Job Discussion Forums

emmabu · Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Houston, TX

In April, I will be teaching a 12 year old French child for 2 weeks. He is vacationing here in Texas with his family (my Husband works with his Uncle).
Anyway, the family are asking how many hours a day I think he needs!! Despite the cash incentive, I don't want the poor child to hate me for taking him away from his holiday time. 3 hours per day??
I do plan on arranging a lesson in the park or at the Children's Museum to keep it interesting.
Any suggestions gratefully received. Anyone else had any experience of intensive private tuition with a child?
My other concern is that I speak French and am unsure how much 'help' I should give him.
Thanks all
Emma

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

How can you know how many hours he needs when you haven't met him? I think 3 hrs is too long. How much English does he know? Is he coming to Texas mainly for English? Use very little French or none if he speaks English fairly well.

trickee2 · Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Posts: 9

He's 12 and 3 hours is too long. 1 hour is sufficient. It's good that you are bilingual because translation will be easier. Also, work with him on everyday language use correctly. He's probably already had a few years of English lessons, so the hour will be a good opportunity to practice. This would be a good opportunity for you to help him brush up and get the grammar correct. Try doing fun thing for the hour like take him to a restaurant and have him order. Read stories and talk about them in English with little use in French. I do, however, know that 3 hours is way too long for a tutoring session.