Going to be teaching french and spanish children english...?

Question

I am goig to be tutoring four french and spanish children english over the course of three weeks got lots of ideas but just intersted to hear others? thanks

Answer 1

Much would depend on their ages,of course. Also, their current grasp of English -and how long you will be tutoring each day.

(Are they going to stay with you 24/7 or visit for a set number of hours?)

Whatever the ages - children enjoy an element of competition - if handled in the right spirit - and daily vocabulary tests of say 20 or more words could be the source of fun - and give you a record of their progress. (Which would also assist in you reporting back to parents at the end of the 3 weeks - with a reliable record.)

There's a huge difference, of course, between 5 or 6 year-olds - and 11 or 12 year-olds, who could handle more than say 40 test words every day - of increasing complexity.

If they are to be with you 24/7 - I'd suggest that if possible you take them out and about in order to SEE the local landscape - point out the beauty spots - and not so beautiful.

It's reckoned we learn about 60/70% visually rather than audibly. (Books excluded.)

Given the language is essential to the culture, trips to the local zoo, museums, historical sites,etc would probably leave longer lasting impressions than hours of possibly dreary hours of grammatical stuff.

And bear in mind most TV programmes nowadays have English sub-titles - for the deaf - so those of a certain age can read the standard English version of otherwise

weird regional accents.

Hope some of this helps.

Answer 2

From experience of teaching italian / belgian children......be prepared to be more relaxed about teaching and don't expect there to be much discipline. The kids tend to be more playful and not used to listening to the teacher. They're sweet and well tempered but you might be in for a shock - Its not you...its just the continental style! Once you're used to it you'll enjoy it!