding chance or countdowns to

your classroom management toolbox can

make your ESL class more engaging and

dynamic chance can be a fun way to

transition between activities or refocus

the class for example try using a call

and response chant to get your students

attention it's a simple but very

effective technique that can help

maintain a positive atmosphere in your

classroom use them as soon as your

students get a bit

Rowdy here are a few common call and

response classroom management chants for

ESL classrooms 1 2 3 ABC 1 2 3 Ab b c

hands up hands down hands up hands down

down ice on me ice on you ice on me ice

on you quiet please thank you please

quiet please thank you please clap once

clap twice clap once clap twice listen

up I am ready listen up I am ready ready

to learn yes we are ready to learn yes

yes we

are countdowns are another handy tool

use a countdown timer to Signal

transitions between

activities um it helps students

understand how much time they have to

complete a task and keeps your class

running

smoothly I like to use the 5 to one

count down timer because my students

respond very well to it here's what I do

five feet on the floor Four Hands on the

desk three eyes on teacher vow eyes on

me two listen to me one be quiet one

more time

five

four three

two

one good job

[Music]

everyone well structured lessons are key

to effective classroom management start

with a clear lesson plan that outlines

what you aim to teach your target

language and how you will do it make

sure you have your lesson plans and

materials ready

way ahead of time this includes knowing

the content having all necessary

materials on hand and uh anticipating

potential challenges when you are well

prepared you'll feel more confident and

in control and your students will

benefit from a structured and organized

learning

environment communication is 20% verbal

and 80%

nonverbal it's your body language your

eyes your clothes and your presence

nonverbal cues are powerful tools for

ESL teachers they help you communicate

with your students without disrupting

the flow of the lesson simple gestures

facial expressions or hand signals can

be used to uh red cor Behavior or

emphasize important points move around

the classroom do not stay at one place

stop teaching when the students start

becoming noisy Cross Your Hands in front

of you look at your students and uh wait

for everyone to be

quiet finally develop the

look every Effective Teacher should have

one

this facial expression serves as a

nonverbal signal to a child that you see

that they are talking or doing something

they're not supposed to be doing if done

correctly the look silently conveys a

serious warning and it's an excellent

tactic for managing without calling a

student in front of the class practice

the look in front of the mirror just

remember it's not a death stare and

shouldn't be mean or angry it should

convey presence it should ooze calmness

here's

mine

no no no no no no it's this

[Music]

one or wait wait wait wait it's hard to

do it in front of the camera I need kids

I need someone who misbehaves let me see

let me see let me see let me let me

Focus I mean I think you get the

idea ESL students have diverse needs and

abilities some students misbehave

because your class is too easy or too

difficult for them to effectively manage

your classro practice differentiated

instruction this means tailoring your

for lessons to accommodate various

learning styles and proficiency levels

within the same class provide enrichment

activities for advanced students and

additional support for those needing it

um I think I'll make a separate video on

how to use differentiated instruction in

an ESL classroom so say stay

tuned

come to your class early use a common

place to keep materials such as Caesars

magnets flash cards or other school

supplies this saves time looking for a

magnet during the class leads to

misbehavior if possible find the best

seating arrangement in your classroom

because seating arrangements play a

significant role in classroom management

experiment with various seating options

such as group seating individual desks

or a U-shaped um

configuration choose the arrangement

that best supports your teaching style

and your students learning

needs keep your Blackboard

organized very important always write

down the topic and date I always write

new vocabulary words on the left left

side of the board and new sentences in

the middle my students know that

everything I write on the board should

be copied into their

[Music]

notebooks technology can be a valuable

asset in ESL classrooms use it wisely to

engage your students and manage your

class interactive whiteboards

educational apps and and online

resources can enhance your lessons

making learning more interactive and

enjoyable I put a lot of effort into my

PowerPoint presentation which pays off

very well in my classes it's a very

visual aid that works wonders um in your

class if used properly it also helps

with time management especially if you

are a newb teacher all you need to do is

is to follow your slides it's your

map promote pair and group work this

allows students to interact learn from

each other and practice their English in

a less intimidating setting encouraging

students to help each other can reduce

disruptions and create a Cooperative

atmosphere regularly change the group

composition to promote interaction among

all

students remember English is not their

first language and learning a new

language is hard be patient empathetic

and provides ample opportunities for

practice celebrate their progress no

matter how small you know um sometimes

we forget that students re react to

their environment it's important to be

confident positive and happy when you uh

when we are with our students every day

they they they they feed off our energy

as much as we feed off their energy even

if we have great strategies they won't

work if we don't truly believe in our

hearts that we can create a special and

enjoyable learning space for our

students our mindset our mindset really

matters communicate with your students

regularly let them know they can uh

approach you with their concerns or

questions build a longlasting

report come early to class and stay for

a couple of minutes after the class it's

time consuming I know yes but it will

help you in the long run lastly never

stop learning attend professional

development workshops read up on the

latest ESL teaching strategies learn

from your peers or watch teacher Val's

YouTube

channel there is always something new to

discover in the realm of ESL teaching

remember effective classroom management

is a learning process and it takes time

I hope this video will help you create

an effective engaging and productive ESL

classroom don't forget to give it a

thumbs up and subscribe to my channel

for more teaching tips and

resources thank you for watching and

I'll see you in the next video Happy

[Music]

teaching

[Music]