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tripper · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 29 Location: Osaka

Hi everybody! I wondered if anyone could give me advice for teaching a demo class for children. I have taught children before and that is fine because you are used to the kids, their English level etc but demos are intimidating. There will be 10 kindergarten kids and maybe five people observing me. The class will be thirty minutes long. Usually I do songs, games etc but I won`t have time to teach a song here. Also, I make it a habit not to use any Japanese in my classes but in this case should I use some?? Please share your knowledge and experiences with me. The interview is next Tuesday BTW.

Thanks!!

Tripper

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I would not use any Japanese. If you use a little, they may assume you might you a lot when you are teaching by yourself. Ask for the guidelines ahead of time about exactly what you can or can't do in the demo.

tripper · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 29 Location: Osaka

Thanks for the advice. My main worry is that I don`t know these kids at all so I don`t know how to plan the class for them. I want to show the observers that I can structure a class and make the learning relevant but with children I don`t know I fear it will just be flash cards and games. Any other ideas on how to approach it?? I was going to have them make name cards but the three year olds won`t be able to write (will they??)

Any advice is welcomed!!

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

earthmonkey · Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 188 Location: Meguro-Ku Tokyo

Plastic fruit!!!

They are fascinated by the plastic fruit. Why?

mrjohndub · Joined: 19 Sep 2005 Posts: 198 Location: Saitama, Japan

I would suggest doing two sure things...

1. Have them repeat numbers one two three four five, in a chant. Use your fingers to show the number and invite them to do the same. Then, blow up a balloon, stopping between breaths to count to five, and throw it up in the air. The idea is for them to keep hitting the balloon up into the air, and every time somebody hits it, shout out the number. Make sure they are all repeating the number. If they get too consumed by competing for the balloon, catch the balloon yourself and hold your hand to your ear to let them know they must all continue to shout out the number as a condition of play. They will understand and respond. When you're done with that, get rid of the balloon...remove it from sight.

2. Have flashcards with colors...pick easy ones, maybe five or six. Have them repeat the color as you hold up the card a few times, then hold the cards in your hand so that they can't see the color side, like you were holding a hand of playing cards, but can select one. Be in the middle of the room. Demonstrate that when they pick a card, they...or in pairs...should say the word and then run to something in the room that bears that color, then shout out the color. For example, they select blue...you say, 'Show me something blue!' then they run to something blue, say, the door. They shout out 'Blue!' and you applaud and say 'Yes! It's blue!' Maybe you can even run to something that color yourself to participate more actively. They then return the card to you and the game continues. You can also do this where every child needs to find something of that color. They all run to different corners of the room. I've found that the children often help each other...remarkably at this age...in understanding the purpose of the game. Make sure to come across as very excited.

Needless to say, it's very important to model both of these games. The observers--I assume parents--will be delighted by how much fun the kids have and you'll have a good chance to demonstrate instant rapport with them.

tripper · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 29 Location: Osaka

Thanks so much for the advice. The ideas are great! The kids will love the balloon thing to kick things off. That`s if I have enough puff to blow it up-some observer participation perhaps Laughing

I think I will refrain from any songs since it will be the first time for me to meet the kids.

Thanks again!

mrjohndub · Joined: 19 Sep 2005 Posts: 198 Location: Saitama, Japan

Also, have stickers to hand out as a reward.

sj23 · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 20 Location: Toyko

Hey, how did your demo go tripper?

tripper · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 29 Location: Osaka

Thanks for the message. It went really well. The kids were used to foreigners and were really energetic. They were laughing, having fun and shouting out the English words so that is the main thing!!