Esl Children

A teacher is one who helps children grow, helps them learn, helps them to discover their own potential and gives them the perfect knowledge and skill they require to succeed as adults. A good teacher should be kind, patient, enthusiastic, be able to motivate students, etc. and it is only through these skills can a teacher be able to manage the classroom well. Classroom management is a skill that develops through time. It requires a teacher to be well organized and systematic in his/her approach to teaching and handling students. Effective classroom management creates a healthy relationship between teachers and students and also a healthy environment for teaching and learning. ...  [Read more]

In Ghana most children enter school speaking little or no English. This seems unbelievable when English is the countrys offical language. Infact the reason for this is that there are over 44 indigenous languages within Ghana so this alone causes students problems when they come to study English. In Ghana urgent attention is needed towards literacy. At present only 10% of students can read at grade level after 6 years in primary school. Classes of 20- 30 pupils will only have 2 English textbooks to accommodate the whole group. The Government wants students to be proficient in English by grade 4 so that they are able to understand lessons where instruction is English. Students are expected to respond using oral and written English and finally be able to read from textbooks...  [Read more]

Teaching English has become a major industry worldwide, with countless adult and child students enrolled in courses worldwide. Teaching children and teaching adults are different tasks. There are natural differences in the abilities and predispositions of adults and children that makes the methods effective in teaching them different.One of the advantages of teaching any new language to any child is that they are closer to the state in which they learned their first language. There is debate as to how exactly an initial language is learned, and whether it is more through nature or throw nurture that children are able to undergo this process, but it seems to be universally agreed that children are at an advantage when it comes to learning languages ...  [Read more]

Children and teenagers (with their own special problems) have very high energy levels and it is inevitable that from time to time the teacher may have to deal with disruptive behaviour. As with all students the mood of the class and the individuals within that class will be determined by many external factors. For example: family life, peer group associations, individual personality traits. The behaviour and attitude of the teacher is perhaps the single most important factor in a classroom and can thus have a major effect on discipline.(ITTT unit 19 Class discipline/management)Defining effective managers as those teachers whose classrooms were orderly, had a minimum of student behaviour, and had high levels of time on task and ineffective mangers as those whose classrooms ...  [Read more]

Growing up, my parents provided their children with a multitude of opportunities so that we could discover our talents and nurture those skills. They enrolled me and my sister in Art, Piano, Gymnastics, Ballet/Jazz, Cello, Girl Scouts, and Kumon classes, just to name a few. Because my parents were such strong proponents of a well-integrated education, I was able to recognize my innate artistic capabilities at a very early age. However, as I entered High School my extra-curricular activities were reduced to Piano Lessons and Student Council. My parents brought in private tutors for my sister and me with the hope that we may excel in our Honors English and Math Courses at school. I couldn't blame them for their decision. After all, any college- bound student who takes her...  [Read more]

'Why should I take a TEFL course' I love children and I love teaching. isn't that enough' It's quite possible that I'm not the only person that ever entertained such thoughts, and even now I look back and shake my head. Yes indeed, a love for the people and teaching are absolutely necessary in order to be a truly successful teacher, but as I have realized, there is so much I would have been sadly unprepared for if I had gone into it without the TEFL training! Being a good teacher involves really knowing your material, and the students will be able to sense if teachers aren't really secure in their knowledge. It will also convey the thought that maybe the teacher doesn't care enough about what they''re doing to put serious effort into learning it first themselves. I'll just...  [Read more]

When observing children, the speed and accuracy to which they acquire their native language is quite remarkable to adults. There are many different cultures and many ways in which children are raised, but the rate at which they acquire this information is consistent all over the world. In the scientific community, language acquisition by humans is one of the most unexplainable and highly studied feats in our everyday lives. Parents do not teach their children the grammatical structure of language or how to speak it, rather it is something that is acquired early in life and continues to progress into adulthood. It is said that by the time a child enters pre-school, he or she already has mastered most of the mechanics of their mother language (Galasso). By studying the ...  [Read more]

The age, background, and motivation of the students in your ESL classroom will vary greatly depending on where you are teaching and the school or institute you work for. You could have a class full of university students, hotel workers or even high flying business executives. Alternatively, you might work in a government school teaching a class of children aged anywhere from five to sixteen. Each of these groups has its own characteristics, and different teachers have their own preferences. Just remember that by completing a reputable TEFL certification course before you head off abroad, you will learn all the skills required to deliver effective and enjoyable lessons to almost any group of learners. A large percentage of teachers working in ESL classrooms overseas will find their...  [Read more]

In this essay I review some issues related to child development which are useful for ESL teachers to be aware of as they may enhance or constrain language acquisition.Stages of Language Acquisition: Much evidence suggests that basic sounds, vocabulary, negating phrases, forming questions, using relative clauses, etc., are developed in stages. This appears to be independent from the learning situation (in the classroom or on the street) and is generally applicable across a spectrum of learners from different language backgrounds. It is analogous to the learning stages that babies go through when acquiring language: babbling (bababa), vocabulary (milk then later milk drink), negation (no play), question forming (where she go) and so on. Interestingly, error correction does not...  [Read more]

Teaching English has become a major industry worldwide, with countless adult and child students enrolled in courses worldwide. Teaching children and teaching adults are different tasks. There are natural differences in the abilities and predispositions of adults and children that makes the methods effective in teaching them different. One of the advantages of teaching any new language to any child is that they are closer to the state in which they learned their first language. There is debate as to how exactly an initial language is learned, and whether it is more through nature or throw nurture that children are able to undergo this process, but it seems to be universally agreed that children are at an advantage when it comes to learning languages ...  [Read more]

It is certainly possible to travel overseas and work as an English language teacher if you have children. However, there are several things to consider before deciding whether it is the right option for you and your family. Wherever you are in the world raising children can be an expensive proposition, so before you head off to teach English abroad you need to be sure that it is financially viable. As pay levels vary greatly from one region to the next, where you plan to teach is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Europe and Latin America are both very popular destinations for ESL teachers, but it is not easy to earn enough to support more than one person in these regions. In contrast, across Asia there are several countries such as China, South Korea, Taiwan...  [Read more]

Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and visuals. ...  [Read more]

When selecting a TEFL course, it is best to narrow your focus to the courses that will give you the best chance to achieve your goals. TEFL qualified teachers are employed in a range of roles. Most notably, teaching children in a school setting, teaching business English at a language center, working as a private tutor, or teaching English online. Keeping your options open is a good approach, but it isn't for everyone. Understandably, some teachers limit their options to employment in a specific area or to the flexibility of online teaching jobs. If you wish to teach English via a virtual platform, it is advisable to complete a qualification which includes specific certification in teaching English online. Identifying the type of students that you would like to teach can also impact...  [Read more]

Check out Tesolcourse.com about TEFL - 2 Weeks TEFL and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: G. M. South Korea said: Upon starting this course I had very little idea as to what to expect. I had been teaching english for several years without any formal training of any kind, sort of making it up as I went along. When one enters a job without any formal theory or training, there are weaknesses and blindspots that are hard to identify and tackle. As my education was originally technical, it offered me little to no help with this. I did not know how to organize and execute a class so that the...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in China is for the most part pleasant and exciting. Students are eager to learn. However, one of the frustrations ESL teachers often complain about is that students seem to make the same mistakes repetitively. Learners will often transfer the rules of their first language to express something in their second language. This transference happens when they have insufficient knowledge of the rules of the second language. In China, students fall back on the rules of their first language (Mandarin) when they do not know the rules of the second language (English). The result is a poor form of English, informally referred to as "Chinglish". The errors that occur are also called language interference errors. These errors affect...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in China is for the most part pleasant and exciting. Students are eager to learn. However, one of the frustrations ESL teachers often complain about is that students seem to make the same mistakes repetitively. Learners will often transfer the rules of their first language to express something in their second language. This transference happens when they have insufficient knowledge of the rules of the second language. In China, students fall back on the rules of their first language (Mandarin) when they do not know the rules of the second language (English). The result is a poor form of English, informally referred to as "Chinglish". The errors that occur are also called language interference errors. These...  [Read more]

Until recent years Greece was one of the most popular destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad. Unfortunately, the global financial crisis of 2008 has led to a downturn in almost every sector of the economy, including ESL teaching. Despite these setbacks, Greece still attracts a large number of foreign teachers every year due to the warm Mediterranean climate, countless stunning beaches and islands, and a relaxed approach to life. Athens is home to the biggest job market for teachers, while other cities such as Thessaloniki, Larissa, Heraklion, and Corfu are also popular. Although ESL teaching jobs are still relatively easy to come by, the salaries on offer have not risen substantially since the start of the financial crisis. However, the average salary for a first-time...  [Read more]

In the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL), games are very important, with adults and especially with children. Let?s face it, no matter how much one wants to learn another language sometimes class discussions about verb tenses and vocabulary can be monotonous, slow, and boring. Games make learning fun and can be used to add a little spice to class. Many people are motivated by competition so games can stimulate this enthusiasm and help to stimulate participation. Games can be used to aid in: learning vocabulary, verb usage, vocabulary review, pronunciation practice, phrase building, confidence building, and encouraging students to think and respond in English. Games are great ways to begin or end a class. Openers for classes are used to introduce...  [Read more]

In the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL), games are very important, with adults and especially with children. Let’s face it, no matter how much one wants to learn another language sometimes class discussions about verb tenses and vocabulary can be monotonous, slow, and boring. Games make learning fun and can be used to add a little spice to class. Many people are motivated by competition so games can stimulate this enthusiasm and help to stimulate participation. Games can be used to aid in: learning vocabulary, verb usage, vocabulary review, pronunciation practice, phrase building, confidence building, and encouraging students to think and respond in English. Games are great ways to begin or end a class. Openers for classes are used to introduce new...  [Read more]

It would be nice to think that an ESL teacher could enter the classroom with a friendly smile, the appropriate warmer and a well- planned lesson, and the result would be a room full of students progressing continually in their language skills. However, with a task as great as learning English as a second language, the experience is rarely that easy. Learning English has its’ own unique difficulties, and it profits the ESL teacher most if these challenges are explored and prepared for before entering the classroom. One such challenge is students with learning disabilities; when it is believed that a student has a learning disability, teachers must consider diagnosis and appropriate teaching methods.It can be hard to make the decision to evaluate students for a learning...  [Read more]

  Within the teaching of ESL throughout the world, there is a whole spectrum of the types of groups that you may be involved in. It's worth breaking those types of groups down to have a look at some of the more specific things we need to do when we're teaching those groups - and this is what this video focuses on. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. I feel that I have learned to understand more than just to help and move on. Children needs more...  [Read more]

Native English speakers teaching English abroad can find themselves working in a wide range of schools, institutes, academies, colleges, universities, camps and other settings. The most numerous opportunities, particularly in Europe and Latin America, are generally found in private language schools. State-run schools also offer a high number of teaching positions, particularly across Asian countries. A significant percentage of all ESL teaching jobs are located in language schools that are privately owned by individuals or independent companies. These can range in size from a single room school with one teacher, to large chains spread across several countries. Many of these private schools provide general English instruction to all ages and abilities, while some may specialize in...  [Read more]

  Alina lives in Bucharest in Romania and has been teaching English there for several years. In her TEFL review video she explains how she chose to take the 120-hour online TEFL course with tutor support and videos from ITTT in order to receive professional training in English language teaching. After researching online, Alina decided that the online course from ITTT best suited her needs to be able to study while also working, which gave her the chance to apply what she was learning to her classes as she progressed through the course. Alina is looking forward to further study with a course in teaching English to young learners. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken...  [Read more]

In an elementary EFL/ESL class in South Korea, you may begin teaching a class and at the start and you are welcomed with the exclamation from a student “Game teacher!” This could even turn into a chant of “Game, Game, Game” with other students joining in. While the interest in games by children can’t be denied in general, are games an effective and useful in the ESL classroom? Games can be enjoyed by students of all ages in the ESL classroom, including adults. Students tend to welcome a break from the traditional lecture and study methods they may be used to. Games are a way to make learning fun in the classroom. This can be important for students who are children and may be working hard in...  [Read more]

In an elementary EFL/ESL class in South Korea, you may begin teaching a class and at the start and you are welcomed with the exclamation from a student “Game teacher!” This could even turn into a chant of “Game, Game, Game” with other students joining in. While the interest in games by children can’t be denied in general, are games an effective and useful in the ESL classroom'Games can be enjoyed by students of all ages in the ESL classroom, including adults. Students tend to welcome a break from the traditional lecture and study methods they may be used to. Games are a way to make learning fun in the classroom. This can be important for students who are children and may be working hard in school day and night and for adults who are busy working themselves. ...  [Read more]

The use of songs in the ESL classroom can be a fun and innovative way of covering a range of English language topics. Songs can be used for vocabulary, grammar, dictation, pronunciation (stress and intonation), phonetics, speaking, writing, listening, integrative skills, and many other ESL points. Furthermore, songs can invite the non-native speaker into the English speaking culture. For instance, pop music gives the learner a taste of what is trendy at the moment. Meanwhile, the lyrics to classic rock songs can give a sense of history and the attitude of the country at the time of recording (for example, 'Give Peace a Chance,' John Lennon, 1969). Additionally, children's songs are crucially important for the young learner...  [Read more]

The use of songs in the ESL classroom can be a fun and innovative way of covering a range of English language topics. Songs can be used for vocabulary, grammar, dictation, pronunciation (stress and intonation), phonetics, speaking, writing, listening, integrative skills, and many other ESL points. Furthermore, songs can invite the non-native speaker into the English speaking culture. For instance, pop music gives the learner a taste of what is trendy at the moment. Meanwhile, the lyrics to classic rock songs can give a sense of history and the attitude of the country at the time of recording (for example, ?Give Peace a Chance,? John Lennon, 1969). Additionally, children?s songs are crucially important for the young...  [Read more]

Quite often, the terms English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) are used interchangeably to describe English language instruction to non-native speakers. However, it is becoming increasingly more well known that the two contexts are quite different, demanding the teacher approach and execute different teaching methodologies in the classes. In an ESL setting, the class is likely to be multilingual and be completely immersed in the language by living in the culture of the target language. On the other hand, in the EFL setting, the class is typically monolingual and living in their own country (Brown 2001).In Teaching by principles, author H. Douglas Brown explains that 'it is useful to consider the pedagogical implications for a continuum of...  [Read more]

  Tim currently completed our 120-hour online certification course and enjoyed working with the well-organized units. He also found the videos accompanying the course very useful. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. In this unit, troubleshooting, I learned about the different problems and solutions that I might encounter in teaching English as Second Language. Some of the problems are when I have large classes, reluctant students, and when the...  [Read more]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of...  [Read more]