Korean Job Discussion Forums

[darrenjzy]

Hello,

I just arrived in Korea and am teaching at a small hagwon:

5 days a week
19, 5 year olds for 30 min
15, 4 year olds for 30 min
7, 3 year olds for 20 min.
The ages are U.S. ages, not korean ages.

I have no experience teaching little kids and I've been told to create a curriculum from stratch. There is no Korean teacher in the room, but occasionally one will step in for a moment and help me control the kids.

The classrooms are big kindergarten rooms with lots of distractions and the kids are told to sit in a semi-circle around me on the floor.

I have been given some flashcards and a choice of small story books. The kids know very little english. Just "how are you?" "I'm fine" and some animals.

The kids eat me alive in the classroom. They go nuts after their korean teacher leaves the room. My director tells me I need to do more conversation and activities and not be boring.

So far I've managed this:

7-8 min teaching a disney song
10 min playing a game where I roll a ball to each student and he/she says their name and "here is the ball" class repeats "there is the ball.( Its hard to keep everyones attention)
6 min A story book
5 min is flashcards. C C, ca ca, cat.
A few times I've set the cards on the floor and picked students to say "here is the Box" or w/e.

I also babysit the first class(board games) for 30min before english time

My biggest problem is keeping control and keeping the kids interested. Any advice would be wonderful!

[moosehead]

take Xanex during the day and drink mass quantities of alcohol in the evening?

[freakyaye852]

I've had experience with a series called "playway to english" I don't know if your school will buy things but this is an option. Just have lots of activities to keep them interested. If they don't pay attention do something strange to get it. Clap out a rhythm or use 'hands up' till everyone is silent. It sounds strange but even if they dont know what you are doing they will copy you. If you show up early and stay late and say 'hello' and 'goodbye' outside class time you will build rapport, this is important. Try to learn their names so you can (fairly) bark at them if they are not paying attention.

With kids this age 10 minute activities might be too long, and remember they have not developed basic motor skills yet. But don't be afraid to have them do conversations. Have one student ask another a question, then have that one ask another etc so everyone speaks.

Regarding songs, find some simple ones that are made for their age, try to find ones that are about actions or observations, 'I like cheese, I like cheese, I like cheese and milk' Kind of thing.

Try to change the games every week, because they will get bored. You could play 'duck duck goose' or flashcard games. Place the flash cards on the floor in a circle, have the kids stand and spin within the circle, call out a word and have them stomp on it or hit it with somethings like a flyswat or blowup hammer. I'm sure others can suggest heaps of games.

One good ame that worked for me, find a box, cut up the numbers 1 to 10 put them inside. A student picks a number and repeats a word (or whole class) that number of times. Try to get everyone to do it.

regarding playway/methodology to watch:
http://www.cambridge.org/au/elt/catalogue/subject/project/custom/item5687844/Playway-2ed-Teacher-training-films/?site_locale=en_AU

http://www.cambridge.org/au/elt/catalogue/subject/project/item404820/?site_locale=en_AU

http://www.cambridge.org/au/elt/catalogue/subject/project/item2424341/?site_locale=en_AU

Have to say, I feel for you; especially with nothing ready

[curiousaboutkorea]

where's tomato?

[Ralphie]

Do a search on "tomato" and you'll find all his/her posts on teaching kindies. This person has really neat ideas.

[theshadowranger]

I'd try using lots of songs and games. Try teaching the alphabet. Go to youtube and bring up some sesame street videos.

[Big Mac]

Korean kindergarten kids love this YouTube video. I'm not sure why, but they asked me to see it every day. Great for teaching the alphabet song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML8IL77gQ3k

They also really like this one too. It's the Cookie Monster singing "C" is for cookie. You can find a Sesame Street video for just about every letter, though not all of them are interesting for kindergarten kids.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye8mB6VsUHw

[Arthur Dent]

[curiousaboutkorea]

[darrenjzy]

Thank you everyone for your input. Monday is a new day and I hope things will get better.

I'm affraid of showing too many things on the internet. Perhaps I shouldn't be worried. Also, occasionaly the internet goes out:/

[ChilgokBlackHole]

[Richard Krainium]

I taught these ages when I first arrived in Korea, also.

1. Relax...have fun with them.

2. Make sure no one gets hurt.

3. Watch your behind for ddongchim!

All kidding aside. They are there to have a good time. You should, too.

[Arthur Dent]

curious about Korea wrote:

[tomato]

Sorry, folks, I haven't checked this forum in a few days.

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The next time someone asks, this will become thread number 46.

[ontheway]

Hey, Catsup boy, where did you finally end up on your job hunt?