Job Discussion Forums

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

I'm going to start teaching some privates from home, and for the first time I will be working with kids. This weekend, I have a demo lesson scheduled for three, ten year-olds. The parents want me to use the kids' school books, which are very basic. The is my first time working with kids in a very, very long time (10 +) years, so I'm really rusty.

The parents have made it clear they want their kids to learn, not have play time. So, if anyone can offer some specific suggestions for a (light-hearted, but professional) 20-30 minute demo lesson, using the school-provided textbook (which I have), then I would be really grateful. Cheers.

chinatimes · Joined: 27 May 2012 Posts: 478

It depends on their level. If it is low, you will have to add more of the same that the book has. If they are higher level, then you will have to convince parents to ditch the book and suggest something more at their level.

A demo lesson shouldn't be too long, just 10-20 minutes to see their level and give parents feedback. Don't get suckered into giving a freebie lesson when you realize you can teach them.

A593186 · Joined: 02 Sep 2013 Posts: 98

Who cares that you are breaking the law. And, the current air in China makes it questionable to be a older foreigner bringing young children into your private home (as a side note).

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

I did a class like that recently.
The topic was animals, and I printed out vocabulary sheets with various animals, and their distinctive body parts. Elephant, trunk, tusks, etc.
I then used my laptop to play funny gifs involving animals, and had the students name the animal, its color, the action, body parts, etc.
It was a fun and productive class.

ETA: missed the part where you must use the book. I guess you can do some vocabulary and pronunciation drills from the book.
In previous privates like that the students had homework from the book, and I guided them through it.

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

Thanks for the constructive feedback. Much appreciated. I guess the fact that my WIFE of ten years, who put this together and will be right there in the same room, just increases the odds that I might pull a Patsy Ramsey on the precious young uns. Cheers.

canrun30 · Joined: 03 Oct 2012 Posts: 116

Thanks Roger. I truly appreciate your feedback.

Now, where is Jon Benet?? Priorities, folks.

(Ok, ok...enough with the warped humor. That guy is an ass, and I can't seem to let it go...)