5 Classroom Management Tips for New ELT Teachers

Have you ever stepped into a classroom full of eager students, only to feel like you’re losing control within minutes?

If you’re a new ELT (English Language Teaching) teacher, don’t worry—you’re not alone!

Managing a classroom can feel overwhelming at first, especially when teaching students who are still learning English.

But with the right strategies, you can create a calm, productive, and fun environment where both you and your students thrive.

In this post, I’ll share five simple classroom management tips to help you get started.

These tips are practical, easy to use, and perfect for beginners in the ELT world.

Tip 1: Set Clear Rules from Day One

One of the biggest mistakes new teachers make is starting classes without clear rules. Students need to know what’s okay and what’s not. On your very first day, take a few minutes to explain your expectations. Keep the rules simple and short—like “Listen when someone is speaking” or “Raise your hand to talk.”

Why does this work? Clear rules give students boundaries. When they know what you expect, they feel safe and understand how to behave. For ELT students, who might struggle with English, use pictures or gestures to explain the rules. For example, point to your ear for “listen” or hold up your hand for “wait.” Write the rules on a poster and hang it where everyone can see it. Review them every week to remind students. Consistency is key—stick to your rules every day, and your classroom will run smoothly.

Tip 2: Use Routines to Save Time and Energy

Imagine walking into class and not knowing what to do next. That’s how students feel without routines! Routines are like a roadmap for your lessons—they tell students what to expect and keep things organized. As a new ELT teacher, setting up routines can save you time and stop chaos before it starts.

Start with a simple warm-up activity every day, like a quick “Hello” song or a five-minute vocabulary game. Then, follow the same order for your lessons: maybe a short review, new material, practice, and a wrap-up. For example, you could always start by asking, “What did we learn yesterday?” in a friendly tone. Students will get used to this pattern and feel more comfortable. If they know what’s coming, they’re less likely to get distracted or confused. Plus, routines help you stay on track, even on tough days!

Tip 3: Keep Students Engaged with Fun Activities

Bored students are noisy students. When learners lose interest, they start chatting, fidgeting, or daydreaming. The secret to good classroom management is keeping them busy and excited. In ELT, this is extra important because students are working hard to understand a new language. Fun activities make learning feel like play, not work.

Try games like “Simon Says” to practice action words or “Word Bingo” for vocabulary. Pair students up for short role-plays—like pretending to order food at a restaurant. Use props, like flashcards or toy objects, to make lessons visual and hands-on. For example, if you’re teaching “apple,” hold up a real apple or a picture. Keep activities short—five to ten minutes—so no one gets tired. When students are engaged, they focus on the lesson instead of causing trouble. Plus, they’ll look forward to your classes!

Tip 4: Use Positive Reinforcement to Encourage Good Behavior

Shouting at students might stop bad behavior for a moment, but it doesn’t last. Instead, focus on the good stuff they do. Positive reinforcement means praising students when they follow rules or try hard. It’s a powerful way to build a happy classroom and motivate your ELT learners.

For example, if a student raises their hand to answer, say, “Great job waiting your turn!” Keep it simple so English learners can understand your praise. You can also use rewards like stickers, a “Star of the Day” chart, or extra game time at the end of class. Be fair—notice every student, not just the loud ones. If someone’s off-task, don’t yell. Try a quiet redirect, like, “I need your help with this word—can you read it?” This keeps the mood positive and shows students you believe in them. Over time, they’ll want to impress you with good behavior.

Tip 5: Be Patient and Flexible

Teaching English to beginners isn’t always easy. Some days, your perfect lesson plan will flop. A student might not understand a word after ten explanations, or the class might get rowdy. Here’s the truth: that’s okay! Patience and flexibility are your best tools as a new ELT teacher.

When things go wrong, take a deep breath and adjust. If a speaking activity isn’t working because students are shy, switch to a drawing task—like sketching their favorite animal and labeling it in English. If a noisy group won’t settle down, try a quick “stand up, sit down” game to burn off energy. Mistakes are part of learning—for you and your students. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for progress. Every class is a chance to try again and get better. Being calm and adaptable shows students they can trust you, even when things get messy.

Why These Tips Matter for ELT Teachers

Classroom management isn’t just about keeping students quiet—it’s about creating a space where they can learn English confidently. New ELT teachers often face unique challenges, like language barriers or mixed skill levels in one class. These five tips—clear rules, routines, fun activities, positive reinforcement, and patience—help you tackle those challenges step by step. They don’t require fancy tools or years of experience. You can start using them right away, even if you’re teaching your very first lesson tomorrow!

Let’s recap why each tip works:

- Clear rules set the tone and reduce confusion.

- Routines make your classroom predictable and stress-free.

- Engaging activities keep students focused and happy.

- Positive reinforcement builds confidence and good habits.

- Patience keeps you in control, no matter what happens.

Together, these strategies turn a wild classroom into a learning hub. They also save you from burnout, because a well-managed class is less exhausting to teach.

Putting It All Together

Ready to try these tips?

Here’s a simple plan for your next class. Walk in with a smile and show your rules poster. Start with a routine warm-up—maybe a chant like “Good morning, how are you?” Teach a new word with a fun game, like passing a ball while saying it.

Praise students who join in with a cheerful “Well done!” If someone’s distracted, gently bring them back with a question or task. And if the lesson goes off track, laugh it off and switch gears. You’ve got this!

The best part? These tips grow with you. As you gain experience, you can tweak them to fit your style.

Maybe you’ll add music to your routines or invent your own games. The key is to start small and build up. Every day you teach, you’re learning too—about your students, your methods, and yourself.

Final Thoughts

Being a new ELT teacher is an adventure.

You’re not just teaching English; you’re opening doors for your students to connect with the world.

Classroom management might feel tricky at first, but it’s a skill you can master with practice.

Start with these five tips, and watch your confidence grow.

Soon, you’ll walk into class feeling ready—not nervous—and your students will notice the difference.

So, what’s your next step? Try one of these ideas in your classroom this week.

Maybe set up a rule chart or plan a quick game.

See how it feels, and adjust as you go.

Teaching is a journey, and every lesson is a chance to shine.

You’re not just managing a classroom—you’re inspiring a group of learners.

And that’s pretty amazing!