Any teacher can be a language teacher, and teaching English as a second language (ESL) is not much different from teaching a subject such as English grammar to native English-speaking students. What's most important is to get each ESL student to practice as much as possible throughout the entire class, and there are plenty of methods for doing so that will keep your students constantly challenged and engaged.

Divide The Class Into Groups
One of the best methods for getting each student to participate in speaking, writing and thinking in English is to divide the class into groups of two or three (preferably two) students, depending on how many students you have. Also, consider pairing weaker students with stronger students, or ESL students with native speakers. Once you give your assignment or project to the divided class, members of each group have to work together to solve the problem. Because each group is so small, a student will be comfortable practicing his speaking skills and more willing to contribute to the assignment. This method can be made into a system of checks and balances by having the groups next to each other swap one student, producing a new combination of students and mixing up the idea pool. In order to more easily divide a classroom, group desks in pairs or sets of three before your students arrive. If it is just not possible to divide the classroom due to space limitations or other reasons, have each student do the assignment on her own, and then have the students pass their papers to the student to the left. That means another student is responsible for grading someone's paper and has to read that paper aloud to the class for an agreement on the grade.

Debate Teams
Debate is always an excellent way to stir up some passion, drama and plenty of participation in a classroom, including one with ESL students. Even if the students are young, the debated issues can be scaled down to something as simple as favorite animals or favorite foods. Simply divide the classroom into two sides. Present each side with its opinion on an issue and allow five minutes for preparation. Each student on each side must present one aspect of the issue, which gives every student a chance to speak.

Don't Ask For Volunteers
ESL students are often shy to use their English skills in front of their peers so avoid asking for volunteers when you want something to be read or explained. The best idea is to simply point to a particular student and ask her. If she does not know, ask if someone else can help with the answer and to indicate this by raising his hand. This way, the same advanced-level (or native speaker) student will not shout out the correct answer every single time, leaving others little chance to speak.