Setting up a classroom is stressful enough. Setting up a classroom for ESL, or English as a Second Language students, is even more challenging. Each student could be from a different country and speak a different language, so the students may feel intimidated or lonely when they start school. Use bright colors and personal touches to make students feel welcomed to the classroom. Combine elements of each student's homeland and their new home. This will help each child feel comfortable and will help him become part of your class.

Set up desks or tables. If you're using desks, push them together in pairs or groups of four. Students can work together more closely and easily practice conversation this way.

Hang posters and banners of English words throughout the room. Depending on the level of your students, you may hang the letters of the alphabet or words that are commonly misspelled.

Bring low bookshelves in and push them against walls. Fill the shelves with picture dictionaries, encyclopedias, and English-language books of all different reading levels. Putting books on low shelves makes them easily accessible for all students.

Make a daily schedule board. Students who aren't comfortable with English may not understand what's coming next in the school day, and this can cause anxiety. Post a daily schedule with times for each class or activity. Include the name and a picture of each activity. Students can consult the board throughout the day so they always know what's coming next.

Hang a large map on the wall. You may use this to teach your students about American geography. You might also use a map to point out the home countries of each student. Doing this will help each student feel welcomed and can also help you teach lessons throughout the year.

Hang a bulletin board near the entrance of the room. Use this board as a communication center for parents. Translate class notices into each language that your class parents speak. You might also hang folders next to the board that hold handouts relating to your class lessons. Parents can pick up these sheets to help them keep up with what their children are learning.