If you’re looking for some advice about English classroom rules, you’re in the right place! I’ll give the rundown on my top 5 ESL classroom rules to make sure that you have the best class possible.
Top 5 English Classroom Rules
Let’s get into the top English class rules to consider implementing in classes. Of course, these assume that basic respect (being kind, not talking when someone is already talking) things are already happening!
You may also want to check this article out: Tips for New ESL Teachers.
#1: No Phones
The first ESL rule is no cell phones. By this I mean, no chatting with your friend, no checking Facebook, that kind of thing. Of course, students are allowed to use their phones for things like looking up words in the dictionary, or we might have some activities where they have to do a little bit of research on the internet. Appropriate use of their cell phone is perhaps the better rule.
#2: Bring a Book and Pen
The second ESL classroom rule that I have is to bring your textbook and your pen to class every single time. Nothing disrupts a class more when half the class doesn’t have their books it’s very difficult to actually get anything done so they must bring their books to class.
Rules for English classrooms
#3: Nametags
The third English classroom rule I have is his students must bring their nametags to class. I get them to fold up a little piece of paper into a triangle and then put their name on it.
They have to put that on their desk, every single time. It’s just so much easier for me to not necessarily have to think too deeply about what their name is. I can just say “oh Minsu what’s the answer?” or “Jihae what’s the answer?” It kind of creates this friendlier atmosphere here, instead of saying, “hey you” in case you don’t remember a name.
See more tips for creating a positive classroom environment.
#4: Arrive on Time
The next ESOL classroom rule that I have is to arrive on time. Just as having no books disrupts the class, if people stream in one minute late, four minutes late, seven minutes late, or 12 minutes late, it really interrupts the class. I’m very serious about students arriving on time.
Top 5 ESL classroom rules
#5: Snacks and Drinks
The last rule I have is only very small snacks and drinks in the class. I don’t mind if people have water or a coffee, or maybe a little chocolate bar or crackers, but what I don’t want is when students have a full-on sushi set and they’re trying to eat that sushi set in your class. It’s super disruptive, so only small snacks and drinks.
More Ideas for English Class Rules
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Bolen, Jackie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 211 Pages - 12/21/2022 (Publication Date)
If you’re looking for some more solid advice for teaching English, please check out this book: ESL/EFL Teaching Practice and Methodology. I’ve put 20 years of teaching experience into a single book!
Pick up a copy of the book today, and get ready for better English lessons tomorrow:
FAQs
There are a number of common questions that people have about rules for a language-learning classroom. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.
What are some examples of classroom rules?
Some examples of classroom rules include:
- No food.
- Listen to others.
- Respect others’ property.
- Treat others with respect.
- Bring your materials to class.
- Appropriate use of phones.
What are the golden rules in a classroom?
The golden rule of treating others how you’d also like to be treated applies to the classroom. This means being respectful of others, using kindness, not making fun of people, and respecting others’ property.
What are classroom rules for ESL?
Some good classroom rules for ESL are to use English, ask questions, bring materials to class, only small snacks or drinks in class, be respectful of others, and to show up on time.
English Classroom Rules: Join the Conversation
Do you have any ESOL class rules that you’d add? Leave a comment and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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