Teaching English to Kids

Some Thoughts on Teaching Children English in Japan

When teaching English to Kids there are many challenges and things to watch out for. Many have chosen to teach English in Japan, and many have gone before you. So luckily there is a wealth of shared activities that teachers know of and teach each other.

Teachers love to teach no matter who it is, so don`t be afraid to ask other teachers advice about how to teach English in Japan. On this page is more advice and activites you can use, plus homework! Yes even teachers who are engaged in teaching English to kids, must do homework!

First Steps--In a Nutshell: Teaching Children English in 1 Minute or Less

If someone said:

"Kevin you have 60 seconds, tell me what I need to do to learn how to teach English to Japanese children?"

I would say: "Read books by James Asher on Total Physical Response, get "Finding Out 1 Teachers Book," by David Paul and read the first 40 pages to get the method down, practice it on your own so you know it and can do it in a class of kids, it is a great and fun way to not only teach them English but how to read. Get English Land 1 Teachers book, learn it, and be able to teach it."

You can always learn more, but I basicly tell all new teachers at Kevin`s English Schools the same thing.

You may want to start with the Finding Out Series and use it all the way through or you could teach the children using Finding Out 1, then 2, then go onto English Land. English Land is fun because of the Disney characters.

Teaching English to Kids using Phonological Awarement Activities

Phonological awareness activities will excite your child or your students if you are a teacher. They are great for children who are ready to start reading.

They will have fun doing their very own dictionary. Not only will they be writing letters, but they will also be learning to read some words that correspond to their favorite things.

More advice and activities for teaching English to children.
Bring out the artist in the kids!

Teaching English to Kids in Japan

It is a little daunting at least at first, to be entrusted with someone`s pride and joy. Having parents drop off their six or eight year old children into your care is a big responsibility. Yet there is so much potential with these children, and their future is all ahead of them.

I have always felt we are more than just English teachers. We provide Japanese children with a window into another world--a foreign, exotic world of magic and possibility.

We not only teach them English, we give them an idea of what Western people are like. We open their rich imagination to a world outside of these Japanese isles.

No it isn`t just English that we teach. We help to lessen racism and internationalize in the best sense of that word. We help to minimize the "island mentality" that permeates so much of Japanese society.

Teaching English to Kids -- Internationalizing Japan

Japanese children consistently exposed to people from other countries are more open minded, and I will argue, more understanding of foreign cultures and customs.

I venture that these children we teach are a little more creative as a result. Indeed they are not afraid of non-Japanese people.

For activity ideas for teaching children and other age groups, join ETJ Activities, it`s free.

Get the Children Moving in English Classes

I joke! Sorry about that!

Because the children have so much energy, it is very important to move them around as much as you can. They are kids. They need to move. They have been forced to sit and obeytheir teacher at school all day and then they come to your English school.

Asking them to sit at the table for another hour is asking for trouble.

You can have them at the table doing a drawing, writing or game activity, then you can move them to the white board for ateam spelling contest or some other activity. Then you can have everyone get down on the floor and do a floor puzzle activity or have them bring you things from around the room.

Don`t forget you can take them outside (weather permitting).You can point out things and name them, or ask them to show you a house, a cat, a car etc.

One of the great things about teaching children is that they are so flexible, and are very willing to go outside for their lesson. They love it in fact.

If the class is one hour long, try to have six different ten minute activities, and move them around the room and outside.

The children will love your lessons and the Mom`s will love you too. Your boss will then love you and then the bank manager will love you as you keep getting raises. (Unless you work for my school). "Get back to work slave!"

Oops, can we delete that? I didn`t really mean to put that in.

We`ll delete it before it gets published on the internet right?

The Special Needs Child

Teaching English to Kids -- The Special Needs Child

My wife does, and they are a special challenge if you have little or no experience with special needs children. What activities should you do to help them learn English or other skills?

"Keep in mind that your special needs child, is still only a child, and wants to do things that all children do…play and have fun!

I have put together many activities that you can do with your children, wether they have special needs or not.

The best thing about these special needs activities? - They not only help your children improve their skills, but they don’t seem like work or therapy at all, they are fun, fun, fun and can be enjoyed by everyone!" --Natalie

Natalie offers a lot of activities, advice and inspiration for teaching special needs children at her well written website.

On the Use of L1 in the English Classroom

There has been much debate about allowing children or even adults to use their native language in the classroom--some teachers preferring an English only atmosphere, however Stephen MacAtamney argues for allowing L1 usage.

Teaching English to Kids -- More Ideas

There are many things you can do with children including music projects and others. No one said teaching was going to be easy, but if you enjoy this kind of thing, and I do! I actually enjoy prepping for classes and thinking about interesting things we cando together. Here are some more ideas for teaching children to adults.

Good Short Stories for Learning ESL & Where to find them

Then you can go onto other things such as reading short stories for children.

ESL Puzzles I Recommend

English puzzles for students are not just puzzles but they can be utilized as a very efficient tool to sharpen the minds of the students.

All good parenting advice will tell you that when kids in elementary school have frequent breaks (time to run around) their ability to concentrate will actually improve.

About Children, the One Stop Shop for Kids has some great links for teachers and parents. Jessica has compiled some of her favorite links and they are great. Plus if you want to get something for your child or a prize for one of your students, her shop really has everything!

Everything you need for babies and kids from bedding, clothing, gear, gifts, toys and more!.

Teaching English to Kids

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