How to encourage my students to speak english?

Question

hi, i'm teaching english but i'm not english native teacher. My friend asked me to teach her class (5&6 graders at an english academy)for 3 weeks since she has some really important stuff to do during 3 weeks. I dont have any experience at teaching. This is really stress me, that most of students dont use english at class and some of them barely can read english alphabet. the weird thing is after they finish one book n have test no matter what is the result,all of them went to another higher level every month. I feel really bad for them because all the book they had studied gave no impact for their english, they can read it and understand most of the meanings but they they can speak it. and it seems that the director of the academy doesnt care...she just sent them up to another level each month. Do you have any idea what should i do to help n encourage them to use their english? again they 5 & 6 graders....do you think using song n see an english cartoon movie can help them? thank b4 ...have a nice day

Answer 1

Here are a few ways that have worked for me:

Partner activities.  Pair students, or put them in small groups and give each student incomplete information.  Tell them that for this activity they can't show others the information they got, but they can tell them about it.  They will have to talk with each other in order to solve the problem or complete the assignment.  

If they are afraid to speak up in class..."think, pair, share" works wonders.  When you pose a question give them a minute of silence to think of their answer.  If they're non-native English speakers thinking of their answer is twice as hard as for native English speakers because not only do they have to decide on an answer, but they also have to decide how they will say that answer in their second language.  Next, tell the students to pair.  They should talk to someone next to them and tell them what their answer is.  This helps with confidence because their peer hears their answer and can often help with difficult words in English.  Last, share.  You can ask for volunteer groups to share what they or their partner thought.  

Another option is having them take a few moments and write what they're thinking.  Then brave students can share, or you can collect the students' written answers to get a feel for their understanding and maybe share some examples...but no names.  

Language games are great too.  Pictionary is a good way to get students saying English words aloud.  Just make sure you choose things to be drawn that everyone knows the English word for.  There are many language games out there that are fun and encourage speaking.  

My last idea is a big one that would require support from all school staff.  You could give each of your students a punch card.  Whenever they talk to an adult in the school in English, that person will initial their card.  You can start small and give them a goal of 5 initials a week, and work up from there.  You could also just plain reward students who have the most initials.  

Two thoughts about students having a hard time speaking in class.  First, if students don't feel it's safe to make mistakes, they are afraid to speak up.  Also, if you have to say, "what?" frequently, this adds to their fear.  They feel like they can't make themselves understood, so why try?  The best way to get them to speak is to make it a safe environment, maybe do some team-building activities.  Second, as an ESL teacher, we often hear that students are speaking their native language in class.  Many teachers have a problem with that.  What I tell other teachers is, that's ok, and even good sometimes.  If students speak the same language, they can help each other understand directions, readings, films, etc.  It is usually easy to tell if they're talking about something they shouldn't be talking about.  What I tell my students is, "It's wonderful that you speak another language and can help each other, but you have to be polite about speaking your native language.  Don't talk while the teacher is talking, in any language, and remember that when people don't understand you, they sometimes feel like you're talking about them, so try not to do it when you're talking with someone who doesn't speak that language."

The reading problem is another thing entirely.  It sounds like they need a lot of instruction in reading strategies in order to really comprehend what they're reading, and for some, or be able to decode new words.  If the students' reading levels are really so low, they probably also have a limited vocabulary which is another thing that puts a damper on speaking.  If any of the students are new arrivals to the country, also, know that students go through a silent period when they are listening and learning, but not ready to speak English yet.  This can last up to a year.  I hope this helps!

Answer 2

I teach ESL.  The key to getting kids to speak in English is speaking to them in English and not responding unless they speak to you in English, and having them write in English and share answers aloud.

Studies show that old children and adults learn to read and write first and then learn to speak, so if they seem to understand it through reading and writing, but don't want to speak that is a good sign that they can speak if challenged or will soon be able to.

Kate Kinsella has some great methods I have used with new immigrants.  One is facilitating a class discussion  With any topic have them list 3 things.  For example have them list 3 things students should do in class.  Then you start a sentence and they have to pick their favorite idea and copy it into the sentence starter.  You write "to be a good student, a student should _______________. Then you go around and help them write their answers correctly.  Then you call on students to read the whole sentence aloud.  You can incorporate new vocabulary into the sentence starter.

Get them talking in English and they will get in the habit- even if it is just reading off a page.

Answer 3

Use awards or treats encourage them to read books and ask for questions.....hope this helped