Teaching English to Chinese Kids: A Beginner’s Guide
Teaching English to the Chinese kids can be quite overwhelming. Several little faces – aged 6 to 10 looking at you intently. When you open yourself up, you are sure to find tenderness and affection.
One thing that makes you a successful ESL teacher is experience. When you step into the spotlight, be aware of a series of pitfalls. Be resolute, be brave! There are eyes following your every move.
We would strongly recommend becoming TEFL certified to give yourself the best opportunity to land an ESL position in China. The TEFL Academy offers a 168 hour level 5 online TEFL certification course that is internationally recognised and accredited by both the US and UK governing bodies.
Mentioned below is a guide that may help since it is based on the children’s viewpoint.
Pre-Class Training
You cannot deny the significance of preparation. Divide your lesson into charts, lists, activities, etc., each of 10 to 15 minutes. Kids prefer structure and when you do not have it, the class turns chaotic or you lose control.
Grade K-2
Chinese kids perceive the English native speakers as extraordinary. They will observe your actions with extreme focus. For them, you are a wonder, and you must try being so. Plan one game at least. ESL is not conventional learning and games promote relaxation, making the students much more receptive. Introduce yourself in say 5 minutes and utilize the rest of the time to teach the language through interesting games. Praise the kids and be gentle if someone is unruly.
Grade 3-5
These Chinese kids may know the basics of English, so, they can respond to as well as interact with you in a hassle-free manner. You can ask them to share their sentiments, stories, and opinions they treasure about the school environment. Even if you are provided with bright kids, be aware of their limits. They will also like games, so, develop some by incorporating grammar, punctuation, spellings, etc. Build friendly competition through different types of rewards.
Grade 6-8
These kids are exciting to work because they have already become little people, who understand everything you are saying, who are eager to share the things that happen in their house and country. Of course, you still need to manage the classroom, and cannot compromise discipline. Preparation becomes all the more important because these kids would not follow you doe-eyed but question and challenge you. Connect with them through private conversations about songs, movies, comic books, etc.
You may ask the kids in grade 6-8 to see an English movie or listen to an English song. Give them a couple of days in which they have to chalk down the things they liked as well as disliked about the topic. Never rebuke publicly if they make mistakes. Remember and discuss them later after the class. Value the perspectives they shared even if they do not make much sense.
According to the experts offering lucrative English teaching opportunities, you must have fun. Although being professional is mandatory, you must make the classes interesting by sharing with the children your feelings and events happened in your life.
Changing the world is hard, but, according to Harry Wong, a famous middle-school teacher“every child holds a candle waiting to be lit.” You must light those candles and make sure they keep illuminating for a prolonged period.
