Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LateBloomer]

In addition to summer camp kids' classes each morning, my principal has set up classes for parents for one hour every afternoon. I didn't have to do them, but in a moment of insanity I said I would.

I suspect some of the parents will be absolute beginners and the odd one might know a little English.

Any ideas on how to approach this situation or games suitable for adults?

Thanks.

[zappadelta]

Well, even the parents like games. They also like learning about situations (at the airport, at the bank, asking directions). So, I suggest teaching them vocabulary and expressions about these situations (bogglesworld is great for this) and then making some kind of game out of it.

[ajuma]

I'd use the book that you're using to teach their kids (yeah, I know, you'll probably be using different levels of each book for each class) and build on that. Teach THEM what you're teaching their kids. Use the same games, hand-outs, whatever. Maybe Day 1, teach from the lowest level book (make copies), then progress from there.

At least it gives them something to talk to their kid about!

[EH]

The most useful thing parents can do to help their kids learn English (if conversation skills are too low to be effective) is to read English story-books to them. Why don't you pick a classic children's book or two and teach it to the parents so they can read it (fluently, with decent pronunciation) to their kids? You can get one copy for yourself, photocopy it for their classroom use (photocopying is legal if it's for "research purposes"...) and tell them to buy their own copy for use at home. Lessons like this can involve pronunciation, vocabulary, intonation, even grammar structure.

Good luck,
-EH

[LateBloomer]

Thanks for the ideas....much appreciated!

[Ekuboko]

I started a parents' class this semester. It actually turned into a mothers' class once the only man bowed out halfway through the first class - and we hadn't even started yet!

I really enjoyed it. The mothers paid a very low fee to have 20 hours of classes with me. I think it sets a good example for their children, motivates them (children and mothers alike) and also gives the mothers a chance to socialise and get out of "housewife" mode. For me, it also gave me a better connection to their children (middle school).

I did a mixture of things but focussed a lot on familiar topics, such as family, marriage and travel. We also played the Game of Life, which they enjoyed, and listened to songs, among other things.

Next semester I'm hoping to get some cooking lessons in there (one where I teach them something and one where they plan and show me to cook Korean dishes).

[LateBloomer]

Ekuboko,

I'd be interested in knowing how you approached the first lesson. Following the suggestion of another poster, I just looked over the course material for the kids --grade 3--and even with modifications, I don't think it's suitable.

My fear is that if they speak amost no English...no one will understand a word I'm saying.

[evey88]

I've had the pleasure and pain of teaching kids and parents in the same class. This was so difficult because I had to try and adjust a lesson plan for children and parents. I should have never been put in this situation, but alas I was. So I decided that seeing usually I teach children, I'll just keep teaching that way. Of course I shake the parents hand before the class but I figure they came with their kids so... focus on the kids.

The parents seemed to like the games too and some of the parents were so proud when they spoke the most basic of English. I found I had to encourage and praise them like their kids. Family classes are always a bit testing because discipline is always a problem. When the parents present, shouldn't the parent control the child rather than the teacher. One would think so but obviously not in Korea. I had absolute brat children and the bloody mother just let these two devil brothers run wild. They were literally running around the classroom hiding under things and talking (in korean) the entire time. They then proceeded to brke some expensive equipment in my classroom by trying to climb up a bloody tripod and Mum did nothing! I couldn't believe it! I also had to deal with kids at completely different English speaking levels - I had 6 year olds and 12 year olds in the same class! Complete with Mum and Dad! What a nightmare!

However I have had other family groups that were a pleasure to teach. Thankfully though our school doesn't do family groups anymore. Well at least they havn't for a while.

[Juregen]