| It's possible to teach English to every age group, from | | | | new ideas gradually. |
| preschoolers through to adults. The chances are that if | | | | Teaching secondary/high school children - Teaching |
| you join a language school, you may not have much | | | | this age group can be challenging, as it is the age |
| choice and will probably get a mixture of abilities and | | | | where children often become shy and self-conscious. It |
| ages. However, decide to teach at a state school or | | | | can take time and patience to establish a relationship |
| kindergarten and you'll be teaching a specific age | | | | with teenagers, so you shouldn't expect immediate |
| group. If this is your first shot at teaching, the chances | | | | results. No matter how hard they try to make you |
| are you'll have had little, if any experience of different | | | | believe otherwise, teenagers of this age are still |
| age groups. You may have strong ideas or feel | | | | children, and enjoy competitive games! You'll need to |
| unsure about the age groups you wish to teach; so | | | | show that you're willing to connect with their world and |
| getting a little experience will pay dividends. | | | | interests, and don't assume that pop groups and |
| Try ringing up your local school and volunteering your | | | | actors famous in the west are well-known in the |
| services as a classroom assistant. Interaction with | | | | country you're teaching in. Teaching teenagers can be |
| pupils and observation of a qualified teacher should | | | | particularly rewarding as many are desperate to |
| give you a much better idea of children's capabilities in | | | | speak to a native English speaker, and have a genuine |
| your chosen age group. If you can't find a friendly | | | | desire to learn English. |
| school, try and contact local youth groups in your area, | | | | Teaching University Students - This is a privileged |
| or contact the local scout/brownie group leader. This | | | | position, and universities often expect teachers to |
| experience should give you more confidence, as well | | | | have an MA in linguistics, although this is not always the |
| as impressing prospective employers. | | | | case. You'll need a thorough knowledge of the English |
| Teaching preschoolers This is for the very active, and | | | | language, a love of English literature and be prepared |
| teachers who prefer kinaesthetic methods of teaching | | | | to do a lot of marking! That said, this probably won't be |
| English. You need to have a sense of fun for this role, | | | | your first teaching role! |
| not to mention boundless energy! If you are employed | | | | Teaching Adults - There are many benefits to |
| full time at a nursery school or kindergarten, bear in | | | | teaching adults. For a start, you won't have to worry |
| mind that you'll probably be expected to multitask. | | | | about discipline as, having paid for the lessons, most |
| Working as part psychologist, part nurse, part dinner | | | | adults are motivated to learn. However, even this age |
| lady, not to mention part language teacher, are all | | | | group has its disadvantages. Adults may have strong |
| integrated into the role of a kindergarten teacher! It is a | | | | expectations and can even tell you how to do your |
| hugely rewarding but demanding role, and not for the | | | | job! In this case you need to be polite, but firm. Don't let |
| faint hearted! | | | | an adult undermine your authority, or take control of a |
| Teaching preschoolers at a language school is a less | | | | class. Adults may also be much more resistant to |
| demanding role, as the parents usually tag along too! | | | | trying new ideas, and feel that games or role-play are |
| Prepare yourself well and make sure you arm yourself | | | | childish! Introduce new ideas slowly, and don't be |
| with a variety of songs, action games, puppets, toys | | | | deterred if they don't work out first time round. |
| and pictures. Remember: young children of two or | | | | Remember, many adults have experienced boring |
| three have a very short attention span, so you will | | | | English lessons at school, so this is your opportunity to |
| need to keep your activities short and snappy. Plenty | | | | make learning a positive experience for them. |
| of variety and routine are the keys to successful | | | | What should I do if the age range I've chosen isn't for |
| lessons. | | | | me? Whichever age ranges you decide to teach, |
| Teaching primary/elementary school children - Many | | | | remember that establishing a relationship with a class |
| English teachers are required in primary schools. | | | | takes time. Give yourself at least ten weeks before |
| Children of this age are full of enthusiasm, and enjoy | | | | deciding that this age group isn't for you, and always |
| learning. Make learning English fun by including games, | | | | give at least a term's notice if teaching at a school. |
| songs and stories. Sometimes you may be required to | | | | Remember, finding a solution is always preferable, and |
| team-teach with another class teacher. Remember: be | | | | if you don't get on with one particular class or teacher, |
| patient, and don't expect all your ideas to be accepted | | | | there is always the possibility that you may be able to |
| immediately. Concentrate on building a good working | | | | swap classes with another teacher. |
| relationship with your class teacher and then suggest | | | | |