METHODS OF ENGLISH TEACHING WITH CHILDREN

FACULTY OF EDUCATION

Topic: METHODS OF ENGLISH TEACHING WITH CHILDREN

How to Teach Kids

While many people find teaching children to be rewarding, some will tell you that it’s

just plain stressful at times.  What are the best ways to teach kids?  Do the methods

and techniques vary across subject manner?  For example, would you use the same

approach to teach a child how to tie their shoes as you would how to do multiplication

tables?  Probably not.  That being said though, there is no fool-proof way on how to

teach kids.  The good news is there are several methods and techniques you can

use.  Children are versatile.  Before you dedicate yourself to a teaching method, figure

out how the kids learn best.  From there, you can choose teaching methods and

techniques that are right for them.  You will be surprised how fast they can learn

something once you teach to their learning style.

There are 7 primary learning styles:

Visual (Spatial) – These individuals learn best through pictures, images, and spatial understanding

Aural (Auditory) – These individuals learn best through sound and music

Verbal (Linguistic) – These individuals learn best through words, verbal and/or written

Physical (Kinesthetic) – These individuals learn best through experience and rely on the sense of touch

Logical (Mathematical) – These individuals learn best through logic and reasoning

Social (Interpersonal) – These individuals learn best through group interaction

Solitary (Intrapersonal) – These individuals learn best through self-study

Solitary (Intrapersonal) – These individuals learn best through self-study

It is important to note that many kids learn well from a blend of learning styles.  Think of yourself for example.

                                   Types of Learners

Visual Learners

To help your visual learner grasp concepts faster, teach them through pictures, icons, charts, diagrams, and color coded information.  For example, if you are teaching a kid how to tie their shoes, walk them through step by step instructions with each step illustrated.  Use shoe laces that are half one color and half another to help them identify which side is which.  If you are teaching an academic subject like rain forest ecosystems, allow kids to research topics using graphics and compile their findings into a poster.  Visual learners can also retain information better if it has been categorized according to colors.  Try to color coding the parts of speech when you read together to teach grammar.  As a teacher (official or unofficial), always have different colored pens, pencils, markers, labels, and sticky notes on hand.

Aural Learners

Aural learners thrive on teaching techniques that involve sound.  Making up a story or a song with the directions or the main concepts of the lesson will help this type of learner succeed.  Encourage them to rewrite the lyrics to their favorite songs to learn new things.  You can also use music to set the mood of the learning environment.  If the kids are taking an exam, trying playing some classical music.  If you need them to be excited about something they find boring (math, grammar, history, could be anything), play some pump-it-up music for a few minutes.  For younger children, use oral storytelling and sing-alongs to teach important lessons.  For example, if you are teaching about different body parts, sing the “Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” song.

Verbal Learners

Verbal learning centers on the use of words.  Copying down phrases and words, taking

their own notes during lectures, reading out loud, listening to audio recordings, and

discussions are effective teaching methods and techniques for this type of

learner.  Teach spelling by having them write out the word correctly multiple times on

a piece of paper or on a white board.  Help your children understand rules by writing

them on a poster board that they can see and refer to.

Physical Learners

Physical learners learn through “doing”.  Encourage kids to build, create, act things

out, and experience what they are learning.  If you are teaching about Ancient Rome,

allow kids to build models of ancient buildings and historical sites.  If they are not

good at building models and structures, try having your students act out what they are

learning in a skit, improve, or a play.  Field trips, technology, and playing games are

also effective teaching methods for physical learners.  For example, if you are teaching

the angles of triangles in geometry, bring the lesson out to the basketball court.  You

can have two students demonstrate and make different angles while standing next to

the basketball hoop.  Experimentation is also a good method to use.  Encourage kids to

learn from their mistakes and failed attempts. 

Logical learners

Logical learners need to know the elusive “why?”. The answer “because” or “it

just is” will never sit right with them.  They will excel at following

complicated directions and using technology and games to reach learning

outcomes. Children who are logical learners often go on to be engineers or

mathematicians, as both of these professional fields typically follow logical

rules.  Trying using problem solving as a way to learn new material.  For

example, have the kids develop a hypothesis that they can test.  Discuss the

results on whether failed or succeeded and ask them why this was the

case.  You may be surprised how they articulate their answers.

Social Learners

Social learners thrive on interpersonal communications and learn best in a group atmosphere. You can teach to this learning style through role playing, group projects, volunteering, service projects, and debates.  Let kids engage with others, facilitate discussions, and encourage collaboration.  You will also find that social learners can make great pen pals.

Solitary Learners

Solitary learners prefer individual teaching or self-paced learning.  Being in group situations can cause anxiety and lead to them shutting down.  Try centering your lesson plans around things they are already interested in and use their interest as a vessel to learn new things.  For example, if you have a child obsessed with airplanes you can use this to teach about gravity, weather, physics, motivation, cultural differences, motivation, or even cooking.  Solidary learners will also enjoy watching how-to-videos and reading to learn new things. 

Teaching methods for children and young learners

We consider learning in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere the most effective and engaging way of working with young learners. Our teaching methods are carefully chosen to engage with our young learners and ensure good progress. Our communicative method uses the most up-to-date and effective techniques such as Assessment for Learning (AfL). AfL is based on the best teaching practice in the UK and many other parts of the English speaking world.

Afl has been proven by educational research to:

significantly increase students' achievement

help students understand what they are learning

help students identify what areas of knowledge and skills they have to improve and how to do so

We are proud that all our teachers have been trained in the use of AfL and that groups of learners and parents have also found it fun and very effective.

In addition to using AfL, we will help your child develop their English language skills by:

providing a supportive learning environment which allows learners to experiment

providing challenging and stimulating activities

focusing on developing your child's communication skills

conducting lessons entirely in English

using up-to-date methods, course books and carefully selected additional materials

giving you regular feedback on your child's progress.

English for children (5-11 years)

Do you want your child to learn English from highly qualified, experienced teachers who use cutting edge teaching methodologies, resources and technology? Our courses for children aged 5-11 years are specially designed to improve your child's language and develop their skills at communicating in English. These courses:

create a positive first impression of learning English

introduce children to an English speaking culture

appeal to children’s natural sense of fun through the use of songs, rhymes, stories and games

run for one hour twice a week for one academic year

Primary courses (5-9 years)

Primary English is a six level programme for children aged 5-9 years. Primary 1, 2 and 3are designed for children who cannot read and write confidently and focus on developing speaking and listening skills. Primary 4, 5 and 6 are for children who have turned 7 but have not yet turned 10. These courses provide your child with opportunities to develop their English through songs, rhymes, games and many more fun activities.

Lessons usually take place twice a week and last 60 minutes.

All teachers are fully qualified and experienced in teaching young learners.

Children fully participate in lessons through stimulating and challenging activities.

Parents are continually updated on their child's progress through reports, parent meetings and can-do statements.

Parents can register their child for one of the Cambridge exams: Starters (beginner level), Movers (A1 level) and Flyers (A2 level).

Parents can attend workshops on how to help their child learn a language.

Learning materials are provided at no additional cost.

Pre-teen courses (9-11 years)

Pre-teens courses will give your child a truly rewarding learning experience. These courses will improve your child's understanding of the language and develop their skills at interacting in English. Our aim is to provide a positive learning environment that will enhance your child's progress.

Lessons usually take place twice a week and last 60 minutes.

All teachers are fully qualified and experienced in teaching young learners.

Children fully participate in lessons through stimulating and challenging activities.

Parents are continually updated on their child's progress through reports, parent meetings and can-do statements.

Parents can register their child for one of the Cambridge exams: Starters (beginner level), Movers (A1 level) and Flyers (A2 level).

Parents can attend workshops on how to help their child learn a language.

Learning materials are provided at no additional cost.