Some colleagues had asked me for some tips on teaching elementary school children English as a Foreign Language. Besides providing them with information on games, referrals to ESL websites, and other helpful information, I found I had shared with them my approach to teaching elementary school students. Here's what I said.
I spend some time considering the goal and target language for each lesson. I find this is important for me to visualize how I will teach the lesson. Visualization allows me to go through the lesson, figure out what I'll need to teach it, and how to pull and tie things together in a fun way. My structure has a beginning, middle, and an end and within that simple structure, I pattern my teaching and stick to it. Structure, I find, helps me teach.
As I like to begin and end my lessons on a high note, I begin and end my lessons with a song. I find that teaching songs the children would enjoy helps to build their self-esteem and confidence in participating in drills and activities. I usually call upon some of the more rambunctious children in my classes to join me at the front of the classroom when we sing. They get a kick out of it and so do I while it serves to encourage the shier ones to join along.
I always greet my classes with a friendly smile. I like them to know that I am happy to see them. It helps to put my students at ease and creates a warm atmosphere for learning. Regardless of the way I am feeling physically, and I have had my days, believe me, I smile and do my best.
I draw on visuals such as flashcards, three-dimensional objects, and posters to help me teach my lesson and convey meaning. I also like to use TPR to teach vocabulary such as happy, sad, hungry, thirsty, sleepy, and angry.
I play games that test the target language. The children enjoy them while practicing English in the process. I also like to do a hands on activity towards the end of the lesson such as a drawing, colouring or connecting the dots activity that re-enforces the learning.
I also like to use puppets to teach whenever I can. I love them. The younger children love them too. I use puppets to introduce target language. Here's an example:
Stefan: Hello
Puppet: Hello
Stefan: I'm Stefan. What's your name?
Puppet: I'm Panda.
I enjoyed writing this short piece. It made me realize how much of me is behind each lesson, and that I like to teach English in a fun and creative way. Perhaps, it may spark some thoughts for you in your context.
Copyright (c) 2005 Stefan Chiarantano- All rights reserved
tdol
April 24, 2005 2:45 PM
Which songs do you use?
tholang
June 6, 2005 1:36 PM
May you please send me An Idiomatic Expressions at the following address:387 Mvulani street
:Mafahlaneng
:Tweling
:9820
May you please send it before this coming week.
thank you
tdol
June 6, 2005 1:58 PM
Try here: http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/phrasal-verbs/
Stefan Chiarantano
June 9, 2005 12:17 AM
If you do a google search using keys words young learners and idiomatic expressions, you will get hundreds of hits offering idiomatic expressions.
Stefan Chiarantano
June 9, 2005 12:18 AM
I like to use the "WeeSing" CDs by Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp. Many of the songs are appropriate for young learners of all ages.
sandra ites
April 19, 2006 2:00 AM
I am always looking for games for adult learners.
Any ideas? Perhaps using verb tense.
Nave'
February 19, 2008 9:19 AM
Hello, Stefan!
I would appreciate your assistance on the following issue: is there a web site or book which can provide me with detailed information as to actually how to start a class/course of English as a foreign language to learners aged 3-5?
Respectfully,
Nave' Granot
Tdol
February 19, 2008 4:20 PM
Have a look here: http://www.usingenglish.com/links/Teaching_and_Teacher_Resources/Lesson_Plans_and_Worksheets/Young_Learners/index.html