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The Ultimate Guide to preparing for your first English class


your guide to teaching English abroad or online with a TEFL Certification

So, you’ve finally earned your TEFL certification and secured a teaching position through Argo TEFL’s job placement program. Congratulations! Now, as the first day of teaching approaches, nerves may start to creep in. Fear not—this guide will help you step into the classroom with confidence and finesse. Whether you're teaching from your kitchen table at home, in a bustling city or from a serene beach town, let's make sure you’re ready to inspire your students and enjoy the experience!


Step 1: Know Your Students

Before your first day, get familiar with the type of class you'll be teaching. Will it be kids, adults, beginners, or advanced learners? Each group has different needs. Kids thrive on games and activities, while adults might prefer structured grammar lessons. Thanks to Argo TEFL’s comprehensive curriculum, you’ve already learned how to adapt your lessons accordingly, but doing a little research on the school or country’s cultural norms can make a big difference.


Imagine: you could be teaching from a classroom overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The air smells faintly of salt and citrus, with the sun casting a golden glow over olive trees swaying gently in the breeze. Picture that. You might be a world away from home, but wow, what a view, right? Just keep the windows closed to avoid the endless daydreams! Now back to your classroom.


Step 2: Prepare Your Lesson Plan (But Be Ready to Improvise!)

Lesson planning can feel like an overwhelming task at first, but Argo TEFL has you covered with a great toolkit of strategies. Plan your objectives, set the pace, and make sure you have a variety of activities that suit different learning styles. Remember to balance speaking, listening, reading, and writing exercises.


Now here’s the kicker: be ready to improvise. No matter how flawless your plan is, expect the unexpected. Maybe your students will master the lesson in 10 minutes, or they’ll need a little extra time on certain concepts. Go with the flow. Keep a few extra activities (like language games) in your back pocket for those curveballs.


Step 3: Break the Ice

The first few minutes of any class set the tone, and icebreakers are your best friends here. You don’t need to dive right into grammar exercises from the get-go. Instead, start with an introduction activity to get your students talking and comfortable. Engaging your students right away builds rapport and gets them warmed up for the lesson.


Step 4: Be Clear and Encourage Interaction

One of the main challenges in teaching English is ensuring your instructions are crystal clear. Slow down, use simple language, and demonstrate rather than explain where possible. Visuals, gestures, and examples go a long way in helping non-native speakers understand the lesson.


Here's the fun part—get your students to participate actively. Don’t stand in front of the class/camera lecturing; involve them in the learning process. Ask open-ended questions, have them work in pairs or small groups, and provide lots of opportunities for them to speak. Not only does this boost their confidence, but it also enhances the engagement level throughout the class.


Step 5: Relax—You're Prepared!

Teaching your first class might feel intimidating, but remember; you’re prepared. You’ve completed Argo’s TEFL certification, and you’re more than capable of teaching English effectively. The trick is to stay relaxed. Trust in your training, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine in the classroom. When you’re comfortable, your students will feel the same way.

If you need additional support, Argo TEFL offers ongoing resources and personalized support along your teaching journey.



Step 6: Enjoy the Journey

Finally, take a moment to appreciate where you are—both physically and metaphorically. You’re living abroad in a completely new environment or enjoying the flexibility to work from home. Wherever you are, savor the experience.


Your students will look up to you—not just as their teacher, but as a cultural ambassador. You’re there to teach English, sure, but you’re also there to learn from them. Every day is an adventure, and each lesson is an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally.



 


Teaching your first English class can be nerve-wracking, but with Argo TEFL’s certification and support, you’ll walk into that classroom with confidence. After all, the best part of teaching English abroad or online is the journey—and with Argo you’ve already taken the first step.




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