The first five minutes of a lesson tell the class what kind of hour it will be. You do not need a big game. You need the same small routine every time.
Start before you start
Stand at the door. Say good morning and one small question.
Good morning, Mei. How are you today?
This tells every student: today we speak English.
Use the same three questions
A routine lowers fear, because students know what is coming.
What day is it? How is the weather? Who is here?
Put one sentence on the board
Give the class a target sentence for the lesson. Everyone will say it before they leave.
Today: I can swim. I cannot fly.
Begin with a partner
Before anyone speaks to the whole class, let them say the sentence to a partner. Quiet students need this step.
Keep it short
Five minutes is enough. Then move to the main lesson, while the room is awake.
Words to remember
- routine — something you do the same way each time
- target — the thing you are aiming at
- greeting — words you say when you meet someone
- partner — the person you work with
Questions & answers
Q: What if students answer in their own language?
Repeat the question in English and give an example. Say, "In English, we say..." Keep it kind.
Q: Should I start with a game every day?
Not every day. A game is strong when it is special. A routine is strong because it is normal.
Q: How do I include late students?
Keep the routine short. A late student can join at the next question without stopping the class.
Q: What if nobody wants to speak?
Let them write the answer first. Then they read it to a partner.
Q: Is it bad to start with grammar?
Sometimes it is right. But a speaking start wakes the class up, and grammar follows more easily.