Starting your ESL teaching career in China can feel overwhelming, especially when everything is new and unfamiliar. When I first started teaching English in China, I had my fair share of struggles. But over time, I learned some practical tips that made a big difference. Now, I want to share those tips with you to help make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Speak Clearly, Not Loudly
English Class
Pronounce Clearly
One of my favorite ESL teaching tips for China is to focus on pronunciation. It’s all about breaking things down into simple, manageable steps. Show your students how to form each sound by demonstrating where to place their lips, tongue, and teeth. Start slow—let them focus on clarity first. Once they get the hang of it, they’ll naturally build up their speed and confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch their progress!
Teach Grammar Through Fun Ways
Teach grammar in a fun way
Grammar can be tricky for almost everyone—even fluent speakers! One of the best ESL teaching tips I learned in China is to make grammar lessons practical and fun. Try using newspapers, ESL programs, or short story writing to help your students understand the tricky grammar rules. Encouraging them to write simple dialogues or narratives also helps them practice and apply what they’ve learned in a way that feels natural. Trust me, these methods can make a difference!
Another helpful way is to engage in conversations to put grammar rules into practice. For example, you could have students role-play a restaurant scenario, where they must use correct grammar to order food and talk. These interactive activities make learning grammar both fun and memorable.
Engage Every Student
Keep your students participating actively by encouraging them to ask questions and seek clarification when needed. If anyone feels shy about speaking up in class, that’s okay—we’ll find other ways for them to share their thoughts.
Create an engaging atmosphere
For example, you could have them write down any confusion or questions at the end of each class, turning these into discussion points for the next class. This way, everyone gets involved, and learning becomes a collaborative journey.
Highlight Key Points
When you want your students to pay attention to something important, make it clear! Just letting them know what you’re saying is important and should be remembered. You can use gestures, repeat key points, or even pause to give them time to absorb the information. By emphasizing key points, you ensure everyone stays focused and gets the most out of the class.
Surround with English
Immerse your students in English
One of the most valuable ESL teaching tips I discovered in China is the power of immersion. The more your students are exposed to English, the faster their skills will grow. Encourage them to join social activities where they can interact with English speakers—it’s a fun way to practice without feeling like work! Watching English movies, listening to music, or even playing games in English can also help. Surrounding themselves with the language builds their confidence and helps them become more fluent naturally.
Teach with Energy
Show some energy when teaching! Move around the room and use different gestures to keep things lively. Just make sure your gestures match your words. Don’t be afraid to be funny and make fun of yourself occasionally. If your students struggle to understand, they might lose focus, so keeping things dynamic and fun is helpful. Being energetic and engaging can help your students stay interested and make learning more enjoyable for everyone.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Always acknowledge your students’ improvements and compliment them on their progress. For younger students, rewards like stickers or watching short cartoon clips at the end of class can be very effective. These little rewards can make a big difference in maintaining their motivation and enthusiasm for learning.
Make English Real with Everyday Language
Here’s one of my favorite ESL teaching tips: focus on teaching the kind of English your students will use in real-life situations. While formal English has its place, introducing everyday phrases and a bit of slang can make a big difference. These are the words and expressions they’ll hear in conversations or see online.
This method not only builds their confidence but also makes lessons more engaging and fun. When students feel they’re learning something useful, they’re more motivated to participate and improve!
Exploring English Accents
Explore different accents
If you’re teaching beginners, it’s good to let them hear different English accents. It makes it easier for them to pick up English words and get used to different accents.
To wrap things up, one of the best ESL teaching in China tips I can share is that teaching is a learning journey—for both you and your students. Try different methods, like games, role-playing, or teaching common slang, to make your lessons fun and engaging. Stay open-minded, pay attention to what your students need, and create a positive, interactive classroom environment.
When you stay open-minded and keep learning with your students, you’ll not only help them improve but also make your teaching experience in China rewarding.
If you still have any questions about teaching jobs in China and the Apostille, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at support@eslnest.com. If you want to learn more about teaching in China, check out our article Teach English in China – A Complete Guide 2025.
We’re here to assist you every step of the way!
