Our Unit 871 ESL Instructor, Dung, details how she uses the framework of settlers and stirrers to engage her students.
In ESL classrooms, student energy changes throughout the day. Learners may arrive distracted, feel tired after lunch, or struggle after difficult tasks. To manage this, I regularly use settlers and stirrers in my lessons. These short activities help create balance, focus, and engagement.
What Settlers and Stirrers Are in ESL
In ESL teaching, settlers are calm activities used at the beginning of a lesson. Their purpose is to help students settle down and switch into English mode. Settlers often review previously learned language or prepare students for new content. Examples include vocabulary reviews, short writing tasks, or guided discussion questions.
Stirrers are short, energetic activities used during the lesson. I use them when students appear tired or lose concentration. This often happens after lunch or after a challenging activity. Stirrers usually involve movement, quick speaking, or light competition. They help refresh attention and raise energy levels.
Both settlers and stirrers are brief. However, they strongly influence how students feel and participate during the lesson.
How I Use Them in My Lessons
I usually start each lesson with a warm-up activity. This may review language from the previous lesson or introduce the topic of the day. Starting this way helps students feel prepared and confident. It also creates a smooth transition into new learning.
During longer teaching days, I use stirrers at key moments. After lunch or after a demanding task, students often feel less focused. A short speaking game or movement-based task helps lift their mood. Students become more alert and willing to participate again.
I always connect these activities to lesson aims. Even fun tasks practice vocabulary, grammar, or speaking skills. This keeps learning meaningful and purposeful.
Why They Matter
Settlers and stirrers improve class dynamics. Settlers create a calm and supportive start. Stirrers bring energy back into the room. Together, they keep students engaged and motivated.
Students respond positively to these activities. They enjoy the variety and feel less pressure. Over time, they speak more confidently and use English more naturally. Settlers and stirrers help maintain focus, commitment, and steady progress in ESL learning.