Posts Tagged ‘Teaching children ESL’
Times are changing for TimeOut
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…
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 MoreHow to teach children English through role-play
One of the most challenging aspects of teaching children English is getting them to speak spontaneously and without embarrassment. But how do we that? ROLE-PLAYING offers children multiple opportunities to “try-out” fun roles and situations like at the restaurant, at the doctors, at the market –in a safe and supportive setting before they try them…
Read MoreCan a ball help teach children English?
Looking for fresh ideas to teach young language learners? Try a big soft squidgy ball to: – Surprise – Motivate – Involve – Break the ice – Introduce new language – Review – Make learning fun and memorable Check out the video for some ideas. Resources: FREE E-Book “Teach Children English Through Drama- 4 Steps…
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 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…
Read MoreTrial English Language Lessons – Can Be Scary
It’s that anxious time of year again – the start of a new school term. Many of you are probably already in full flow organising trial lessons for prospective new students. I personally still find trial lessons stressful – mainly because there are no guarantees: Children will actually show up and participate in the trial…
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