I frequently
have conversations with English teachers who ask me for advice about teaching children
who hate English. The fact is, it's almost impossible to teach anyone who
refuses to learn or who doesn't believe that they are able to learn. The first
step is to show them that English isn't scary, threatening or impossible to
understand. In order for children to learn anything they must be convinced that
they are capable of learning and that it will be painless.
With young
children (pre-K until about 2nd grade) it's usually much easier. They
are natural mimickers and less self-conscious about how they sound, which makes
it easier to get them to speak. Even the stubborn pupils at this age are easier
to convince. If we speak to them or sing with them in English accompanied by
hand gestures or facial expressions, they understand and absorb the language
without even being aware that they're learning. After they respond to a request
or answer a question, that's the time to point out that you spoke English and
they understood.
As children get older it becomes more
difficult. By the middle of elementary school they begin developing mental
blocks. They recognize English immediately and "tune-out" without
even trying to understand. Weak pupils develop real gaps in addition to those
they imagined. But all is not lost. Use the English words they
already know. On Facebook you can see faces. Photoshop is used to
edit photos. Cars must pass a test. Men put on aftershave after
they shave. All of these are words associations that students suggested.
I also recommend
that sometimes you put aside the books and workbooks and try these ideas
instead.
Games: Look for
simple games appropriate for their age that involve some English. They need to
experience success without feeling like the games are too easy or childish.
Card games with words and pictures are easy to learn and also teach sentences
like "It's your turn", "Do you have…", etc. There are also
a lot of fun group games that use repetitive sentences. Take games they enjoy
playing in Hebrew and translate them into English. These will be easy to learn
and understand. Don't forget the classics like hangman, charades, Simon says
and "When I go to the moon I will bring…". Praise each achievement
with "Very good!", "Well done!" or "Excellent!".
Songs: Most of your students,
even if they don't like English lessons, probably listen to songs in English.
Ask them what songs they like, make sure the lyrics are appropriate and learn
the songs together. Work on pronunciation, talk about the meaning of the
lyrics, ask them questions about the song and the singer. Let them stage a clip
or choreograph a dance to the song. If you have students who play instruments
they may want to bring instruments to class.
Rap: Rhythm is
contagious. Setting your lessons to a catchy rhythm improves pronunciation,
makes language chunks easier to remember and most important, kids love it.
Write a sentence on the board, then elicit similar sentences from students.
Start a rhythm by snapping your fingers, tapping on your desk, hitting a small
drum, etc. If you don't feel like a rapper, let your students take over. Invite
them to perform for the class.
Find
out what interests them: What are their hobbies? What do they like to do?
What do they want to talk about today? Go for a walk, cook, dance, draw
pictures, play football, it doesn't matter what you do as long as you do it in
English. If they are absorbed in an activity and enjoying themselves they will
forget that they don't understand.
Like
in any aspect of education, the most important thing is to encourage them and
let them experience success. Show them that they can learn, speak and
understand. They may even have fun.
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