Teach English in Yanqing Zhen - Beijing

TEFL in KindergartenResearch has shown that children learning a foreign language at a small age are able to retain the language longer and increase the possibility to speak it accent free. On top of it any language studied at a later stage is easier to be learned. Children are like sponges ? they suck everything in. When "pressed", they only release slowly. In other words children inhale all words and experiences. Even if a child does not appear to be listening, does not mean that the child is not listening. Care should be taken of different learner types. For some it is not enough to just hear a word, but would remember it better in connection with a picture or material. Others need to do a movement with the expression. The best way is to include all methods. The role of a KG teacher Be aware of the role you are taking on! The role of a kindergarten teacher is very challenging yet highly rewarding. Besides leaving home alone maybe for the first time children have to deal with a foreign language and culture. After the first lesson and before making big lesson plans, the teacher has to observe the children and continue doing so throughout the course to find the best balance between what the children can do and what they need. Teachers make a huge impact on a child's learning success. Providing an encouraging and positive environment the language learning journey begins in a positive way. As challenging it is a teacher has to stay patient and smiley as well talk in a very clear, slow way and repeat as much as possible. Motivation, attention and discipline It is very difficult to gain and hold a child?s attention for long. Children might as well disrupt lessons through disciplinary issues. Therefore thorough planning, fun activities and variation are vital as well as flexibility. Praise, praise, praise is key to a child's development. And when correcting the teacher does that in a gentle way. Methods Most important is to keep the lesson simple and the language usable. The children are able to use words and phrases in real situations. ? Hand puppet: Great tool especially during the first lessons to get the children talk ? to the puppet. ? Themes: The same topic can run through some lessons and include songs, stories, art etc. Vocabulary will be used and re-used in different ways. ? Songs/finger games: Great way to introduce vocabulary. Even better when in connection with movement, i.e. clapping or acting out the word. ? Books: Reading is essential. The earlier children are familiar to books and letters the better it is for future language learning. ? Flash cards/realia: Important tools to present vocabulary. ? Role-play/pantomime: Supports process through kinesthetic learning. ? Memory and other games: Through play much of a child's learning is achieved. ? Stimulation of senses: Manifest vocabulary, i.e. "Treasure bag" ? feel and describe items, listening to sounds, tasting. Environment The children feel comfortable through creating a child-friendly and homey environment. Small chairs and tables, pillows and carpets, self-made art work etc. Different corners attract the children, i.e. play area/toys, puzzles, arts/crafts, drawing, books etc. The teacher moves around and encourages the English language in a real and hands-on situation. During "study" phase children sit in a circle or on pillows to create a friendly atmosphere. A routine helps children to feel more comfortable and familiar faster and repeats vocabulary regularly. The role of the parents Especially at this age parents play a huge role in a child's life. The child will only be successful if parents play along. Parents can be involved through meetings or joining a lesson once in a while. The teacher sends home reports or a worksheet with different pictures. Those are named in English (i.e. the ball) and the parents write the translation in their language. In that way communication takes place between parent and child, the student repeats the word at home and even the parent learns the English word. It is essential that the meaning behind that method has been explained to the parents.