ESL WAVE · Teacher Toolkit

Self-Introduction Template

Use this four-part script on day one with a new class. Keep it under two minutes, smile, and get students talking as soon as you can.

The script

1. Greeting

Hello everyone! My name is [name]. You can call me [Teacher name / Mr. or Ms. name]. Can you say it with me?

2. Where I’m from

I’m from [city], [country]. Here it is on the map! It’s famous for [one thing students might know].

3. About me

I love [hobby or interest], my favorite food is [food], and I have [a pet / family detail]. Can you guess one more thing about me?

4. Our class

In this class we will [play games / read stories / speak a lot of English]. My three class rules are: [listen], [try your best] and [be kind]. Now I want to know about you!

Adapt it by age

Kindergarten: use a puppet, photos and big gestures. Keep sentences to three to five words and teach a hello song.
Elementary: add a guessing game and practice “My name is…” and “I like…” with the whole class.
Middle & high school: share a short story with photos, then explain your goals, homework and grading clearly.
Adults: keep it professional — your background, your teaching approach and what they will achieve in the course.

Activities to follow

Two truths and a lie about you
Students introduce a partner to the class
Name ball toss or name chain game
“Find someone who…” mingle activity

Delivery tips

Speak slowly and grade your language to the class level
Show, don’t tell — use photos, a map or a real object
Repeat the phrase “My name is…” and get students to answer
Learn and use at least five student names in the first lesson
Finish with one question back to the class

From the ESL WAVE Teacher Toolkit — free resources for English teachers across Asia. Adapt freely for your own use.