Each foreign language teacher has his own audience, or in other words, the “ideal student”. Teachers clearly represent the category of people with whom they want to work. And if adult students know the answer to the question “why do they need English”, then children do not have the slightest idea.
They are far from our reasoning about getting a prestigious education abroad or promotion. However, it also has its charms. Many teachers teach children because they get positive emotions during the lessons and joy from the results achieved.
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Conventionally, children are divided into groups according to age:
- preschool age (3-6 years);
- primary school students (7-11 years old);
- middle classes (12-14 years old);
- high school students (15-17 years old).
Teaching young learners is very different from adults, due to psychological and logical features. For example, with preschoolers, you will not learn grammar rules and open brackets by putting the verb in the correct form. For younger children, you need to prepare fun songs, coloring pages and active exercises. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with all the ways of hobbies for young students in the classroom in our article.
It is also important to take into account some of the nuances in training:
- child's desire
- sequence and regularity of classes;
- compliance of materials with age and interests;
- discipline control.
Since the child does not pursue "adult goals", it should be interesting for him to study English. So, the teacher must provide an atmosphere in which the student will be comfortable and curious to receive new knowledge. You can learn more about the difference in conducting lessons regarding the age of children here.
For complete immersion of children in the language, the following methods:
- associative;
- audiolingual;
- lexical.
As you can see, there are quite a few details. Without the relevant experience or at least theoretical knowledge, you can find yourself in the middle of the ocean without a life jacket. In this case, the lessons will become torture not only for the students, but also for the teacher. We have prepared for you a list of courses, thanks to which you can get the necessary base and start working with children.
TKT YL
One of the optional modules of the main exam called the Teaching Knowledge Test, which contains 80 questions about teaching Young Learners. This international exam is suitable for those who are going to study English with students aged 6-12 and want to gain the necessary theoretical knowledge.
The exam contains situations that test the candidate on topics:
- assessment of knowledge of English in children;
- psychological aspects of conducting lessons;
- features of planning classes depending on age.
With a little experience, you will be able to prepare for the exam on your own, using the necessary literature. However, it is better for beginners to take a training course with an experienced mentor. The cost of each module of the exam is approximately 4500 rubles.
CELT-P and CELT-S
Two similar courses from Cambridge English, where Primary involves teaching English to children from 6-12 years old, and Secondary - from 11-18. It should be noted that they differ only in the age characteristics of teaching. The cost is approximately $600. Unlike TKT, it evaluates the practical application of the acquired knowledge, and provides feedback.
The knowledge gained relates to:
- lesson planning;
- selection of materials and search for resources;
- techniques and approaches in teaching a certain skill in English.
Interestingly, in order to obtain an international certificate CELT-P / CELT-S, TKT module during the course. However, if it has already been submitted, then you do not have to do it again.
IH CYLT or TYLEC
IH Certificate in Teaching Young Learners and Teenagers is another exam from the Cambridge Assessment English series, which is held once a year in Moscow and involves a load of two weeks. During this time, teachers will have time to use theoretical knowledge in practice. The cost is approximately 60,000 rubles. Applicants should have a high level of C1-C2 and experience working with school-age students. While for other courses the minimum level is B1 ( Intermediate ).
Teaching Young Learners Extension Certificate is also focused on working with children of different ages, is not yet held in Russia, but there is an opportunity to participate online. The cost is about $2000.
The course includes training in such skills as:
- adaptation of tasks and topics to the levels and age of students;
- selection of the right approach to different types of students;
- understanding the needs and problems of schoolchildren;
- correct feedback;
- training specific "skills".
Courses on the Future Learn educational platform
If you want to start learning immediately and already get acquainted with modern methods of teaching English to children, then on this online site there are at least three courses that fit the description and title. Such training will not take much time, but will give a clear understanding of how and on what the lesson with young students should be built. In a convenient format for 6 weeks, you will learn how to practice the language with the guys and tips for creating a friendly atmosphere in the classroom. The undeniable advantage of these courses is that they are free.
Advanced training course from the publishing house "First of September"
The format of video lectures in English, which will allow you to immediately plunge into the features of conducting English classes with elementary school children. The authors of the course took popular textbooks from Cambridge University Press as a basis, as well as our Russian editions. The course is based on ways to practice specific skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing through songs, poems and similar vivid materials needed by young students. The course costs 2,990 rubles and requires participants to receive certificates accepted in Russian educational institutions.
Foxford
This online training is perfect for those who are going to work as an English teacher in a comprehensive school or teach large groups. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of professional development, which will be an additional advantage in finding a job. The course is available in the recording, which means it does not imply receiving feedback from the curator. The cost is 1490 rubles.
On the course you will learn:
- secrets of perception of information by schoolchildren;
- ways to keep the attention of the class;
- how to objectively evaluate the results of the guys;
- how to succeed in class.
TEFL/TESOL
of courses for English teachers, and it is important to choose one that will answer all questions. Although the TEFL/TESOL is considered general, it is suitable for teaching both adults and children, the program contains complete information about teaching preschoolers and adolescents.
The course consists of three variations in duration:
- 120 hours;
- 150 hours;
- 250 hours.
But each of them contains the necessary information about teaching English to children of different ages. The longest (at 250 hours) includes an extended section on Y oung Learners, where you can learn specific exercises and activities for your class, as well as links to materials needed to work on.
After completing the online TEFL/TESOL course, you will be able to teach more confidently, with a clear plan of action and full attention from students. And an international certificate upon completion will increase your chances of getting a job abroad. Take advantage of the unique chance to get a TEFL/TESOL certificate with a 50% discount right now!
What to read?
Get your TEFL TESOL certification
Travel, work online, get a job abroad, or be
an EFL and ESL teacher in your country.
Of course, getting a certificate or passing an international exam will significantly increase your confidence in conducting classes with young talents, but that's not all. Teachers are eternal students, so the search for inspiration is our constant duty. We recommend taking new ideas and trying to apply modern techniques described in well-known publications:
- "500 Activities for the Primary Classroom", C. Read.
- "Young Learners", S. Phillips.
- "Teaching Languages to Young Learners", Lynne Cameron.
- "How Children Learn Language", William O’Grady.