Tips for teaching children English as a Second Language (ESL)

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to children can be both rewarding and challenging. Remember, teaching children requires a lot of patience mixed with fun and playfulness. It is nothing like teaching adults. The younger the children are, the more you’ll need to employ silly songs and activities. Keep your language simple and clear so that children can understand while using repetition and variation. Here are some effective tips to enhance your teaching:

1. Use visual aids

• Flashcards, pictures, and videos can make abstract concepts tangible. For example, use images to teach vocabulary or illustrate stories. Using pictures, flashcards, and realia (real objects) will make learning more concrete and engaging.
• Interactive media like apps or educational games can engage children who are used to digital environments.

2. Incorporating songs and rhymes is great for memorization and pronunciation practice.

• Children love music, and songs help with memorizing new words and phrases through repetition.
• Rhymes also aid in understanding the pronunciation and rhythm of the language.

3. Make it fun with games: Use games to make learning enjoyable. Games can help with vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

• Language games like “Simon Says,” “I Spy,” or “20 Questions” can teach vocabulary and sentence structure in a playful context.
• Role-playing scenarios where children act out daily situations can help in practical language use.

4. Storytelling: This will help foster creativity and cooperation, extend attention span, and help motivate students to participate.

• Use simple, engaging stories with repetitive phrases. This not only teaches language but also cultural aspects.
• Encourage children to retell the story or predict what happens next, promoting speaking skills.

5. Total physical response (TPR)

• This method involves giving commands and having students respond with actions. It’s great for young learners to connect language with physical movement, like “stand up,” “sit down,” etc.

6. Cultivate a safe learning environment

• Encourage learning in an environment that is free from distractions.
• Make sure the classroom is a place where making mistakes is okay. This encourages students to speak without fear of judgment.
• Praise effort and participation, not just correctness, to boost confidence.

7. Use real-life contexts

• Teach vocabulary and phrases in contexts that are relevant to the children’s lives, like food, family, or school.
• Field trips, even if just around the school, can provide real-world language practice.

8. Repetition with variation

• Repeat vocabulary and structures in different contexts to reinforce learning. However, vary the activities to keep interest high.

9. Encourage interaction

• Pair or group activities where children can practice speaking with each other. This peer interaction is invaluable for language development.
• Use structured conversation activities where they can ask and answer simple questions.

10. Adapt to different learning styles

• Recognize that children learn differently. Some might be visual learners, and others might learn better through listening or doing. Tailor your teaching strategies accordingly.

11. Parental involvement

• Encourage parents to practice English at home with simple games or by using English in daily activities if possible. Also, especially in online environments, you want the parents to create a safe learning environment that has limited distractions.

12. Feedback and assessment

• Provide positive, constructive feedback. Assess regularly but keep assessments fun and educational, like through games or storytelling.

13. Cultural sensitivity

• Be aware of cultural differences that might affect language learning and classroom behavior. Respect and incorporate elements of the children’s cultures into your teaching. Ultimately, you want to create an environment where all children will feel both welcomed and valued.

Teaching ESL to children is about making learning as interactive and enjoyable as possible. Most importantly, remember to be patient and understand, use positive reinforcement, and celebrate successes.