Job Discussion Forums

fpshangzhou · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 280

Hello,

One of my clients I teach at is a training center for preschool age children. Yesterday, the manager asked me about holding an EC for them. I told her that I've never held one for such a young group before and wouldn't know which activities to provide for that long hour with the very limited words (not even phrases) and attention span this group has. I told her I would inquire about it more and get back to her. Any of you ever attempt an EC with young children and if so, what activities did you use to keep them busy and not seem like a class session? Share your ideas.

Cheers,

Aaron

Alien abductee · Joined: 08 Jun 2014 Posts: 527 Location: Kuala Lumpur

English Corner is supposed to be a social activity where people hang out and just use the English they know to converse on whatever topic they choose, or whatever the EC theme is that day. It's very loosely structured so as to let people use the language in a relaxed atmosphere. This model won't work for pre-school kids and what your manager is suggesting is going to turn out as just another class.

Of course you're being paid for this additional activity, right?

fpshangzhou · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 280

I agree that this would turn out to be another class. Yes, I'd be paid for it. Oh well, extra pocket money for an hour of clowning around.

Cheers,
Aaron

kungfuman · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2014 3:31 pm Post subject:

1 hour for young kids is too long.

Do 25 minutes and give them a 10 minute break, then resume.

Use some flashcards with primary color and animals. If you have hula hoops and some other props it helps big time

And of course, don't expect much. Try to make them laugh and play some easy games.

I did a demo class for a pair of 4 yr old girls. At the beginning one of them was about to cry. Took a few minutes to warm her up but the class went smooth with both girls leaving very happily.

nomad-ish · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 1:46 pm Post subject:

Good luck with that Shocked

I imagine that's what my hell would look like!

I second the idea of giving them a break in the middle of the EC. There's always a ton of games to do with flashcards. This site has a lot of good, free flashcards: http://www.mes-english.com