activities for young and very young language learners Archives - Kids English Theatre

What Makes a Teacher Unforgettable?

brandparvindarsaini — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 14:27:56 +0000

We have just completed this September’s 5-Day Intensive training course in Florence with some amazing teachers from around the globe, all with different backgrounds and teaching experiences. It was great fun!

I’m always super excited about meeting new groups and I usually start the first day of each teacher training course with a simple question:

– What qualities do you think make a good teacher?

Participants usually shout out things like- patience, passion, being a good listener, friendly, approachable, motivating, caring, fun, belief in their students… etc

My second question follows with:

– Did you yourself ever have a teacher at school who had these same qualities? A teacher who has had an incredibly positive impact in your life. An unforgettable teacher.

I’m always surprised (or rather shocked) when very few people ever raise their hands (sometimes none).

It’s strange how we all instinctively know what qualities a good teacher should have but very few of us have ever actually had one ourselves.

So how can we be different for our young learners?

For me, a good teacher is synonym to being an excellent communicator.

Sometimes we give great importance to becoming a theory expert (whether it be English, Maths, History etc…) but we give less importance to understanding HOW to deliver that knowledge in an engaging way that gets children excited about learning.

By learning how to communicate better and becoming more aware how our students communicate we can adopt different teaching strategies in any given situation.

So, for example if we see children falling off their chairs with boredom, we’ll know how to change our behaviour, energy, tone of voice, eye contact or facial expression to help instantly re-connect with them.

Successful communication skills don’t come naturally to most – they need to be learned, developed and practiced, practiced, practiced but the benefits are immeasurable.

What we teach and how we teach it can make a difference in young lives….forever!

Be theatrical! Be unforgettable!!
Miranda

Free E-Book Teach Children English Through Drama 4 Steps to Getting Started ==> https://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/free-ebook/

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Game of the Week – Count and Balance

brandparvindarsaini — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 15:39:49 +0000

Sometimes the simplest games are the most fun.
Count and Balance (suitable for children 4+)
You’ll need your trusty magic wand for this game.
– Have everyone standing in a circle.
– Explain that they are going to count to 50 (10 for younger children) standing on one leg with their eyes closed!
– If anyone loses their balance, falls over or puts a foot on the ground they’re out and have to sit down. The winner is the last person standing.
NB:
– When I say “out” I really mean children sit on the floor but continue counting along (practicing) with the rest of the class.
– Children are naturally competitive and sometimes won’t spontaneously admit to losing their balance – this is when your trusty magic wand comes in handy to lightly tap a child on their head if you catch them out:)

A tricky but fun activity for counting practice, days of the week or months of the year.

Hope you enjoy playing it.
Happy teaching and be theatrical
Miranda xx
Free Ebook Teach Children English Through Drama ==> http://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/free-ebook/

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Start Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

brandparvindarsaini — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 15:32:27 +0000

While I was studying acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (over 25 years ago!) my tutors were exceptionally demanding and would constantly push me out of my comfort zones.So much so that I vividly remember once, walking down the street at the end of a particularly disastrous movement class with tears rolling down my face, thinking that I would never be able tango like I should. After hours of practice (and very sore feet) I improved a little but it was really tough.

It wasn’t until I finished drama school that I realised those tango classes, in reality weren’t aimed at turning me into an exceptional dancer, they were simply to help me learn about my strengths and weaknesses and overcome my fears.

Fast forward a few years…I continue to try and apply the same philosophy in both teaching young language learners and coaching actors and English teachers.

Comfort zones are funny things.
We stick to them because they feel familiar and easy but they also dull us into routine and a predictable teaching style (very boring for young language learners who thrive on novelty and surprise).
By stepping out of our comfort zones we discover potential talents we never thought we had just waiting to be explored.

Staying curious and pushing our personal boundaries is scary, but learning new skills is what keeps our teaching exciting for our students. Challenge is also empowering- it can bring immense satisfaction and success to our work and above all it helps us grow into the kind of teacher we aspire to be.

It’s never too late to tango…it’s simply a question of taking the first step

Happy teaching…be theatrical!
Miranda xx

Free E-Book Teach Children English Through Drama ==> https://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/free-ebook/

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Times are changing for TimeOut

brandparvindarsaini — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 15:10:50 +0000

A few years ago “timeout” was considered a successful approach to managing children’s misbehaviour. Now it looks like time’s up for timeout! There’s a debate currently going on about classroom management in UK pre-schools and whether to ban the word “naughty” and the idea of using the “naughty step” which has negative connotations and instead use a more holistic approach.

Effective classroom management is key to teaching successfully. But while there are some teachers who have a natural ability to manage classes others have to work really hard and it. And with so many contrasting theories and opinions out there -it’s hard to know which method to use.

I personally don’t think there is ONE secret to successfully managing classes. Kids are all unique and (often) so is their behaviour.
I use various classroom management strategies to reinforce positive behaviour and I start early – during demo/trial lessons.

My motto is …Set children up for success …..

I don’t assume children know how to behave in my class (at home they may act very differently) so I need to show them and help them understand what I expect from them the moment they walk through the door.

Introduction strategy:

– Introduce 5-6 basic rules (routines) in the first lesson.
– Repeat and practice routines (practice makes perfect.)
– Be consistent upholding rules. (no MEANS no, wait MEANS wait)
– Always use a positive voice and relaxed body language (kids can sense when you’re not in control of the class by your body language)
– Reward positive behaviour

And:
– Avoid labelling a child as “difficult” – always give him/her a fresh start next lesson. (when children are labelled difficult/problematic, they’re more likely to act so)

Proactive communication works best for me but we all have different teaching styles – the important thing is finding the right strategy that works best for you

Be theatrical
Miranda xx

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How to Connect with Young Language Learners

brandparvindarsaini — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 15:06:36 +0000

When I first started teaching young learners my main concern was not being able to connect with them. I was young at the time, I had no experience teaching children and I felt self-conscious and wooden communicating with them. But, as soon as I let myself go and entered “kids kingdom” I really started enjoying myself – so much so that I never went back to teaching adults:)

Here are 5 tips that have helped me over the years to quickly connect and bond with young learners:

1. Take your job seriously but not yourself
a good sense of humour and the ability to laugh at yourself shows that you have an optimistic and approachable personality and this in itself will help you create a more relaxed, friendly and harmonious class atmosphere

2. Never forget what it’s like to play as a child
remember that for children- playing is serious learning and if you are able to see the world from a child’s perspective without imposing adult logic or restraints, you’ll find teaching young learners becomes much less complicated and more enjoyable

3. Chose an activity that is quick to teach and simple to play.
If you can’t explain a game in a few seconds don’t play it because you risk children getting distracted and wondering off before you finish. Keep the general rules to a maximum of 3 or 4. Any more and children get confused.

4. Clear simple rules help classroom discipline and set children up for success
Let children know what behaviour you expect from them by introducing simple ground rules before activities. This will help children feel safe and reassured and guarantee the smooth running of your lessons, stress free! And don’t forget to motivate children with rewards for good behaviour.

5. Show energy, passion and enjoyment and your children will too!
You may at times be feeling exhausted but always “act” enthusiastic and full of energy. – Children tend to mirror your behaviour so if you look bored and fed-up don’t be surprised if they look it too!

Happy teaching and remember be theatrical!

Miranda xx

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Teach Children English with Drama Ice-breakers // Kids English Theatre

brandparvindarsaini — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 12:58:26 +0000

Looking for fresh ideas to teach young language learners?

Try using drama to break the ice with a new group. Drama encourages children of all levels and abilities to join in and try new things.
Drama:

– Surprises
– Motivates
– Involves
– Breaks the ice
– Introduces new language
– Makes learning fun and memorable

Resources:

FREE E-Book “Teach Children English Through Drama- 4 Steps to Getiitng Started” http://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/fre…

Teacher Training Courses http://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KidsEnglishTheatre/

#learn #englishlessons #teacher

Thanks for watching Teach Children English with Ice-breakers // Kids English Theatre

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The secret to teaching children English

brandparvindarsaini — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 14:58:05 +0000

If you have an after-school program or you’re planning on opening one soon – one of the biggest challenges you’ll probably face is getting new students to enrol.

Years ago, when I first started teaching children in Italy it was simple and effortless getting new students mainly because there were few (if any) after school language programs in town specifically dedicated to children. It was either me or the football club:)

Today the situation is completely different. Everywhere you look there are new kids language courses, labs, camps, parties, clubs… popping up every day and consequently the competition is fierce.

The secret to persuading potential new students to choose you and not someone else is…….

Be Unique!!.

Identify your personal strengths and use them to stand out from the rest.

Every year I have waiting lists for my after school programs and I’m contstantly offered work in schools not because I’m the best English teacher in town (far from it) but because I learnt early on how to use my acting training and communication skills to make my English Theatre courses one-of-a-kind and unique to me. My market is a niche market but it’s in high demand!

You too have a secret uniqueness that can distinguish you from everyone else. Maybe you just need a helping hand to discover what it is.

….Come and join me and other like- minded teachers in the next 5-Day Intensive Teacher Training Course 2-6 September, Florence Italy. ==>http://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/5day-course/

This is an entirely practical course where you will play the protagonist
During the week you’ll have endless opportunities to develop and elaborate new creative teaching skills. You’ll build your confidence working with theatre techniques and above all you’ll discover where your secret talents lie and what kind of teacher you ultimately want to be.

Hold tight! It’s going to be an unforgettable experience.

CourseTopics Include:

• How to teach English using drama techniques and language games
• Storytelling, role-play and puppets
• How to stage plays
• Using music to excite and engage
• How to become a successful communicator
• How to publicize and organize your own courses

Bookings are now open and an incredible Early Bird 30% discount is now on offer for a limited time.Please keep in mind places are also limited so book early!

For information and bookings click here ==> http://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/5day-course/

Be theatrical and…be original
Miranda xx

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ESL Drama Game – Flashcard Limbo Dance

brandparvindarsaini — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 14:54:40 +0000

Children get restless and fidgety when they have to sit still for long periods of time, especially around this time of year.

The Flashcard Limbo Dance is an ideal way to revise vocab and get children physically active and emotionally engaged learning and speaking in English

Materials needed:
– A Bamboo stick (alternatively: broom stick, elastic or rope)
– Flashcards (animals, colours, rooms of the house, clothes, weather, etc…)
– Music (optional) Limbo rock works a treat!

1. Have 2 children standing holding the bamboo stick at either end

2. Have the rest of the group in a line standing in front of the bamboo stick

3. Hold up a flashcard if the first child in line guesses the correct vocab/phrase they can limbo dance under the stick (bending backwards, bending knees and without touching the bamboo stick with their bodies)

4. If they can’t name the flashcard, they must exchange places with one of the children holding up the limbo stick who in turn joins the rest of the group in line. This way children are “out” only temporarily.

5. Continue holding up flashcards for the group to guess correctly.

6. Every so often lower the limbo stick. Children love the challenge and added fun factor

A simple but effective game that children will want to play again and again.

Enjoy!
Miranda xx

P.S
If you like the idea of teaching children English through Drama but don’t know where to start – come and join me on the next 5-Day Intensive Teacher Training Course 2-6 September 2019 in Florence, Italy.

This is a one-of-a-kind practical course based on my pluri-annual experience as an actor, coach and Kids English Theatre Teacher. I’ve learnt first hand that teaching practice is key and this is what makes this training course original. I guarantee you’ll be physically and emotionally exhausted by the end of the week BUT you’ll leave with a suitcase packed full of inspiring ideas and newly found confidence to start teaching English through drama straight away.

Bookings are now open and there is an amaing Early Bird 30% Discount Offer (available for a limited time only or while bookings last.)

For information and bookings click here ==> http://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/5day-course/

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5-Day Intensive Teacher Training Course 2-6 September 2019, Florence.

brandparvindarsaini — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 14:45:51 +0000

Are you feeling exhausted and super frazzled? Brain fog? Impatient? Nerves on end? It’s a sure sign the school year if nearly at its end and so are your energy levels!

It’s easy to underestimate just how challenging (and energy sapping) teaching kids a second language can be, right?! But then again there is no other more gratifying and fun job in the world.

Saying that – we still all need a holiday at the end of the year! Just enough time to recharge our batteries, reflect and plan another exciting year ahead.

After a well-deserved break, what better time than the beginning of September to get you started in the right direction and take your teaching to the next “theatrical” level

I’m excited to announce the dates for the next

5-Day Intensive Teacher Training Course
2-6 September 2019, Florence.

I always see September as a month full of new opportunities and new beginnings and this unique course promises to help you change the way you teach forever!

Bookings are now open and there is an amazing Early Bird Special Offer available for a limited time only or while bookings last.
For information and bookings ==> http://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/5day-course/

The 5-day Intensive one-of -a-kind training experience is held only once a year and tickets tend to sell out quickly so if you’re interested in participating, I recommend booking early so as not be disappointed.

Feel free to drop me a line if you need further information
Be theatrical!
Miranda

Resources: Free E-book- Teach Children English Through Drama
==> http://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/free-ebook/

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New Kids English Theatre Certified Teachers

brandparvindarsaini — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 14:42:23 +0000

One of my favourite pics from the last teacher training course. Participants concluded the 3-Step program by learning how to stage and organise a performance with young English language learners. Scripts, costumes, props and make-up were a few of the many topics covered during the weekend.

Big congratulations also go to the freshly qualified Kids English Theatre (Certified) Teachers who completed the program on Sunday with their Mock Lesson.
A talented and passionate group who truly gave it their all.

Kids English Theatre Teacher Training ==> http://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/
Free E-book Teach Children English Through Drama==> http://www.kidsenglishtheatre.com/free-ebook/

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