The document discusses creating an appropriate classroom environment for teaching English as a second language. It emphasizes that the classroom should recognize students' cultures, have clear rules posted in relevant languages, and decorations from students' home countries. The environment should also stimulate learning through being clean, comfortable and attractive while avoiding distractions. For children, a literate environment with displays of student work, a classroom library and designated reading area is important, while for all ages establishing English as the primary classroom language is a key objective.

1. The Classroom as the Appropriate Environment for Teaching ESL. Prof. Carlos Araya Prof. Vanessa Bolaños Prof. Marcela Israelsky

2. Introduction When teaching English as a second language, it is necessary to take into account the environment in which the classroom develops. It does not matter whether you are in an institute, an elementary school, a high school or a university; an appropriate environment is a basic aspect for a successful learning of a second language.

3. Classroom Appearances The first step toward ESL classroom success is to create a learning environment that recognizes students' different cultures in a meaningful way. Classroom rules should be posted in all appropriate languages. Decorations such as country maps, flags, and pictures of prominent leaders can bring a taste of each nation into the ESL classroom in a positive way.

4. Important Issues Every teacher knows that a safe, clean, comfortable and attractive classroom stimulates learning and helps build a classroom community. But for many teachers, setting up the physical environment can be quite daunting, especially when faced with old buildings, crowded classrooms or limited resources. You can make the most of your classroom environment by carefully considering your needs and the needs of the students.

5. Another important issue when creating an appropriate environment for the learning of a second language is that the classroom does not have distracting items or accessories. Many times, these objects are so bright that they capture the students attention in a way that makes them lose concentration.

6. When education is delivered to young people or adults, it is essential that the classes are given in the right mood. For them the most important should be the teacher´s voice and the books used in class. It is not the same situation when dealing with children; for them the presence of large size figures of all shapes and decorative accessories are necessary to make them feel interested.

7. Creating a Literate Classroom Environment for Children Set up a classroom environment that demonstrates the multiple functions of language, include some or all of these: *Charts around the room connected to content area of study and daily procedures such as attendance, calendar, and classroom chores.

9. *A classroom library containing books of varied genres and reading levels. *A specially designated reading corner equipped with comfortable chairs or pillows. *A space for all children´s work to be displayed.

11. English as the Main Classroom Language Environment Among the many possible uses of English in the classroom are: Greetings and farewells Instructions Enquiries ( Can you move over there, please? ) Feedback ( That´s interesting, Maria. Very good!) Chat

12. Many of these interactions occur in a natural way class after class. They can quickly become routines for learners, just as they would learn common interactions if they were living in an English-speaking country. One of your first objectives in an English language course environment, even with beginners, should be to establish English as the main classroom language.

15. Bibliography Genesee, F. Educating Second Language Children. Cambridge University Press . 1994 Davies and Pearse. Success in English Teaching. Oxford University Press. 2000 Richards and Renandya. Methodology in Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press. 2002