Teaching English To Children:A Unique ,Challenging Experience For Teachers, Effective Teaching Ideas
Why do we teach children a new language ?
Is essential needed for children who want to immigrate to other countries to follow the educational systems
Is to motivate young learners to be ready and have self confident in learning English at higher levels of education
Is very important role in social relationship among human beings
The Characteristics of Children
In learning language, children begin learning simple expressions
Broadly speaking, children learn abstract rules of language from which they listen
Scott and Lisbeth (1992)
Are mature enough
They have a particular point of view
They are able to describe the difference between facts and fictions
They are curious of asking questions
Hashemi ( 2008 )
believes that teaching to children is a delicate and sensitive task for the following reasons
Language learning class for them is their first year of schooling
They are highly motivated and energetic
They are new sponges to absorb
They have various language back grounds
They are easily frustrated if corrected immediately
They are ready to imitate and participate
They love group work
They love independence
They need respect and attention
They easily learn from their environments
They are great competitors
Language Teaching to Children
Children tend to have shorter attention spans and a lot of physical energy
Scott and Ytreberg (1990, 2)
“Their own understanding comes through hands and eyes and ears.
The physical world is dominant at all times.”
In order to keep them engaged it is necessary to supplement the activities with
lots of brightly colored visuals
toys
puppets
objects
A language teacher can make the language input enjoyable and comprehensible as well
According to Cameron (2001, 10)
We can see how classroom routines, which happen every day may provide opportunities for language development.”
TPR ( Total Physical Response ) Method
James Asher
Is a method of teaching language developed
It is based on the premise that the human brain has a biological program for acquiring any natural language on earth
including the sign language of the deaf
The theories and principles behind TPR
L1 language acquisition theories
Brain Lateralization into right and left hemispheres
Affective filter and stress reduction
The characteristics of language teachers who teach to children
Must be energetic and patient
Must love children
Must pay attention to individual differences
Must encourage , encourage , and encourage
Must let children see the beautiful and useful aspects of the language
Must let them love you as the language teacher and the new language as well
Must know the techniques of teaching
Must respect children as human
Must start teaching to children as soon as possible
Some teaching tips for new teachers
Teaching English to children, should be enjoyable, interesting, repetitive, and understandable
There should be appropriate methods and techniques for teaching English to them
Speak clearly and concisely
Use enjoyable language learning games
Let them listen to music and watch cartoons in English
Observe successful language classes for teaching tips
Get your real objects to the class