Tefl: First Lesson in China - 80 Students! (Beginning of Lesson)

This was my first ever planned lesson in my first tefl position. This is my 15th class of the week on this lesson plan so I had it pretty well rehearsed at this point!
There is a second video showing the last half of the lesson. I think the second half is a better watch than the first half personally. I don't have the middle part filmed unfortunately :-(

[@SuperMusikHaus]

A video like this is incredibly useful for me. It's never helpful to just hear "5 tips for ____ in the classroom." I NEED to SEE it done in real-life examples/situations and I appreciated this!

[@user-by9yd3yc2b]

Agree I also need this kind of video to describe certain teaching methods But most videos I found were about the theory

[@CodexCurator]

@theTRUTHBTOLD2 Lol, there is nothing wrong with me thankyou. Every single thing in this 'scripted' lesson was been done for a reason. These students had never met nor heard a native English speaker before and I had to speak that slowly to start with for them to get used to hearing me speak and to give them time to recognise key words and phrases that I planned to use over again in later lessons. I think you forget that this is only a FIRST lesson. As time goes on in later lessons I speed up and speak more naturally. Also, again, this being a first and introductory lesson I wouldn't expect my students to do 60-70% of the speaking like I would in later lessons. Furthermore, this video does not show the whole lesson and later on the students do do less listening and more talking.

[@williamlamont4866]

That's a really good point - I sometimes forget their ears aren't attuned to the sound of a non-Hollywood accent, like ours are.

[@muhammadumarmukhtar8150]

Hi Sarannah_ have you come across any teachers as TEFL teachers in China from non-english speaking countries? I am planning to teach English in China so wanted to ask what are the chances ?

[@CodexCurator]

Muhammad Umar Mukhtar Hi, thanks for the question. I personally haven't met many non-native English speakers doing TEFL but as long as your English is of a high level you should be okay. Good Luck and Have Fun! :-)

[@ryuseikazan]

Ms. Sarannah, you truly inspired me. I am seriously considering becoming an English Teacher/Instructor even though I am a non-native speaker. I dont want to bother you but I wanted to ask you some questions regarding the TEFL-TESOL tests that english teachers take prior to becoming professional teachers. May I contact via email? If you have time to answer some of my queries I would be truly grateful. my email is [e-mail]

[@yazid222]

Hello everyone, I wanted to thank Sannah_ for this video. I have some experience in teaching but I want to be certified and I invite those who share the same interest to join this group facebook.com/groups/ines21group/

[@brcaranto]

I'm amazed at how you took control of a (huge) class like that! At first the students didn't really know what to do or how to respond but you immediately brought their enthusiasm out. Even I felt like I was one of the students. Good job! Thanks for sharing!

[@yasminkapre4911]

I agree 👏 I'm feeling inspired 😊

[@thokchomdevsor1555]

Bryan Caranto I'm scared, my aim is to be an English teacher in some asian countries. Seeing a lot student I feels nervous and I don't know how to interact with th am. By the way I'm 14 yrs now and after 10 yrs it will come in reality

[@NROS2012]

In china there is a huge culture of shame if lacking performance so 80 kids are easy to teach. The hardest part is projecting yourself to be heard without hurting your voice.

[@gazrees872]

I'm doing a TEFL course at the moment, and absolutely bricking it and doubting this idea will play out as I feel a bit thick trying to remember so much. This is really interesting and thank you for posting it. You do a great job... 80 students... holy moly. How were your nerves?! :O

[@user-by9yd3yc2b]

Yes, I thought it was a huge class too

[@fanybidan3665]

I'm taking a TEFL course, and they told us to watch TEFL teaching videos on youtube. I even felt part of the lesson. Great job!

[@slick89ful]

Really impressive. Doing my tefl now, but it's only online, great to see someone put it into practice so well

[@imanevampy9233]

Oh I'm planning to start it soon can u tell me about it

[@moxigeren50gabe23]

Shan O' Donovan how hard was for you doing the assignments, I. Struggling with them

[@danielmcelroy3]

I've taught a couple years in China now ... you're an awesome teacher! I've been teaching grade 3 and 4 ... but after watching this I wish I could teach older students. Great video!

[@CodexCurator]

Dan McElroy Hi Dan, thanks so much for the comment it really made me smile :-) ...Your bungee jump was insane! I don't know how you stayed so calm! :-)

[@tseboshaunmasilo819]

This is the best lesson presentation I've ever seen on KZbin. 🙏🏾

[@peelyb]

Very impressed Sarannah, I'm Irish and wanted to tefl in Asia. I really like your optimism, you have a lovely way about you, all the best for the future! :)

[@CodexCurator]

Paula Burke such a lovely comment, thank you :-) I hope you have a fantastical adventure teaching in Asia!

[@gachayms2334]

Fantastic work. It really can be quite a challenge with just 30 children but 80! you kept great rhythm in the class, spoke clearly and loud enough for all to hear, and did some great concept checking which many teachers miss. Constructive criticism. I notice that as you write on the board you stop talking. Take this time to perhaps talk more about the topic, or even to spell aloud what you are writing. the added benefit of the latter is not only a clearer idea of pronunciation, but also on spelling, which as you later demonstrated, can lead nicely into asking your students to spell parts of sentences or whole words that were elicited. It really is great to see people teach in this way. You have shown that you not only want to teach, but that you know how to teach. Keep up the great work

[@CodexCurator]

Thanks for the comment and positive feedback :-)

[@MatthewMcCloskey91]

You're a great teacher. Your enthusiasm is great and your lesson plan is very accessible. Way to captivate your audience! A+

[@LRangerdriver]

Impressive. I'd be somewhat terrified to be up there talking to a large class! You make it look fun and easy. Good job.

[@pengdu4244]

I think you are teaching in the countryside, or some place far from city. That's why they need to study such long time, to strive for the highest possible grades and go to university, then find a good job in the city. This may be the only way for them to change their fate. As an English teacher in Beijing, I admire what you have done for these children. Most importantly, you class makes them laugh like kids, thank you! This country needs more laughter like that.

[@MrShou-nw7yv]

peng du can’t believe it’s happened five years ago

[@shantisharma5770]

@@MrShou-nw7yv M just thinking same,this condition was about 5 years ago China is completely a utilitarian state

[@danieltappenglish4424]

5.30am to 10.30pm Wow! That’s a long school day. Students seem very hard working and focused. The whole world needs more laughter & smiling - happiness is universal :)

[@wanders11]

I spent a year teaching chemistry in China (in English) and your video has many elements that resonate with me. Being a strong, prepared instructor who will open up about your person and admit mistakes goes MILES. Your speaking speed is good. As you say, this was your first interaction with this class and you must assess their proficiency and rate of comprehension. I hope you had as significant a time in your life as I had in mine. Your efforts may seem like those of a single individual, but as you said, you might be the ONLY non-Chinese person these students know and speak with. Memories and positive thoughts of you and your countrymen will live in their minds for a lifetime. Well done.

[@CodexCurator]

Thank you, it was a really intense and rewarding experience, it's great to hear from other people who have been in a similar situation :-)

[@liuh6499]

This recalls my memory of those tough English study years when I was a middle school student in China... Thank you for your work!

[@seanm2818]

Thanks for the video, this gave me a good idea of what it's like to teach English in China.

[@CodexCurator]

Sean M Thanks for the comment :-)

[@danielwuyulun]

No it's quite different for most of the English native speakers who teach English in China. Most of them teach in some private educational institutions and the number of students in one class is usually less than 20. What she does is to teach in a public school and it is the most challenging job because it needs patience... Appreciate!

[@epsilonznet9024]

Sean Moury It's torture. I would actually jump out a window if I had to start school that early and end that late.

[@poopymcfartass1640]

If it is college they arent just having class 16 hours a day... teaching in a public college is just about 16-24 hours each week for the teacher... its a pretty comfortable job.

[@jakehoward2493]

Inspiring. Im doing a TEFL course right now, super excited but also anxious to be doing this but seeing how you held this class together so joyfully made me feel warm

[@momof3265]

You are a great teacher!

[@CodexCurator]

Thanks so much :-)

[@frass-vd6gl]

SooperFlexx very good teacher i can see you enjoy teaching. thinking about doing this program.

[@XanfireX1]

The beginning of the lesson reminded me of the scene in The King and I where Anna gave the kids a little lesson. It's the scene with the song Getting to Know You.

[@MsTiffinator]

XanfireX1 LOL

[@jeffreyroot4566]

Great use of hand gestures while you are teaching.

[@jeffreyroot4566]

Jeffrey Root Also, you do a great job at separating each word for them when you speak.

[@hipretty]

Wow I think you are a wonderful teacher…and the kids seem to enjoy these methods of learning. Curious if you are still doing this! TFS!

[@laurenvillarreal7872]

Hey, Im teaching in Thailand now and I wanted to say that your 2 videos from China helped me prepare a lot for my first day. Ive never really had to perform before so I was lacking in a certain skill set. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@dikshankharel3955]

Great knowledge of handling the students, students seem much cooperative with u. That might be the your teaching capacity. Really acknowledging task done. Good job Laoshi!

[@jeffl7124]

Absolutely wonderful! You truly have a talent for this!

[@Thenightindark]

Loved watching your Class! You are really good!

[@pablosearth]

Very Inspirational, thank you for positing Sarannah! Most defiantly food for thought for the future, looking at a big trip next year :)

[@newbachelor566]

Paul Robinson it's DEFINITELY, not DEFIANTLY, Bwaaaaaahahahahahaha

[@yichengyi]

Sarannah, I've been doing TESOL for about 8 years and I found a lot of things very useful about this video. I would be curious to see where this lesson went. I remember being in classrooms of similar size and how brutal it could be at times. I think that was a great introduction!

[@pinkiesue849]

Amazing how the students are so attentive! Good class...

[@MarkConnollyMusic]

I think she's a wonderful teacher! If I was to learn Chinese and had someone with this enthusiasm teaching me i'd learn much faster I imagine! Also, I can't believe how attentive the students are, possibly because their long day of 5:30am - 11pm (what in the name of the baby jesus tap dancing christ by the way!) that this is their fun class or something along those lines. Never the less coming from an Irish education system where the teachers hate their existence and students this is actually really nice to see they're a lucky bunch of people as is the teacher :)

[@PerryCuda]

I teach in China and studied the TEFL. One thing they didn't teach me. The ability to draw is VERY useful.

[@sobojetty]

Those students are so lucky to have you as a teacher.

[@CodexCurator]

Such a lovely comment, thank you :-)

[@jsodi3599]

Sarannah_ OMG 80 students!!! ok and i was complaining becacuse i 've got 40 lol by the way i love your accent and i really understand the efford you are doing by managing a huge class and doing in 100% fully english i mean here in colombia where i live and work i sometimes have to resort to use spanish as a language bridge especially in the first class so i ddo understand waht your are doing you RAE A GREAT TEACHER and would like to see more tutorial from you ( my name is jason I'm from Bogota colombia) congratulations

[@CodexCurator]

j smith Thanks so much, what a kind comment! :-) It's a tough thing to do isn't it? I would imagine 40 is pretty hard too... personally I think anything over 20 max is going to make things difficult! I found it frustrating to not be able to give people more individual attention. Good luck with your future classes :-)

[@NGANSTURR]

Looking into teaching english here in Canada, thanks for uploading this. You did a very great job by the way!

[@zahararene1575]

This was great! I loved when they laughed that means they understood as well as enjoyed the lesson.

[@followmeordie0669]

it's great how calm and how relaxed you are when you talk I will take a note from your book, as I'm thinking of doing this also thanks, keep it up.

[@CodexCurator]

Thanks so much :)

[@DamianBrown]

Very interesting, thank you! As this was your first lesson ever... this is super.

[@robertpeston6692]

This is amazing to watch... the beginning. This was useful to get an idea of what its like. Currently I am finishing off my TEFL/TESOL course and will start teaching pretty soon!

[@adrianadamowicz8395]

Exactly same here! I think she's pretty good.

[@cocolee4212]

I am a Chinese,your class is very Interesting，You are very patient,haha

[@emdrennan1230]

As someone wanting to teach overseas, your videos are really nice to watch! :)

[@CeceillePalmer]

Great style of teaching. I am just a the beginning stage of finding the right TEFL course to do. Very interested in teaching in China or Japan. You encouraged me! Thanks a mil

[@greyhatanonymous3633]

Lol me too, but damn I'm just trynna figure out if am suitable for this or not ey

[@samuelpreddie5967]

@@greyhatanonymous3633 I feel the same. I think it really boils down to your resolve. You’d be surprised at how well you’d teach. Have a go at it.

[@Nicole3900]

This was a great lesson!!! You did so well.

[@katemay5425]

Thanks for putting this up, it was really good to watch!

[@CodexCurator]

You're very welcome :-)

[@ahmadi155]

hi, i loved the way you talk and teach. you are amazing!

[@axelk2988]

You really inspire me to do a better job. I am currently teaching English in Macau. It would definitely overwhelm me if I have to teach a class this big without even a projector and a computer. You seem very experienced.

[@sarahh8565]

I am not sure what everyone else is saying, but I think you did really good. I watched this whole video out of pure happiness to see you have the opportunity to teach others and I think the way you instructed was great and easy to catch on to. Also, really liked your expressions! You did great :) just like your students!

[@Pauly183]

Very good first lesson with these kids. Well done!

[@Misslac89]

Thanks for uploading this. I just qualified as a tefl teacher and my course was online so apart from my own classroom experience as a learner I don't have any so this has been a great video to show me what it's like. 5.30-10pm poor guys!

[@CodexCurator]

Lucy Cook Thanks, I'm so glad it's been helpful for you. Good luck on your Tefl adventure! :-)

[@chit.hnguyen398]

I love this lesson! You are so dedicated and energetic Also, normally in a language classoom, there are not so many students like this but I was so surprised because there r 82 students in this class and the way you lead and guide students was great!

[@CodexCurator]

Chi Nguyen Such a lovely comment, thank you :-)

[@taharmusarsedeq7336]

I love your enthusiasm!

[@Alex-bf7mc]

Amazing how they all engage so much.

[@laurengibson5747]

Fab! Love it :D I am new to TEFL so this was a great insight, thanks so much!

[@lucsu1428]

Thanks for sharing your English lesson! I liked how you got your classroom to participate and made it enjoyable for them. I'm currently interviewing for teaching jobs in China.

[@CodexCurator]

Thanks for the comment! Good luck with the job hunt! :-)

[@Raider2845]

You're funny and charismatic! Great lesson and video!

[@TEFLLemon]

A great video to show the realities of teaching large classes in China.

[@batyahuah9181]

She did wonderful!The presentation went beautifully.I am doing a TEFL course and they said to look up videos of teachers teaching English and see if I can reflect on it and try and give advice to them to become a better teacher,so I think she did wonderfully with how she used CCQs and was so positive, interesting, and funny.However, the only thing I can think of, is I think she should have asked them if they know the word "Hobbies", but she did seem as though she was trying to explain the word, but then the video got cut off, so other than that, I think the lesson went very well.

[@minghuiding2368]

Hi Sarannah, I'm really happy to see that you're teaching in my home country! I am currently study in your hometown--England. During my study in here I gained so many teaching skills and also broadened my views. TESOL course opened a new amazing door for me. I don't you if you feel the same way that all the useful teaching methods and skills we learned can not apply in the class due to the massive number of students, for example, task based methods, as you know the time of class is limited, only 45mins, how can you let everyone join the activity and practice? I wish my country could notice this :D

[@light6713]

That was amazing ...keep on it ...and good luck

[@miasemloh5384]

Love this! initially I though why are you speaking so slowly, then I realised my students know my accent and can understand me when I speak fast.

[@gravebug1970]

This is really cool! I start my TEFL course next week :-)

[@venkatswamyyellappa7861]

Please upload more such videos love to watch you teach

[@osantiagues]

You're a really good teacher, well done

[@mervynhemlee9495]

Hello there, that was a great lesson, most definitely. This is their second language, so I do agree that you have to speak slowly for more effective communication. That class had 80 students so that is a different ballgame to 4 or 5 students. Wonderful job.

[@jamescaldwell930]

I am looking to teach esol in Barcelona in a few years time. I would love to see how you teach other topics in esol. Thanks for inspiring me yet again.

[@hectorperez1554]

Great teaching. I plan teaching abroad,seems like a rewarding job.

[@OthersAllTaken]

Inspirational vid! You're a great teacher.

[@shamidkpzd]

80 students?! Bless you. I'll have about 42 or so. Great first lesson!

[@Adizatu18]

Thanks for sharing this video I'll be in China next Month and I'll be working as an English teacher, I do like how you take your time and speak slowly for them to understand, Good job.

[@CodexCurator]

Adizatu Haruna Thanks so much :-) good luck in China, it's like a whole other world - you'll love it!

[@mohamedadan6678]

5 years have past...how was it? You still teaching?

[@themediterraneanguy]

Great video about teaching, so useful & informative. I'm a teacher myself and I appreciate it

[@CodexCurator]

I was thinking of going to South Korea too - I have a friend teaching out there atm. But I can totally see where your brother is coming from - I think if anything, it's colder in S.Korea than what I experienced in Beijing and that was almost unbearably cold! Thanks for your comment :-)

[@Visionunlocked]

Great ! thanks for sharing this. Good luck!

[@aijou1606]

I would love to do this as a career later in life. I'm currently in America, but I would love to teach abroad in Europe, most likely Germany :) This video was so helpful, and I really hope that I get to live my dream by helping people like you do! So inspirational!

[@CodexCurator]

Maya Lover such a lovely comment, thank you! Good luck for the future :-)

[@teresacroft7464]

Great video! I have been seriously thinking about teaching in Asia, and have looked at several videos on the topic but I have to say that your approach to teaching and interaction with the classroom is wonderful. How many hours a day do you actually have to put in at the school? including available office hours if required (I'm assuming you would use those to make new lesson plans)? I'm just trying to get a handle on how much free time you actually have there. Thanks again.

[@zoemartin285]

i’m a freshman in college and i want to get a bachelor’s in english before teaching abroad! it’s so cool seeing it in action.

[@teachtravelthrive]

Extremely helpful! Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@CodexCurator]

I'm so glad it was helpful, thanks for the comment :)

[@belinguawithme]

KICKASS! HARDCORE! well done. hope you're still alive. Peace and love!

[@mcfinelli]

This is great! You show a lot of confidence in what I would imagine is a nerve racking situation. Thanks for posting it! How did you go about getting your certificate? Do you do online or in person? And what organization? Thanks!

[@richardyaw5231]

Great work and more grease to your elbow. Infact am learning more from your videos.Thanks Scooper

[@mattralphofficial]

5:30am-10pm? What the hell?! That's crazy. Is that normal in China... those poor children!

[@methuselahflynn6364]

yea its normal . i have experienced that .Hell is real!

[@CodexCurator]

They are worked incredibly hard and have a great deal of pressure on them. But they manage very well and at my school in particular they were very enthusiastic young people :-)

[@user-lq6ut3uf4m]

I can guarantee that it's really normal in China

[@jannwenbheb5287]

Matthew Ralph m

[@jackytang3683]

3 years in high school

[@rosssheal4713]

In the next few years I'm staring a degree and then getting a tefl to teach English. love ur charisma who's my french teacher was as charismatic as you

[@m8852]

This didn't really capture my attention until the camera turned in the opposite direction and showed all of their faces. Suddenly, I felt very touched by what was happening. Congratulations to you for the work you're doing. I would imagine that it's not easy, but certainly rewarding.

[@CodexCurator]

Thank you! It was very rewarding, the pupils were very excited to hear a native English speaker.

[@aminchatoui7807]

great job getting the students to participate

[@starkRECORDINGS]

Many thanks, for posting this.

[@x15Lovex]

holy shit....5:30am start and 10pm end? what is this?!

[@CodexCurator]

Haha, I know, it's nuts! In actual fact the kids here are at a boarding school. They wake up at 5:30 and go to bed at 10pm. They start school at 6am and finish at 9:30pm.

[@irpacynot]

SooperFlexx Wow...

[@MrVpassenheim]

omg...they must think us Westerners are total lazy slobs lol

[@kiranshiv773]

When do they sleep? How do they wake up that early to reach at 5:30am?they r really working hard

[@dr_khan4u383]

its true..... in china , because i m here , my heart aches when i see kids so early and back so late from school , the government organize the education system because they know that their parents at work, so they go back home or dormitory same time as their parents , so parents have no worry about the kids ,,,,,so bad system , because they dont learn all day as much in our country we learn in 5 hours

[@dillona2349]

Awesome video. I really want to teach in China myself and this video makes me feel like I'm already there. Your lesson looked really good to me, but it was your first. Is there anything you do differently now that you have taught more lessons? I would imagine its a skill that takes a lot of practice.

[@maresgoez]

You are very brave. Leaving your home to go and teach in such a huge class so far away from home. I got a job as an english teacher just a few km away from home and I had a lot of anxiety. But after watching this video I got the motivation I needed to take the job. Thanks!

[@Miharu67]

You are a really good teacher!

[@balasubrahmanyahc4679]

Excellent...are you still teaching??? Are u teaching in China??? Very nice video n class....any more videos from u??? Thank u.

[@verve92]

I start teaching in Malaysia soon. Great lesson, this. For them and I.

[@Sugarcane.]

a very nice and clear lecture, please upload more lectures or aware me a few topics for everyday, i like your teaching way. i enjoyed watching your video and i hope i had learned and picked up sth thankyou

[@MikeyyHitsBills]

Looking to teach in Vietnam maybe next year, thanks for this

[@teacherrecordcom9688]

You are very great teacher and i know 80 students is not easy but you did the great job. To the point of view from recruitment team, i would say you are very qualify teacher

[@kofeesala23]

Simply great！

[@longjiang2005]

Awesome teaching!

[@ToOmAnYBLUNTS420]

That's crazy, 5.30 am-10 pm...... In Thailand, they start about the same time as the west. Class sizes vary, but 80? I feel for ya..

[@CodexCurator]

ToOmAnYBLUNTS420 Haha, thanks! It was quite a challenge :-D

[@MrVpassenheim]

How long is your work day/work week?

[@jessicasankey4928]

In Thailand, they start school at 7:30am and finish at 4pm. They often stay after school do to extra activities or homework, or go to an after school lesson, near school. I work at a Thai school in Bangkok.

[@amoinchantalkra6333]

JESSICA SANKEY what course did you take? And was it a hard one?

[@WonderfulDay2023]

Great teacher!

[@CodexCurator]

Thankyou so much for the positive comment :-) It was pretty full on at the school, I was in the office at 8am and would have 2-4 classes a day but in-between classes and after school was what made it a bit harder. The teachers and students were so enthusiastic that you really didnt get to stop as such until 9pm somedays as you had people wanting to talk to you and other bits and pieces to attend as well as lesson plans etc. But, I did live at the school so I couldn't really get away! :-)

[@nattyleecarter8111]

Hi there. I watched your video as I am doing the TEFL course now. Wow is all I can say. I am in awe. Any tips for a newbie? I am right at the beginning of my course.

[@MrHealth07]

you scared me Sarannah. I am going to China for the first time and couldn't believe they started that early and finished so late. It must be daunting to have 80 students when first starting off. Thank you for the video, lets me know what to expect - sort of.

[@CodexCurator]

MrHealth07 Haha! don't worry! Thankfully I didn't have to get up that early! Having said that, it was still a long day - I started at around 8:30am, taught a few classes during the day and then was probably only left alone by about 8-9pm most days. It will differ depending on where you go though... at my placement I lived at the school so didn't really get much chance to get away.

[@radiocrash]

This brings back memories

[@Ach-raf-]

I'm a teacher, too... And I want to ask you... Do you use any course book. That class is very large; nevertheless, they are quite. Good luck! You are doing great !!

[@jeffwei3112]

very different indeed! Even different from my day. I mean, the Chinese schools today are very different from the days of my school( I am a native Chinese). watching this video, there are many books lined up on their desks. When I went to school, we had only one book on the desk, whose subject was the topic of the class at the time.

[@agus2001]

Thank you for giving me some hope. Love your methods.

[@CodexCurator]

What a lovely comment, thank you :-) And, I assume you are doing some form of TEFL? Good luck! :-)