Teaching ESL to Children

Tips for Teaching ESL to Children

Teaching ESL to children is challenging but also very rewarding. Before I walk into a class of 10-year olds, I take a deep breath. Children have no attention span AT ALL, and so I tell myself to slow right down before I start. Teaching children requires patience and a sense of fun and playfulness. Even though it seems obvious, a common mistake is to think that children are simply 'short adults!' This is sure to get you off on the wrong foot!

How Can We Keep ESL Students Interested?

When ESL teen-agers arrive in the classroom it may be the first class of the day so they will be fresh and ready to attend. That's the best teaching time. There are other times of the day, such as the time before lunch or the latter part of the afternoon when they are tired and their energy level is low. These periods of the day are always a challenge to teachers no matter what their subject may be.

Children Learn about Other Cultures through ESL Storybooks

Children living in a non-English speaking environment learn about their own culture. Their everyday lives tell them little about other parts of the world, as they are kept busy adjusting to the expectations of their own communities. English Second Language storybooks add a new dimension to their lives. This article outlines some of the areas of understanding that ESL storybooks provide.

Maintaining a high level of interest throughout the English Second Language time

There are times of the day when special activities such as games are very appropriate. Although the daily school timetable varies from country to country, it is usual for children aged five to nine to have a playtime break during the morning. They stop for lunch around noon and return to class for a time during the afternoon. Regardless of the schedule, many will likely be able to stay on task until the first break but there will be some who sit and dream while others who disturb their friends. The class time directly after the morning break is good learning time. It�s a good time for the teacher to introduce the more difficult parts of the program. The last half hour before lunch, however, is a tired, very low energy time. The afternoon follows a similar pattern to the two morning periods.
(Includes activity lesson plan)

| | | | | | |