Dear Roy,
In order to open your class up on the right foot, I suggest that you prepare and plan ahead of time before the first class meeting. Also, remember to include lots of hands-on learning, as well as visuals in your presentations. Another technique to use is that of visuals, as well as role playing.
If you find that you have a variety of levels of students within your class, you might consider having the students who are more advanced help out as "peer tutors" and work with those who need extra help. Remember that your role should be that of "facilitator" and help to guide the students in the learning of the material.
Here is what I would present on the first day/night of class: Hand out your syllabus, and briefly go over the course content and your expectations. Also, develop with the students some guidelines or rules so as to maintain order and discipline. I would then present the following material:
1. Personal Pronouns- Singular and Plural
2. The Verb "To Be"- Conjugated
3. The articles "A" and "An" and when we use them
4. Prepositions
5. The Six Question Words and when to use them.
Let us know how your class is progressing.
Dr. Yanni Zack