Surprisingly, I don't know the kids level, for the first time, until I walk into the class for the first time! I do the standard Q & A session to gauge what their level is and then think of a terms worth of subjects based on that level. I change as they change, as their level gets higher and they come out of their shells more. It usually takes some time as most here would know to get them to be comfortable with you etc.
As for textbooks, don't use em unless they're actually a part of the schools curriculum. What to write on the board, depends on me and the subject du jour!
It's my way, works for me and yeah, been here a few years, so I have a clue, maybe, perhaps, I dunno, we'll see.
A few more cents!
