How to Prepare Before an Online Lesson

Hello everyone!

The photo at the top of this article is from my camping trip to Fukiage Kogen in northern Miyagi Prefecture this weekend.

I had a chance to take a break, enjoy nature, and think about my teaching. I also reflected on the progress my students have made.

While I was camping, I thought about how important preparation is.

Before a camping trip, you need to check your equipment, pack carefully, and think about what you might need. Online lessons are much easier than camping, of course! But a little preparation can still make a big difference.

Here are some simple tips to help you get ready for an online lesson.

Find a comfortable place

Try to join your lesson from a quiet and comfortable place.

You do not need a perfect room, but it helps if you can hear clearly and focus on the lesson.

For younger students, it is also helpful to keep toys, games, and other distractions away from the desk.

Check your equipment

Before the lesson, take a minute to check your computer, microphone, camera, and internet connection.

Make sure your device has enough battery power.

It is also helpful to have earphones or headphones nearby, especially if there is noise in your home.

Prepare something to write with

Keep a notebook and pencil close to you.

During the lesson, you may want to write down...

new words
useful phrases
corrections
homework
questions to ask later

Writing things down can help you remember them.

Think about one small goal

Before your lesson, ask yourself...

“What do I want to practice today?”

Your goal does not need to be complicated.

For example...

I want to speak more clearly.
I want to ask more questions.
I want to learn three new words.
I want to speak in longer sentences.
I want to feel more confident.

A simple goal can help you focus.

Do not worry about mistakes

This is also part of preparation.

Try to remind yourself that mistakes are normal.

You do not need to speak perfect English during a lesson. You are there to practice, try new things, and improve little by little.

A mistake is not a failure. It is a chance to learn something useful!

How I prepare as a tutor

I also prepare carefully before each lesson.

First, I think about the student.

Every student is different. Some students want to improve their speaking confidence. Some want to build vocabulary. Some need help with reading, writing, pronunciation, or grammar.

Then, I review what we did in the previous lesson. I think about what went well and what the student may need to practice next.

After that, I choose activities that match the student’s level and goals.

For younger students, I often prepare pictures, games, or short challenges. For adult students, I may prepare conversation questions, useful phrases, or a topic connected to their daily life or work.

I also try to prepare more material than we need.

Sometimes a student understands something quickly. Sometimes we need to slow down and practice one point more carefully. A good lesson plan should be flexible.

A little preparation helps a lot

Online lessons are a great way to learn from home.

You do not need to do anything difficult before the lesson.

Just find a comfortable place, check your equipment, prepare your notebook, and think about one small goal.

Then take a breath, relax, and enjoy the lesson!

I will do my best to be ready too.

Thanks for reading!