How to Teach ESL and Teach Your Students to Sell

I sell Melaleuca products to supplement my teaching income. One of my students sells Mary Kay products. I let her do a presentation in class as long as she spoke in English.

I teach at a community center. Our goal is to teach our students to be self-sufficient. Teaching students how to sell, to have their own home business, is one way to meet this goal.

Instructions

1. 

   Bring a few household items to class, for example a bar of soap, dish detergent, toothpaste, etc. The key is to bring in basic items that the students are already familiar with.

2. 

   Have the students write a short description of the item. They can work in groups.

   The description should include the item's color, taste or scent (if applicable) and what the item is used for.

3. 

   Have the students read their descriptions. For one class, I brought in some items I purchased at the "dollar store." After the students wrote their product descriptions, the rest of the class guessed the product based on the product description. The class enjoyed this and each student got to keep the product they wrote about.

4. 

   Have the students suggest a price for each product. Ask the students if these products are sold in their countries. Ask them how are these products sold in their countries.

5. 

   Have the students write a "TV" commercial for a product and perform the commercial in class.

6. 

   For those students that sell Melaleuca, Mary Kay, or other products, I allow them to make a sales pitch in class in English. Money is exchanged during break or at the end of class. Students know that they are NOT required to buy anything.