Back to School ESL

Discover Back to School ESL resources for middle and high school English learners, including first-week activities, classroom routines, expectations, beginner-friendly speaking tasks, desk mats, getting-to-know-you activities, and teacher tips for starting the year with confidence. These posts help secondary ESL teachers create a welcoming, organized, and teen-friendly classroom from the first day of school.

ESL teacher using a first week slideshow with Hispanic high school students to teach classroom routines

Set the Tone with This Editable First Week Slideshow for ESL

This ready-to-use slideshow is my favorite way to introduce myself, the class structure, and expectations to ESL students—customizable and student-friendly.

July 7, 2025

Top-down view of a secondary ESL visual support desk mat with sentence starters, classroom phrases, grammar references, and beginner English supports

Visual Supports for ESL Students That Build Independence

Looking for visual supports for ESL students that are more than just decoration? These leveled, editable desk mats give English learners real support from Day 1.

July 6, 2025

Top-down view of ESL identity poem worksheets and student writing samples for a first week high school ESL writing activity

First Week ESL Writing Activity That Builds Confidence

This personal identity poem helps ESL students feel seen and supported. It’s one of my favorite first week ESL writing activities for building classroom community and confidence.

July 6, 2025

First Week ESL Slides displayed on a Promethean board in a high school classroom showing daily routine expectations

First Week ESL Slides for High School: A Simple Slideshow That Sets the Tone

First Week ESL Slides help you build structure, reduce confusion, and boost student confidence from day one. Here’s what to include and why they work.

June 28, 2025

ESL classroom routines posters displayed on a classroom wall with expectations like practice English, be prepared, and make mistakes

ESL Classroom Routines Posters for High School: Simple Back-to-School Expectations That Work

Simple ESL classroom routines posters can transform your back-to-school setup. Here’s how to build clear expectations that support confidence and participation.

June 28, 2025

Blog header image for the post 10 Conversation Starters for ESL Teens. Includes speech bubbles and sample ESL conversation cards.

10 Conversation Starters for ESL Teens (That Aren’t Boring!)

Struggling to get more than one-word answers from your ESL students? These 10 conversation starters for ESL teens are teen-tested and teacher-approved — and way more fun than your typical icebreakers.

May 20, 2025