Teaching English in a Family Setting

winterlynx1 · Post by **winterlynx1** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:24 am

I'm interested in teaching English in a family setting - that is to all of the members of one family at the same time. Does anyone know of any literature on this topic that they could point me to?

tigertiger · Post by **tigertiger** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:16 am

I would be interested to know how effective teaching can be in a family setting.

I may be worong but I would assume different
- levels of language ability
- levels of intelectual advancement (e.g. Adults, teens, 8-10, 6-7, and infants)(especially if children are small)
- needs
- interests
- attention spans

There may also be some family politics. I.E. Does dad have to be the best speaker, or can he cope with competition.
Maybe cultural issues. I know in some Asian cultures the wife will not embarrass her husband in front of others by being better at something than him. Sexist maybe, but fact.

What I have seen done is that the kids are taught together, but seperatley from the parents.

Seperate thought, there are books for parents who want to tutor their own children. Although not specifically for language, it will help with the classroom management of sibling rivalry. As they will be competing for your attention.

Good luck

Anuradha Chepur · Post by **Anuradha Chepur** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:39 am

Teaching them together might not work for the reasons tigertiger mentioned. It is a good idea to divide the hours to teach the kids and the parents separately, and have one or two common sessions a week. Language games of universal appeal might work well in the common sessions, and the family would enjoy them without ego hassles.