TEFL Lesson Plan: How to Teach Your First Class to Complete Beginners

Your first class with complete beginners can be nerve-wracking. They might not understand a single word you say. This lesson plan gives you a structured approach that works even with zero-English students.

Lesson Overview

• Level: Complete Beginners (A0-A1)
• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Focus: Introductions, basic greetings, classroom language
• Skills: Speaking, Listening, Vocabulary

Materials Needed

• Name cards or labels
• Pictures of greetings (people waving, shaking hands)
• Flashcards with key vocabulary
• Ball or soft object for passing

Lesson Plan

Warm-Up: Non-Verbal Hello (5-10 min)

Start with gestures. Wave and say 'Hello!' Point to yourself and say your name slowly: 'I'm [Name].' Use exaggerated gestures. Motion for students to repeat. This establishes the call-and-response pattern without requiring English.

Activity 1: Learning Names (10 min)

Go around the room. Point to yourself: 'I'm [Name].' Point to a student with an encouraging gesture. When they say their name, repeat it: 'Nice to meet you, [Name]!' Have students practice in pairs.

Activity 2: Greetings Chain (15 min)

Teach these phrases with gestures:

• 'Hello' (wave)
• 'Hi' (casual wave)
• 'Good morning/afternoon' (formal nod)
• 'How are you?' (thumbs up gesture)
• 'I'm fine, thank you' (smile, gesture to self)

Drill each phrase. Then have students stand in a circle and practice greeting each other in a chain.

Activity 3: Ball Toss Game (10 min)

Students stand in a circle. Toss a ball to someone and say 'Hello, [Name]!' They must respond 'Hello, [Your Name]!' before tossing to someone else. This makes practice fun and physical.

Activity 4: Classroom Language (10 min)

Introduce essential classroom phrases with actions:

• 'Listen' (cup hand to ear)
• 'Repeat' (echo gesture)
• 'Open your book' (mime opening)
• 'Close your book' (mime closing)
• 'Stand up' / 'Sit down'

Play Simon Says to practice.

Wrap-Up (5 min)

Review by pointing randomly at students and having them respond to 'Hello, what's your name?' Give praise and positive feedback.

Teaching Tips for Beginners

• Speak slowly and clearly
• Use gestures for everything
• Repeat often—more than you think necessary
• Be patient—silence is normal as they process
• Use visuals—pictures over words at this level
• Smile—create a low-anxiety environment