Teaching children can be immensely rewarding, anyone who has taught children can tell you that. But it’s not fun and games all the time, and sometimes it’s just not that easy. English teachers who wish to teach children must be aware of the challenges and difficulties they may encounter, and prepare accordingly.
10 things to consider if you’re serious about teaching English to children:
1. Are you really up for it?
If you want to teach kids English because you think it’s easy, then this is not the job for you. Teaching children demands a great deal of creativity and energy.
2. A little preparation goes a long way
Never make the mistake of showing up for class with little or no ideas, and thinking that you’ll figure it out as you go along. Preparation is essential, mostly because you’ll need to gather lots of teaching materials.
3. Try to cater to multiple intelligences
Young students have strengths and weaknesses and the best way to take advantage of their strengths and help them learn effectively is to cater to their learning styles or multiples intelligences.
4. Don’t let them get bored
If children are bored they won’t pay attention, and they won’t learn. You don’t have to clown around all the time, either; they're in class to learn, not to be entertained by you. Your job is to make learning engaging and fun.
5. Mix it up
ESL classes may include singing, dancing, and jumping, as well as writing, reading, or listening.
6. Be prepared to deal with parents
Unlike teaching adult students, when you teach the little ones you have to interact with their parents as well. It is recommended to encourage parents’ active participation in their children’s English learning.
7. Gather an arsenal of materials
When you teach children English it is essential to have a box of materials that can be adaptable to any game or activity.
Must-have items are:
- a pair of dice
- flashcards
- blank bingo sheets (that can be filled in by students with either words or pictures)
- small toys – balls in several sizes, toy vehicles, animals, etc...
- bean bags
- puppets
8. Remember it’s not all about the games
Each game or activity you propose should target a specific learning goal or ESL element.It’s not about coming to class to play. ESL games are highly effective teaching strategies as long as you know how to fully utilize their potential.
9. Teach in context
Lessons should be planned in accordance with learning goals. And vocabulary, grammar, and language should be taught in context.
10. Keep them motivated
As kids get older and reach their pre-teen years, some ESL games and activities may not interest them as much as they did in the past. Find out what does interest them.
