Hey All
I'm a newbie on here and this is my first post, but from reading others, it seems like you guys might be able to answer my questions!
I'm travelling to Japan in August for a 1 year stint (hopefully), teaching English. I've been offered a job at a School in Tokyo, who is expanding to include a preschool in September. I've been offered to teach the preschool in the morning, plus classes in the arvo of 5-14 year olds.
They've asked me to try and find some training to do before I come, that would specialise in caring for younger kids... I've offered to do an online TEFL course with i-to-i, but (i don't think) they specialise in age groups...
I've had heaps of experience caring for younguns...but no actual training or certification
I was thinking of doing some volunteer work at a day care centre. Problem is, I'm actual leaving in April to travel a bit before I arrive in Japan. Therefore, an online course would be best
Any ideas anyone??
Any other info or advice you could supply me would be great too!
Thanks guys!
Training to teach younguns
Moderators: Dimitris, maneki neko2, Lorikeet, Enrico Palazzo, superpeach, cecil2, Mr. Kalgukshi2
I don't know that I can give you advice on where to seek training, but I can give you some basic ideas to get you started...
I was a newbie with elementary kids until August... I was teaching adults and high school, but was given an assignment with 2 Japanese students ages 6 and 8... I was hesitant until I remembered that kids like to play!
Make it fun... play games. Any game that has students repeat and use useful language works well. My kids love the game "Guess Who?" which is sold in the states, or invent a game that uses play money. My kids love it... and it's a great building block for grammar later.
Sing songs... the sillier the better! Even "good morning to you, good morning to you" to the tune of happy birthday gets them using langauge effectively.
Those simple things, couples with my students being immersed in first and third grade with other English speakers, has them progressing daily.
Have fun...
Amy
I was a newbie with elementary kids until August... I was teaching adults and high school, but was given an assignment with 2 Japanese students ages 6 and 8... I was hesitant until I remembered that kids like to play!
Make it fun... play games. Any game that has students repeat and use useful language works well. My kids love the game "Guess Who?" which is sold in the states, or invent a game that uses play money. My kids love it... and it's a great building block for grammar later.
Sing songs... the sillier the better! Even "good morning to you, good morning to you" to the tune of happy birthday gets them using langauge effectively.
Those simple things, couples with my students being immersed in first and third grade with other English speakers, has them progressing daily.
Have fun...
Amy
Try some music.. Go to http://members.shaw.ca/pamsouthwell for CDs that have been used by ESL teachers in Taiwan, and Japan. They are perfect for the age group 3-8 yrs. There are also lesson plans for the songs if you need them, The Five Little Finger Rhymes cd was especially good with kids your age. Actions the kids are engaged in. The cd has all the lyrics and the actions as well.
Good Luck
Good Luck