Posts Tagged ‘English for elementary school children’
Storytelling with young language learners
I used to really dislike storytelling with my young language learners. Why? Because it was such hard work! I would find it exhausting maintaining children’s attention for longer than a “page” and it crushed me when I saw eyes rolling 🙄or heard little voices exclaim “when is it finished?” or worse still “this is BORING!!”.😴 I…
Read MoreSinging with young language learners
A question I often ask teachers is “do you sing in class?” Answers vary… 🗣 “Perhaps, if there’s time at the end of the lesson” 🗣“No, I’m a terrible singer!” 🗣“Yes, but I sing the same old songs” 🗣“I’m too embarrassed to sing” 🗣“I only sing songs with very young learners. Older kids get bored” 🗣“No,…
Read MoreWhy do English lessons flop?
Have you ever prepared an activity for your children based on what you’ve read somewhere or seen someone do? But when you introduce it, it completely FLOPS?😢 Why is that? A lot comes down to how we communicate. I often see teachers with impressive qualifications, knowledge and experience but with something fundamental missing: Effective communication…
Read MoreTeddy Bear, Teddy Bear… English Drama Game
This afternoon I’m teaching a new (mixed level) group of 7-8 year- olds.🇬🇧🇬🇧 Some have already participated in my Mummy & Me courses and are therefore more confident speakers while others are completely new to Drama and English and are a bit apprehensive about what to expect (quite understandably so). If you are starting with a…
Read MoreEnglish drama game of the week
Theatre warm-up games are perfect in helping to break-the-ice with a new langauge class🇬🇧 and set a playful tone to sessions. They instantly create a pressure free setting where children feel open to join-in, get-to-know their classmates and try new-things. A fun drama starter game is: CREATE AN OBJECT/ANIMAL Age: Children 5-99 Level: beginner- advanced Print…
Read MoreTeaching children English is tough!
Contrary to what most people believe – teaching children a foreign language is 1000 times more complicated than teaching adults. I too once thought “Kids? An hour lesson? Yeah, I can do that, no problem! Some paper, a few crayons and I’ll have them doing worksheets and colouring-in pages, simple!”👍👌 How wrong I was. After…
Read MorePerforming with young language learners
Just before Christmas my 5-6 year old language learners presented their own “mini Christmas show” to families and friends. 10-minutes of sparkling Christmas songs and chants that ended with all the children showering paper snowflakes on our young protagonist, dressed up as a Christmas tree! I always get so excited seeing children performing and putting into…
Read MoreDo you ever feel you’re teaching on autopilot?
Do you ever feel you’re teaching on autopilot? Do you find yourself repeating the same old activities over and over? Are you too busy teaching – to plan lessons? You’re not alone. It’s no easy task preparing lessons that guarantee children will stay focused and motivated. And unfortunately, there is no “go to” secret to…
Read MoreENGLISH DRAMA GAME OF THE WEEK – Rooms of the House
ENGLISH DRAMA GAME OF THE WEEK Introducing young learners to the Rooms of the House can be a tricky topic. Children often get the rooms and pronunciation all mixed-up and I don’t blame them – I would too! Bathroom – Bedroom Dining room- Sitting room …..arghhh!!!😫😱 Here’s a surprisingly simple MIME game to help children…
Read MoreHow do you build a child’s confidence in English?
There is no doubt that it is simpler to teach and boost confidence in children who are naturally extrovert and who readily jump in and try new things with zest and enthusiasm. But what about shy or introverted children? How can we encourage them to become confident communicators, presenters, leaders? It’s a challenge we teachers face…
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