Teacher Discussion Forums

Dear Anna TPR is well-used for preschool and primary but many of the ideas can seem childish once you get to secondary school. However TPR really only means using the body and different senses to learn - i.e. not just sitting passively at desks. Therefore any kind of movement that you introduce in a...

Hello again, I just realised that your pupils are between 5 to 11, so the links I gave you for the stories and songs will work for the 5 to 6 year olds (stories) and the songs will be good for up to about 8 or 9 depending on the kids. For the older ones try out my primary games - most of which invol...

Hi there Elke, I have taught complete and utter beginners both kids and adults and I never start with the alphabet. I always start with listening and speaking such as greetings and some vocab. I get right into using the language itself. With a adult from Europe learningn phonemes is not such as issu...

Dear Runnerbean If you have a big group of 5 to 10 year olds all mixed up with only you as the teacher then you've got a challenge. If you've got a small group of mixed ages then I recommend working on two or three plays or skits during the week. Use games to introduce the vocab and main grammar in ...

I love that role play idea Brian. If anyone is looking for role-play ideas for beginners, with repetetive language then I've got 26 plays and skits. Stop right there if you have a big class though as I designed these for anything from one to fifteen students max. Ages 4 to 12. The idea behind the si...

Hi there, I know this will sound old-fashioned but I have more fun playing language games with other human beings than I do with a computer. Computer games are great and I learned a fair bit of Portuguese using a CD rom so I'm all in favour of them. However I'm not in favour of sticking kids in fron...

HI there,

Here's a good article on motivating children without giving them sweets.

http://www.teachingenglishgames.com/Art ... ildren.htm

Hope you find it useful.

Shelley

Hi there, Here are some concrete examples of TPR for anyone still trying to figure out what it is! 1. doing actions to songs 2. doing actions to words - teach new vocab by showing the picture AND making a symbol with the hands or body to represent that picture. 3. running/jumping or using the body i...

Try playing together, also reading stories and play English songs in the home. Here's a site with some ideas for you to try. If it is non-threatening it will most likely work for her. If you correct her too much you could put her off wanting to say anything so be careful! http://www.homeenglishteach...

Hello there, ABBA have also got to be one of the greatest bands for 6 year old girls. I just gave an ABBA CD to my niece for her 6th birthday and apparently they spent the entire birthday party dancing to Mamma Mia. For something tuneful and meant to help beginners with English there are my songs he...

Hello Yes I have just the thing for you. The main thing is a games book with video demo lessons. Then as an add-on I recommend stories, songs and plays. I have all those things but the place to start is by watching the demo video on this site and receiving the free sample games: http://www.homeengli...

Hello there, I also have songs and stories for preschoolers though not free I'm afraid as creating these resources is my livelihood. However there are free samples and many teachers have enjoyed these and reported back that they are more effective than some curriculums out there designed by the big ...

I have a resource that may help you. Actually it's meant for beginners and your son may not be a true beginner. However if you have time to spend with your child on English then it is worth a try. You can practise vocabulary and simple sentences together in a fun way. Watch the demo video on the sit...

Hi there, Yes I can give you some feedback on drama. I have a whole page on it here www.teachingenglishgames.com/eslplays.htm The essence being that drama is authentic and allows use of language in realistic contexts, it helps fluency, gives confidence, includes all group members, allows beautifully...

Hi there, For your pouting child that you are tutoring I suggest watching the demo lesson on Home English Teacher where you can see English being taught and practised in a fun way that engages the child. That should give you some ideas on how to go about things with children, and you never know, you...