Job Discussion Forums

[mcloo7]

I'll be teaching elementary school kids in the countryside of Taizhou for a few days starting this weekend. I'm a little bit unclear on what I'm supposed to prepare but I may need to have some activities. My school asked me if I wanted to go and I said yes. Does anybody know some good activities to do with large groups of elementary school students? They will range from all grades of elementary school. The one thing that I know I'm supposed to prepare is a presentation on education in America, but that's more for the teachers than the students.

[Alien abductee]

A couple of popular kids songs would be useful, and a game that can be played with a large group. I have little experience with that age group but one thing you need to do is keep them busy or else you'll lose the group. If they're typical countryside kids then most of them are going to be very limited in their English ability, same might go for their teachers. Whatever you do, keep it simple, and good luck.

[Bud Powell]

This may be one of your most memorable experiences in China. You will have their attention most of the time, and if you keep them busy and engaged, you'll have fun.

I second the suggestion that you introduce songs. If possible, produce one translation and English lyrics handout to every five kids. You can go online for the English version, then get one of the Chinese teachers to produce the translation in Hanyu.

Up to sixth grade, you can get away with "Old MacDonald". It can be an interesting cultural exchange when you find out that people from different countries ascribe different sounds to different animals. Before the song, you can introduce different animals and "discuss" the sounds they make. It'll make for much laughter when you compare how Americans (and probably Brits too) describe the sounds that pigs and dogs make to the way in which Chinese describe the sound of farm animals.

Don't be afraid to be a clown. This will be expected of you. At that age, the combination of humor and song is a powerful learning tool.

I did a weekend in the boonies during my first year in China. If you're prepared, you'll have a blast.

PM me if you need more ideas. Good luck. Take pictures!

[Non Sequitur]

I did a summer halfway between Dalian and Shenyang one year.
Had a great time.
Without a handle on class size and level it's hard to give suggestions.
Can't go wrong with a song or 2.

[mcloo7]

Thanks. It will be elementary school kids from kindergarten through 6th grade I think.

If anyone knows any specific games that would also be helpful.

[Non Sequitur]

Streamed or all ages in one class?

[MuscatGary]

Assuming you've got a large (very large) running space to work with and you want to tire them out before bedtime try a modified version of NSEW.

Put sticks up around the running space and attach large signs, easily readable from the furthest points. On the signs put names of places where people go; canteen, work, school, toilet, shop, etc. The teacher shouts out the place name and the kids all have to run there. The last one there is eliminated (like in musical chairs) and you continue until there's only one left. Reinforces vocabulary and removes excess energy all at the same time!

[Larry Legend]