{"id":1401,"date":"2022-05-26T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-26T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=1401"},"modified":"2022-05-26T10:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-05-26T16:00:00","slug":"classroom-management-young-learners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching English to Young Learners &#038; Teens: Classroom Management Strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>The first rule of teaching any class, and especially <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">teaching English&nbsp;to young learners and teens<\/a>, is to have strong classroom management skills. This can be difficult for novice teachers, but it is something that develops quickly if you are willing to experiment with different styles and tactics. Setting classroom rules from the start, diversifying activities, and reviewing class rules regularly are a few ways to effectively manage your class of young learners or teens. Learn more strategies below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online TEFL courses<\/a> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#Who_is_considered_a_young_learner\" >Who is considered a young learner?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#What_are_some_techniques_for_teaching_English_to_young_learners\" >What are some techniques for teaching English to young learners?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#Set_classroom_rules_from_the_start\" >Set classroom rules from the start<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#Keep_up_the_pace\" >Keep up the pace<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#Keep_directions_brief\" >Keep directions brief<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#Use_a_reward_system\" >Use a reward system<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#Review_the_class_rules_with_students_regularly\" >Review the class rules with students regularly<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#What_are_some_classroom_management_strategies_for_teaching_English_to_teens\" >What are some classroom management strategies for teaching English to teens?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#Create_a_respectful_learning_environment\" >Create a respectful learning environment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#Diversify_activities\" >Diversify activities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#Plan_filler_activities\" >Plan filler activities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-young-learners\/#Address_issues_privately\" >Address issues privately<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_is_considered_a_young_learner\"><\/span>Who is considered a young learner?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When venturing into the world of EFL, the term \u201cyoung learners\u201d may be broadly used, leading to some confusion for new teachers. However, this is because young learners can be many ages! This group can include pre-school, kindergarten, and elementary school children (ages 2-10), as well as children in middle school (about ages 11-13). Middle schoolers can also fall into the teen category. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High schoolers (ages 14-17) are sometimes considered young learners, but <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-teens-esl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">teenage students really require different strategies<\/a> than those you&#8217;d use with younger kids. If you teach at a language institute, you may also have some teens in your adult classes as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-english-to-adults-vs-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find out more about teaching English to adults vs. kids.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/teach-in-chile-patience.jpg\" alt=\"teaching English in Chile\" class=\"wp-image-1420\" width=\"569\" height=\"426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/teach-in-chile-patience.jpg 569w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/teach-in-chile-patience-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 569px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_some_techniques_for_teaching_English_to_young_learners\"><\/span>What are some techniques for teaching English to young learners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Set_classroom_rules_from_the_start\"><\/span>Set classroom rules from the start<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You should aim to introduce a set of classroom rules and standards during the very first lesson you teach to each group of students. Do not be afraid of spending the entire first class establishing these guidelines instead of teaching a genuine lesson; it will serve you well for the remainder of the course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rules should be presented in a specific and positive manner. For example, \u201cRaise your hand if you wish to talk\u201d is more specific than \u201cDo not be rude\u201d and more positive than \u201cDo not speak out of turn.\u201d In general, it is better to tell students how they <em>should <\/em>act instead of how they <em>should not <\/em>act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below is a list of common rules and standards in EFL courses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wcb-button cb-common arrow-alt-button wp-block-list\"><li>Only speak English in this class (or, for very young learners, speak English as much as possible).<\/li><li>Look at the teacher and listen while they are speaking.<\/li><li>Wait until you are called upon to speak.<\/li><li>Remain seated unless instructed otherwise.<\/li><li>Arrive on time for class.<\/li><li>Arrive prepared for class (with pencil, notebook, textbook, or other materials).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more classroom management skills, teaching techniques, and activities by earning Specialized Certification in Teaching English to Young Learners and Teens.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_up_the_pace\"><\/span>Keep up the pace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When teaching younger children, activity and engagement are very important \u2013 remember, language learning is play! Younger learners have shorter attention spans, which means you need to keep the class moving at a decent pace. For very young children, even a brief pause between activities may cause them to become distracted. To retain their focus during transition periods, try having them stand up and stretch or sing and dance to a song while you quickly prepare the next activity. This way, their energy and excitement will be guided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-songs-kids-teens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn how to use ESL songs when teaching kids and teens.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_directions_brief\"><\/span>Keep directions brief<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another important guideline to remember is to always keep your instructions short. Not only will this help younger students remember what you said, but it will make directions easier to understand since students are still learning English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-classroom-management-routines-for-young-learners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Incorporate these routines with your young ESL learners.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_a_reward_system\"><\/span>Use a reward system<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/reward-system-teaching-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reward good behavior and effort<\/a> as well! You can recognize positive behavior with prizes, special privileges, the chance to choose what the class does, or other methods of encouragement such as those outlined in this infographic from the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Specialized Certification in Teaching Young Learners course<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1JN2lBJoAC4SLduX0GzCRLiwg_PMlXdxu\/preview\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" allow=\"autoplay\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Review_the_class_rules_with_students_regularly\"><\/span>Review the class rules with students regularly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, begin each subsequent lesson with a quick review of the rules and guidelines in the class. In many cases, your students may only see you once per week. Further, your guidelines as an EFL teacher may vary significantly from those of their native teachers. As a result, it is useful to establish a sense of consistency in every lesson by covering the standards you expect your students to uphold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Try out these fun ESL games and activities for kids and teens!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_some_classroom_management_strategies_for_teaching_English_to_teens\"><\/span>What are some classroom management strategies for teaching English to teens?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Create_a_respectful_learning_environment\"><\/span>Create a respectful learning environment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Teenagers, on the other hand, pose a different set of challenges. While they can retain more complex information and work more independently, many students in this age group also tend to be more self-conscious about actively participating in class (in contrast to children, who tend to be very energetic and open).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Helping to foster a positive classroom environment and assuring that your students feel comfortable participating can go a long way towards getting them to learn the language. This can be done by setting clear rules with your teen classes, such as providing guidelines on respecting classmates when they\u2019re speaking or interacting with the teacher. If you&#8217;re teaching in person, putting together a seating arrangement that is conducive to the activities you plan to do with the class and does not encourage too much side talking is also helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Need inspiration for your lessons? <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Take a Micro-credential course in Games and Activities for the Online Classroom.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diversify_activities\"><\/span>Diversify activities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again, keep in mind that not every student learns the same way, and it\u2019s important to vary the types of classroom activities you plan. This way, you\u2019ll appeal to more students and encourage different kinds of participation. For example, if you plan a class largely based on group <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tefl-speaking-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">speaking activities<\/a>, try incorporating some written or listening tasks during the next lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below is a demo of a game called Balloon Sentence Jumble, which is a great activity to enliven your classroom and get your teen students participating. You can get more ideas for engaging and fun games and activities like this one in the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Specialized Certification in Teaching English to Teenagers course<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"TEFL LIKE A PRO: The \u201cBalloon Sentence Jumble\u201d Game to Teach English to Teens\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lYebwQ9jKtw?list=PLTw-iclTzXDo7uKjK_EmTGGDxj2rBIz64\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plan_filler_activities\"><\/span>Plan filler activities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also important to be cognizant of your students\u2019 needs and treat them as independent and autonomous learners. Consider having individual tasks that students can complete quietly if they finish the main activity before their classmates. This will help avoid behavioral problems due to boredom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-filler-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check out these filler activities for teaching online.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Address_issues_privately\"><\/span>Address issues privately<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another piece of advice is to discuss any problems with a student&#8217;s behavior or performance privately with them after class. Never reprimand them in front of their classmates!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/classroom-management-teaching-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn classroom management strategies specifically for teaching English online.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key to classroom management while teaching English to young learners and teens is to be willing to try new methods for the sake of testing their effectiveness. Don\u2019t be discouraged if something falls short and you need to adjust the class rules or introduce new types of activities. It&#8217;ll all pay off in the end!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/5-challenging-tefl-students-how-to-deal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">For more tips on classroom management, learn how to deal with&nbsp;5 challenging types of students.<\/a><\/em><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Teaching English to young learners is an exciting yet challenging task. Learn classroom management tips that you can apply to your own classroom, straight from a teacher who has experience both at home and abroad. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":1410,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"post-language":[],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-1401","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pedagogy"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/YL-17.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Brendan O'Shea","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/brendan-oshea\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1401","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1401"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1401\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1410"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1401"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1401"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1401"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=1401"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=1401"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}