Job Discussion Forums

[microbabe]

Hi,

I don't know if this is the right place, sorry if it isn't.

I am after some activities that work for about 30-40 mins. Which are tried (or tied) and tested. I like the ducktape idea, but the parents won't approve.
The class is not well behaved.

Thanks, wish me luck !

[Sashadroogie]

'A Short Course in Dialectical Materialism for Young Citizens' is a popular choice in our school. Very effective in both educating pupils and in maintaining rigid order in the classroom.

However, for the more bourgeois inclined, the I-Spy series is usually a good place to start. Sorry, maybe you know that already, but we don't know enough about your situation to help properly - is this your first time teaching YLs? Do you have a course book with 'em already? What nationality are they etc?

[Glenski]

You might want to sign up for the ETJ forums:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ETJ-Activities/

[tttompatz]

[microbabe]

Hi,

Sorry have not explained things enough/ properly. Ok, I have been teaching for about 5yrs and have taught this age group before , but not this size of class. I normally do activities, but trying to keep everyone occupied is challenging. My boss said "welcome to the jungle". : ) We use course books so that side is covered. My Portuguese is crap. I know, I should learn more language.

Thanks so far for the info.

[artemisia]

Your situation is still unclear.

What level of English do these young learners have? Do you know yet?
How often do you have them and how long is the class? (Once a week for an hour?)
How long will you be teaching them for? (a week, a month , forever?)

[Big Poppa Pump]

I wouldn't do just one activity for the entire time. Ttompatz sets out a fairly decent format to use. When you do your lesson planning be sure you know what you want them to accomplish by the end of the hour and how you intend to measure that accomplishment.

Doesn't have to be something huge, but definitely... my preference for my classes is that they are goal oriented towards a specific outcome that has an activity that allows me to determine if they grasp the material in such a fashion that they aren't a flock of parrots.

It works for me, might or might not work for you, but I do know doing the same thing for 45 minutes is more than likely a disaster waiting to happen, so break the time down a bit more.

google gengki english there are a decent selection of games you can look at. I like playing that game swap steal bust with some of my classes as time allows. Not an everyday sort of thing, but if they've been doing well and being respectful to each other and their teachers I'll block off some time for it.

[johntpartee]

"The class is not well-behaved."

First order of business is to show them who's in charge. Practice your "war face" and don't be afraid to raise your voice. Corporal punishment is not necessary, but let them think it might happen. An open palm brought down hard on a table works wonders. I usually punish children by having them face the wall; sometimes they cry, but mostly they just don't want to be singled out in front of their peers.

[Isla Guapa]

[johnslat]

johntpartee's got it right; with kids, it all comes down to your demeanor and your "presence." You need to set the tone from minute one of day one - by "projecting an aura" of "I don't take any crap." You have to be calm and relaxed - and, believe me, they can sense when you're faking it. And have your lessons WELL planned out, with fallbacks just in case.

Be stern and aloof, at first. As time goes on, you can become more "human" - sympathetic and approachable. But if you start of "easy," you never be able to regain the high ground.

Regards,
Drill Instructor John

[hollysuel]

Try BarryFunEnglish

http://www.barryfunenglish.com/index.php

If you have at least one computer with internet access, you can use all kinds of games. The subscription for access is very reasonable!

[stillnosheep]

Tear Gas. Stun Guns. Water Cannon.

I'm with Johnslat on this one, by the way