ESL Classroom Management Tips and Tricks

If you’re looking for some tips for managing an ESL or EFL classroom, then you’re in the right place. You’ll want to take a look at all of these ESL classroom management ideas so that you can teach English in style. After all, your focus should be on teaching, not managing bad behaviour, right?

Are you tired of chaos reigning supreme in your English classes? Yes? Thought so. Pretty much every single teacher out there is I’m sure! That’s why you need some tested and tried management tips.

Then you’re in the right place. You’re going to find out all about these tips for managing an ESL or EFL classroom full of elementary school students. Challenging, yes. But, also entirely possible with the ideas from this book. You’ll also want to have a look at positive classroom environments.

ESL Classroom Management Tips and Tricks

I remember back to when I first started teaching in a hagwon (private language institute) in Korea and how much of a struggle it was. The root of the problem was that I was totally and completely clueless about classroom management and the kids totally knew it. They walked all over me and I basically had no control, for at least the first six months.

Even though I did eventually establish some order in my ESL classroom, it wasn’t as happy or as productive of a place as it could have been. Over the years, I’ve figured it out, but it certainly would have been much easier if I’d had an ESL classroom management boot camp of sorts.

Actionable Strategies

I read general ESL teaching resource books, but their sections on classroom management were limited to just a few paragraphs. “Keep order in the classroom.” “Give positive reinforcement instead of negative.” The suggestions were so general and didn’t have any actionable strategies. Useless for someone actually in the trenches and struggling with some difficult students.

This is why we wrote this book to give you actionable ESL classroom management strategies. They actually work and you’ll find that your classes go much more smoothly if you follow our tips and suggestions for ESL class rules.

Some Good News for You

The good news for you is that I’ve teamed up with Jennifer Booker Smith, the guru of all things teaching English to elementary school kids and we’ve written a book about ESL classroom management that will help out any new teacher. Old teachers too can benefit and pick up a few new tips and tricks! Keep reading to find out how our book can help you out in your ESL classroom today.

Take the reins in class with these actionable tips and strategies for ESL classroom management.

What more could you accomplish in class, if you weren’t losing valuable minutes coaxing students to participate or transitioning between activities? Your students could be getting valuable talking time. They could be improving their reading skills. Anything is more useful than wasting so much time disciplining and coaxing.

Authors Jennifer and Jackie have a combined 25 years of experience in the TEFL classroom. Learn from their experiences with these valuable tips that’ll help you take back the reigns in your classrooms. The good news is that it’s even easier than you might think.

What You’ll Learn in ESL Classroom Management

In ESL Classroom Management Tips and Tricks: For Teachers of Students Ages 6-12, you’ll:

• Learn how to get the entire class involved.
• Discover how to plan a lesson and organize your class.
• Learn motivation and discipline strategies that work.
• Get some tips for forging a strong, productive relationship with your co-teacher.
• Prepare yourself with go-to activities for those “surprise” classes.

And so much more! You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Where Can I See Some Sample Tips for How to Manage a TEFL Classroom?

Are you the type that likes to try before you buy? Maybe you like to try a few different ice cream flavours before settling on the right one for you. I’m the same way.

So, it only makes sense that you might want to see some of the tips before deciding if they’re helpful or not. Here are just a few of them:

Using a Routine to Start your Classes

Vocabulary Auction, one of the activities from the book

Early finisher tasks are ideal for those students who always finish early

Do you like what you see? Then you’ll most certainly want to consider picking up the book today.

Get your Copy of ESL Classroom Management Today

Get your copy of ESL Classroom Management Tips and Tricks today and have a less-stressful, more-productive class tomorrow! Really, it is certainly possible by using some of the strategies you can find here.

Available in a Variety of Formats

Click the link above to get the book easily on Amazon in both digital and print formats. The (cheaper) digital copy can be read on any device. Use your smartphone, tablet, Mac or PC. You just have to download the free Kindle reading app.

Or, keep a copy on the bookshelf in your office as a handy reference guide. It really is that easy to get help with managing your class of students.

Shop Now

If you want to learn how to manage an ESL classroom from teachers who’ve been doing it for years, check out the book for yourself. The tips and tricks are invaluable!

Click the button below to find the book on Amazon:

FAQs

There are a number of common questions that people have about how to manage a classroom. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What is classroom management in ESL?

Classroom management in ESL is using strategies and techniques to minimize bad behaviour and encourage good behaviour. This can lead to better learning outcomes as the focus is on teaching English and not on unwanted behaviour.

How do you discipline ESL students?

It can sometimes be difficult to discipline ESL students because you might not share a common language. However, it’s still possible. The best tip is to set expectations at the beginning of the course, and then follow through with them throughout the course. Use natural consequences when things go wrong.

What is effective classroom management?

Effective classroom management involves using techniques to encourage positive behaviour and minimize the bad. It’s important to build good relationships with students, have clear expectations and to enforce them fairly for all students.

How do you deal with rude ESL students?

It can be difficult to deal with rude ESL students but the best strategy is to often ignore the worst behaviour. You may also want to have a talk with the student after class to find out why they’re unhappy in your class. Encourage positive behaviour and even enlist their help for things like attendance or handing out papers.

How to Manage an ESL/EFL Classroom: Join the Conversation

Do you have any tips or tricks for managing an ESL classroom? Any go-to activities or games that you like to use when things get a little bit out of control? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other busy teachers, like yourself find this useful resource.

 

Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API