How to get more from your English classes: Showing up

Showing up is not just about sitting in the chair. It’s about being ready to learn and focusing on the lesson. Think of yourself like a sponge—you want to soak up all the English knowledge! But to do this, you need to be fully prepared. Let’s talk about how to truly “show up” for your lessons.

Arrive Early – At Least 5 Minutes Before the Lesson Starts

Life can be busy, and sometimes you’re rushing from one place to another. But arriving 5 minutes early to your lesson is one of the easiest ways to start right. These few minutes let you get ready, organise your things, and clear your mind.

Think of it as a “warm-up” before you start learning, like athletes stretch before they run. Arriving early gives you time to get in the right mood for learning.

Bring Your Essentials – All the Tools You Need

Let’s talk about your learning tools. Every good learner needs the right tools. Make sure you always bring your textbooks, worksheets, folders, notebooks, pens, and of course, highlighters (they’re your best friend for language learning).

When the lesson starts, have everything ready on your desk. Keep your pen in your hand, so you’re always ready to write important notes.

Stay Focused – Zero Distractions

It’s easy to get distracted. But in your English lesson, you want to focus 100%. Here’s how to do it:

Ø  Phone on silent and in your bag. Unless the teacher says to use it, keep it away. No checking messages or social media during class!

Ø  Take off your Smart Watch. It’s tempting to check it, but it will distract you. Put it in your bag with your phone.

Ø  No chatting with classmates. It’s great to talk, but during the lesson, focus on the teacher. You can chat during breaks or after class.

Active Listening – Tune In to the Teacher

Your teacher is there to help you succeed, so when they speak, listen carefully.

Active listening means you’re not just hearing words—you’re thinking about how you can use that information. Keep a pen ready to write down key points. If you don’t understand something, make a note so you can ask the teacher later. Don’t rely on memory—write it down!

Also, remember: if the teacher is talking to one student, they’re talking to EVERYONE. Pay attention to every explanation!

The Payoff – What You’ll Gain

Here’s the truth: when you fully “show up” to every lesson, you learn faster and better. You’ll understand more and make quicker progress towards your goals.

So next time you step into class, remember: showing up isn’t just about being on time—it’s about being present, focused, and ready to learn. With the right attitude, you’ll get more out of every class, and soon, you’ll see the difference in your English.

An extract from:  How to be a great English Language learner.  John Freeman

As an English language coach, part of my role is to help you be a better learner.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, why not buy the whole book?