Korean Job Discussion Forums

nicam · Joined: 14 Jun 2008

Ok, so I was told these would be the more advanced kids (middle school), or the kids who really are interested in English.

Well that's partially true, although interest doesn't speak for their proficiency at all, but the main problem is that the class also comprised of the kids who FAILED their English exams and are seeking extra help!

I don't know what do with these classes! I can't even get them to utter their names, and they have absolutely no clue what I'm saying when I attempt to teach the most elementary lesson!

My computers suck, so that's out. The group is too small for a lot of games, and anyway I'm not supposed to be playing games with them, and I don't want to screw the students that actually want to learn!

Ugh! Any suggestions would be helpful!

saw6436 · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon, ROK

Actually games are a good way to break the ice with kids. Just choose games which have some educational value. When I teach numbers I use the game "Tonk". Kids love it and they have to use English. There are a ton of games that focus on a variety of teaching points.

I have a class of 2nd year middle-school kids and they don't know their colors or their ABCs. I'm not using a book or anything fancy (no computer) but they are definitely getting Lets Go 1 information. I just repackage it for their age.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

Try to get the students to have a copy of the Oxford picture dictionary.
Get your school to fix or replace the computer. There are lots of PPT games available on dduebels sight that don't require bi-lingual instuctions.
You also should have a bi-lingual Korean co-teacher in the room at all times.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

nicam · Joined: 14 Jun 2008

Yeah, no bilingual co-teacher here!

I will look for "Tonk" online. Yeah, my oldest are actually the hardest because they are too cool for school and it's hard to adjust games and stuff to their level. I suppose I will just have to play games despite my co-teacher's agenda.

Thanks guys! Anything else?

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

If they don't or can't say anything in English and you've no resources, then I'd print off some verb flash cards to start with followed by simple nouns, numbers, colours, objects and so forth. If they are as bad as you say they are, then you'll need to start from scratch. You need to arm up on simple activities that require minimal explanations like bingo etc. If it's a small class as you say, then you should be able to make some progress with them. Find out what they do know to start with and give them a chance to let their personalities shine through and take it from there.

nicam · Joined: 14 Jun 2008

Good idea with the verb cards, etc.!

I don't have a co-teacher in the room as the class is split into 2 sections (conversation and reading/writing/grammer) and my co-teacher teaches the other section in the adjacent room while I teach conversation. We alternate A and B, so I don't know that they're pulling the wool over my eyes, but I am starting to feel a little worn out.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

moptop · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Location: Gangwondo

i would suggest either www.mes-english.com for topic based flashcards and games. you can find pretty low level material there and have worked for me in the past.

for more conversation based stuff, i suggest "A Conversation Book:English in Everyday life" by Tina Kasloff Carver and Sandra D. Fotinos-Riggs. it has simple vocab, labeling pictures, chants and activities for groups. you can simplify or make it more advanced. i am using it to make worksheets for my middle school kids, and also using it for the beginner teachers class. very versatile...

also "Teaching English to Children in Asia" by David Paul is invaluable. not only does it give you the theory behind teaching , it also has a games "bank" at the end as well as a list of useful websites. it deals a lot with children centered learning and bringing motivation to the classroom.

if you can get your computer going and have acess to a TV or projector, i would suggest getting a movie like "Enchanted". i had to use it when i was sick, but have made worksheets, songs, and activities from it. it's great for foreshadowing, and easy to show a 10 minute clip and then ask them questions about it. my kids have been going nuts over it the past 2 weeks! you could do the same with a clip or interesting music video from you tube. you may have to pre-teach some of the vocab, but even with low level classes they are able to answer simple questions...

hope this helps!

nicam · Joined: 14 Jun 2008

Thank you so much moptop. Good stuff.