Help for new Teacher

[Unregistered]

Hi, i am a recently qualified TEFL teacher. The local people where I hope to teach speak their own dialect of a minority language. The children are not instructed in any modern language in school. My problem is that they want me to help teach English and I do not speak their language. I see it as an exciting challenge but I really need suggestions. I'm sure some of you have been there before.

[Tdol]

It's possible to teach without knowing their language, though learning it as you go will also show them a positive attitude towards languages. Be animated; it's often easier to understand and animated speaker than a static one. I'm don't know where you will be, but this is by a teacher in Nepal is worth reading IMO: HLT Magazine (March 2001) - Short Article 1

[kitosdad]

I am not a teacher.

Hi, I am an Englishman, living in Germany. When I enroled for a German course our class comprised of fourteen different nationalities. The teacher spoke only German. We all got through it, and hopefully we all learned enough to cope with every-day living. Good luck, and exude confidence. They are all more nervous that you . LOL.

[ICAL_Pete]

You may also find this ICALwiki article on the use of the MT in class quite useful.