First experiences are important!
They set the tone for the
class and emotionally and intellectually separate the students from their last
class or other parts of their day. Here are 5 things you can do to hook your
students right away, no matter what you are teaching.
Music!
Have music playing that relaxes or excites or
puzzles or entertains. Ravel’s Bolero sets a mood of expectancy! A Jay Z or
Nirvana might shock! Miles Davis might puzzle! All elicit different reactions
that could lead to discussions or even help anticipate the lesson. Introduce a
lesson on weather with the Beatles ‘Here comes the sun.’ Always have a
selection of MP3s ready to go!
The Board!
Have something unexpected written on the
board. It might be a simple scrambled sentence ( GDOO IMRONGN! ), a
provocative headline (WHAT WILL NORTH KOREA DO NEXT?) or a debatable opinion (SCHOOL
UNIFORMS ARE GREAT). “WHAT WILL YOU BUY TODAY?” on the board is a perfect hook
for a lesson on count and non-count nouns.
A Visual!
Place photos from a vacation or the
neighborhood at tables, a funny drawing on the board, or a web page on the
document camera all can get things interesting fast. Google maps can be used to
set the stage for asking for directions.
Do Now Tasks!
Have a simple game set up that students know
or hand them slips of paper as they walk in that gives them a task. For
example, instructions on the board to find out everyone’s favorite ____(food,
TV show, etc.) can be a fun warm up.
BE the Hook!
Your tone, mood, attitude, posture, sends
a message on many levels. ‘TOEFL class is fun!’ may sound counter-intuitive but
it can be. YOU are a prop! A name tag, ugly holiday sweater, silly hats, or an
umbrella; All these props set the stage for something and get attention. I’ll
never forget the teacher who came dressed as a clown one day and neither will
his students!
How can this picture posted of me in Egypt be used as a
hook?
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