Thumbnail Image

My Simple Pre-Lesson Routine (Online and In-Person)

Aliia Askarova

 

No matter if I teach online or face-to-face, I always try to prepare 30–40 minutes before the lesson starts. It honestly saves me from last-minute stress and helps the lesson feel smooth, calm, and enjoyable for both me and my student.

First, I always do my quick “teacher checklist”: good internet, working links, materials ready, tools open—everything I might use during the session. I like to have my slides, worksheets, games, and websites already prepared so I don’t waste lesson time searching for things or dealing with technical issues.

If the lesson is offline, it’s the same idea: I make sure my pens, books, flashcards, and any extra materials are ready and easy to reach. Small things like this make a big difference.

But honestly, the most important preparation is not the tools—it’s the mental preparation. Before every lesson, I try to get into a calm, positive mood and create a comfortable space for teaching. Students can feel your energy immediately, so I always remind myself to stay patient, friendly, and relaxed.

I also take a moment to think about my student: their personality, their level, and what kind of approach works best for them. Some students need structure, some need motivation, and some just need a safe space to practice without pressure.

And my golden rule?
✨ Start with free talk, end with something fun—a quick game, a mini quiz, or an interesting conversation topic.

It keeps the lesson light, engaging, and makes students leave feeling confident and excited to come back again.

Added to Saved

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

Comments (0)

Login to Comment Log in »

from:

in:

Преподает

Language Fluency

Русский   Native
Английский   Near-Native
Киргизский   Fluent
Японский   Daily conversation

Сейчас популярно

« Back to List of Tutor's Column
Got a question? Click to Chat