Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is much more than explaining grammar or correcting pronunciation. It’s about guiding learners to communicate confidently in real-life situations. Whether you’re just starting out or you have years of classroom experience, understanding the essentials can make a significant difference in your students’ progress.
Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide to the dos and don’ts of teaching ESL, with practical advice, examples, and actionable tips for every stage of your teaching journey.
What Is an ESL Teacher?
An ESL teacher specializes in helping non-native speakers learn English. This role is vital in multilingual environments, international schools, and communities where English is the dominant language or a key to personal growth.
The primary goal isn’t just grammar accuracy—it’s enabling students to participate in conversations, express themselves, and understand others. This shapes the teaching methods, classroom management, and even the resources you choose.
Lesson Planning: Setting the Foundation
A well-crafted lesson plan is your roadmap. It clarifies your lesson’s objectives, the order of activities, and the strategies you’ll use.
Dos
- Outline clear objectives. Every activity should serve a purpose.
- Break lessons into stages. Structure helps students follow along and reduces confusion.
- Prepare ICQs (Instruction Checking Questions) and CCQs (Concept Checking Questions). These ensure your instructions and key concepts are understood.
- Plan feedback. Decide when and how you’ll give feedback so it’s meaningful.
- Organize materials and links. Keep everything accessible for smooth transitions.
Don’ts
- Don’t skip planning. “Winging it” leads to missed learning opportunities.
- Don’t assign random tasks. Every step should support your lesson’s goal.
- Don’t rely on “Do you understand?” Most students won’t admit if they’re confused.
- Don’t ignore lesson structure. Chaos breeds anxiety and hinders learning.
Building a Positive Learning Environment
A supportive atmosphere encourages risk-taking and participation. Students learn best when they feel safe and motivated.
Dos
- Foster encouragement. Praise effort and progress, not just results.
- Address conflict quickly. Resolve issues before they disrupt learning.
- Promote English use. Encourage students to communicate in English—even if mistakes happen.
- Motivate learning outside class. Suggest books, movies, and resources for extra practice.
- Contextualize activities. Use real-world scenarios to make learning relevant.
Don’ts
- Don’t be excessively strict. Fear of mistakes stifles participation.
- Don’t ban native language entirely. Use L1 strategically for clarification but keep the focus on English.
- Don’t ignore negative behaviors. Bullying or teasing should never be tolerated.
- Don’t create dependency. Empower students to seek answers independently.
Establishing Routines
Consistency helps students know what to expect, supports time management, and fosters independence.
Dos
- Set routines and stick to them. Predictability reduces anxiety.
- Share course structure. Let students know the plan for assignments, tests, and projects.
- Give advance notice for assessments. Preparation builds confidence.
- Uphold classroom rules consistently. Lead by example.
Don’ts
- Don’t surprise students with sudden tests or changes.
- Don’t bend rules selectively. Fairness matters.
- Don’t allow excuses for breaking rules.
Modeling Tasks
Demonstrating activities is essential, especially for beginners who may not understand instructions right away.
Dos
- Show examples before expecting students to perform tasks.
- Give step-by-step demonstrations.
- Use clear language adapted to their level.
Don’ts
- Don’t assume students know what you mean.
- Don’t skip instructions or demos—even for familiar tasks.
Using Non-Linguistic Tools
Modern ESL teaching goes beyond textbooks—visuals, technology, and gestures make learning more engaging.
Dos
- Integrate multimedia: Videos, images, songs, games.
- Use gestures and facial expressions: Especially for beginners.
- Leverage educational apps: Digital literacy is key.
Don’ts
- Don’t rely solely on textbooks or spoken instructions.
- Don’t avoid technology out of fear or lack of experience.
Checking Understanding: ICQs & CCQs
Asking “Do you understand?” rarely gives useful feedback. Use targeted questions to check comprehension and clarify instructions.
Dos
- Use simple, direct language.
- Chunk complex instructions into manageable steps.
- Ask ICQs and CCQs regularly.
- Model the first question together as an example.
Don’ts
- Don’t use advanced vocabulary in instructions for beginners.
- Don’t rush through instructions without checking understanding.
- Don’t make activities repetitive—add variety with visuals or games.
Presenting New Material
Effective presentation of new vocabulary or grammar requires structure, clarity, and engagement.
Dos
- Plan each stage of presentation: Task, elicit, CCQ, drill, practice.
- Prepare answers for anticipated questions.
- Make content visual and interactive.
- Provide practice tasks at each stage.
Don’ts
- Don’t improvise your way through new material.
- Don’t skip drilling—even if it seems easy.
- Don’t depend only on verbal explanations or written rules.
Error Correction
Mistakes are part of learning—but correction should build confidence, not fear.
Dos
- Use delayed error correction (DEC) over instant correction (IEC).
- Focus on major errors affecting communication first.
- Encourage self-correction and peer correction where possible.
- Employ various strategies: Gestures, prompts, reformulation.
Don’ts
- Don’t correct every minor mistake immediately—it disrupts fluency and confidence.
- Don’t shame or criticize—mistakes are learning opportunities.
- Don’t rely solely on your voice—use visual cues too.
Final Thoughts
Teaching ESL isn’t just about grammar drills—it’s about building skills for real-world communication in a supportive environment. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll help your students grow as confident English speakers ready to tackle any challenge.
Ready to deepen your expertise? Consider formal certification courses or join communities of ESL professionals for ongoing inspiration and advice.
Quick Reference: ESL Teaching Dos & Don’ts Table
| Area | Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson Planning | Structure lessons & set clear aims | Skip planning; assign aimless tasks |
| Learning Environment | Encourage & support students | Be overly strict; ignore conflicts |
| Routines | Maintain consistency & share expectations | Surprise students; bend rules |
| Modeling | Demonstrate tasks clearly | Assume understanding; skip demos |
| Non-Linguistic Tools | Use visuals & technology | Rely only on textbook/voice |
| Checking Understanding | Use ICQs/CCQs | Ask “Do you understand?”; rush instructions |
| Presentation | Structure stages; make it visual | Improvise; skip drills |
| Error Correction | Be supportive; use DEC & peer-correction | Overcorrect; shame or criticize |
Want more tips? Explore professional development courses or connect with fellow ESL teachers online!
