In ESL classes, you can utilize role-playing simulations and incorporate anecdotes from students' own life experiences to guide students toward observing class rules. For instance, on the first day of class, several students may have arrived late with valid excuses that they could not find the classroom. This mishap could be used to teach students about punctuality by stressing that they must confirm the location of their classroom ahead of time. Teaching life management tools and maintaining order in your classroom will help prepare ESL students for success in America.

Use the limited language skills that students already possess to establish class rules that will govern interaction in the classroom. They have left their homelands to reside in America and want to assimilate quickly. Clarify the American class rules that must be observed to enhance their learning experience, such as raising their hand when they wish to pose a question during class instruction. Establish in the first class that ongoing personal conversations in any language and disruptive behavior during class time will not be tolerated. Students may not be fluent in English, but their limited English vocabulary can contribute to a respectable participation that enables a socially equitable learning experience for all.

Stress the theme of punctuality by arriving on time to begin each class, and ask students to emulate your adherence to arrival time. Remind students that if they arrive late for classes, they will miss important portions of the lesson, which they will have to obtain from other students. Tell them that it serves their best interest to be present at the beginning of the class and to remain there until the class ends. Emulation of social rules like punctuality will prepare students for success in their adopted society.

Draw up a rulebook that works with the syllabus before you begin the class. Urge students to bring a notebook and pen or pencils to class. Encourage them to take notes during class. Offer printed handouts for each day's class that include vocabulary lists and other related class curriculum data. Notify students that they will be given vocabulary quiz tests in each class, covering the previous class's lesson. Impress upon them the importance of studying their vocabulary words in order to obtain good grades. Return corrected homework and issue student grades in a timely fashion. Give access to individual students who might want to meet with you. Emphasize that point.

Establish "No Eating in Class" rules on the first day of class. Introduce food as a topic of conversation and immediately offer the classroom rules that prohibit eating in class. Explain that eating during class time would be disruptive. Tell students that they will be allowed two short classroom breaks for that kind of activity.

Utilize class rules time to introduce a plan for combined group learning that will be modeled during course work. The Center for Adult English Language Acquisition recommends that you explain to students that they will be assigned roles to play during group exercises, and that you demonstrate how shared experiences through team information learning models can be advantageous to them.

Advise students that, as their instructor, you are there to resolve any fears or concerns that they may have about the class syllabus. Point out to them that they must treat fellow students with respect and dignity. Introduce students very early to productive models of conflict resolutions and the importance of group interpersonal communication. CAELA advises that you leave a drop box at your desk where students may leave messages or questions they do not wish to ask aloud.