{"id":5356,"date":"2019-10-30T13:25:20","date_gmt":"2019-10-30T13:25:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=5356"},"modified":"2026-02-25T18:48:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T01:48:08","slug":"teaching-large-esl-classes-kids-teens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-large-esl-classes-kids-teens\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Teaching Large ESL Classes of Kids & Teens"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Bridge graduate and author, Coleen Monroe<\/a>, has taught classes of all sizes in Chile<\/a>, South Korea<\/a>, Vietnam,<\/a> and now China. She shares her tried-and-true advice, especially for newbies, for teaching large ESL classes of young learners and teens. <\/em><\/p>\n

It can be overwhelming to be a new teacher in front of a big class or 40-50 young English students. The classroom may have moveable furniture, a homeroom teacher whose regular class is being interrupted, or a wild-eyed group of first-grade \u201crunners\u201d plotting their escape. However, it’s a good idea to be prepared to teach these types of classes, as public schools in many parts of the world now integrate native speaker-taught English classes into the national curricula. These changes make it more likely that you will find yourself teaching large ESL classes of kids or teenagers during your time abroad.<\/p>\n

If this is the case, don\u2019t panic. Take these 7 tips to heart and be brave, and you’ll make teaching a big class meaningful and even efficient.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our online TEFL courses<\/a> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Don\u2019t expect silence when teaching large ESL classes<\/h2>\n

People make noise just by existing. And in a room full of kids, the noise level is going to be even louder. When teaching young learners<\/a>, there isn\u2019t much to be said for forcing silence on your classes for instruction since many classroom noises are unavoidable (think rustling papers, clicking pencils, random audio from neighboring classrooms, etc). Instead, try to adapt to the noise level and push for relative quiet over total silence.<\/p>\n

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2. Memorize your lesson plans or keep them simple<\/h2>\n

Although planning lessons is key to success as a teacher, you don\u2019t want to rely too heavily on the paper itself during a large-class lesson. Don\u2019t take significant time to look down at your lesson plan during class or the kids will start to get antsy. It\u2019s important to have ESL classroom routines<\/a> with young students and to keep it simple for your own sanity. Follow these tips:<\/p>\n