Advice Box

Let’s Share! One-point Advice

Vol.42 Keys for a trial lesson.

Please advice some keys for a trial lesson.
Trial lessons must satisfy parents. At the same time, teachers need to make sure that the kids enjoy learning English.

 

Teaching skills will be judged by a lesson and kids are usually nervous with a new teacher, in a new atmosphere and the new language.

 

Please start the lesson with following tips.

 

１．Remember the names of the trial students in advance. Name tags using alphabetic letters is a good idea. Kids in trial lessons are usually nervous and teachers should act friendly to make them feel comfortable.

 

２．Prepare some fun music, picture books and picture cards that kids can join naturally to the atmosphere of an English lesson.

 

３．Focus on the fun part of using English through activities.

 

４．At the beginning children are not confident to speak in English. Do not force them but praise them when they speak English even if it’s not a full sentence.

 

５．If a trial student speaks in English out loud at the end of the lesson, even just a word, it means your lesson was a success.

 

Do not keep the same activity for too long with trial students (no longer than 10 minutes per activity). It depends on the age but teachers must move on before kids get tired of an activity.

class-wall HelloKids　　　IMG_1796ktyoushitu　　　HelloKisaClass

Vol. 5 First to third grade in the same class. Learning World 1?

I have a class with students from first grade through third grade. Should I use Learning World 1?
Learning World 1 is best for students who have at least 2 years experience studying English. You could also use it with students who have studied English for one year who are in the third grade.

For your class with mixed-age students, you should use WELCOME to Learning World YELLOW as a warm-up book before using Learning World 1. YELLOW’s chants, songs and short dialogues are a fun way for students to start learning English.

*You could also consider WELCOME to Learning World BLUE for a warm-up text before Learning World 1. YELLOW and BLUE are about the same level and cover similar topics, but with some variations in topic, vocabulary and target language.

Vol. 4 Beginner class of kindergarteners: WELCOME YELLOW? PINK?

I have a class of kindergarteners who are studying English for the first time. Can I use WELCOME to Learning World YELLOW? Or is it too hard to start with YELLOW without doing PINK first?
WELCOME to Learning World YELLOW is recommended for kindergarten (nen-cho) students who are studying English for the first time. Students do not necessarily need to study PINK first. YELLOW is designed for beginning students to have fun and train their ears to hear English through fun songs and chants, and simple dialogues. The short dialogues between friends are perfect for students of this age.

PINK follows the daily life of a child and interaction with Mom and Dad. This text is recommended especially for 3-4 year olds, whose lives are centered more around interaction with their parents than with their friends.

Vol. 3 What are the differences between WELCOME PINK, YELLOW and BLUE?

In just a few words, what are the main differences between WELCOME to Learning World PINK, YELLOW and BLUE?

WELCOME to Learning World WELCOME has three books:
・PINK: leads children and parents through their daily lives and family interactions, from waking up to going to bed.
・YELLOW & BLUE: broaden the horizons a bit to include more variety of social interactions with family and friends.

* YELLOW and BLUE are similar levels, covering similar topics, but with slightly different vocabulary and phrases.

For more information:
http://www.apricot-plaza.co.jp/en/lw_lineup

Vol. 2 Students from ages 3 to 6 in the same class. Which WELCOME text?

I have students ranging from ages 3 to 6 in the same class. Which WELCOME to Learning World textbook should I use?

For this class WELCOME to Learning World YELLOW is probably best. YELLOW is recommended for older preschool classes with no, or very limited, English background. If the class were divided into two groups, WELCOME to Learning World PINK would be recommended for the 3-4 year olds, and YELLOW for the 5-6 year olds.

(With small children, having students with age ranges of over 3 years apart is not recommended. You encounter problems with developmental milestones and issues with motor skills. For example, how to hold a pencil and apply appropriate pressure. If the class is too large, you will also have a hard time making progress and advancing. If you can split the class into two, that would really be best.)