How to start the first English lesson in 1st grade?

What should a child know in first grade?

Many parents try to introduce their child to English since kindergarten and get very upset if a first grader cannot speak fluently by the end of the year. It is important not to set impossible tasks for children of 7 years old. If both parents in the family speak Russian and the child hears and trains English only at school, then the result will be appropriate.

As you know, at this age, children easily and quickly memorize information, but there is one “but”. It does this through constant repetition. If you organize this process competently and clearly, then remembering new words and even phrases will not be difficult.

So, for the first academic year, the child will master the basic knowledge on topics such as:

• alphabet and numbers;
• pronouns;
• a family;
• colors;
• animals;
• rooms;
• toys;
• body parts;
• food.

In addition, he will be able to introduce himself and learn basic dating phrases. The most important thing is not just to give the child words to learn, but to gradually help organize individual words into whole sentences. Let's break down the structure of the first lesson.

English Lesson Plan

Of course, teaching children is significantly different from teaching adults, primarily in terms of approach. Therefore, a lesson on the same topic “animals” will look completely different. Before we dive into the steps of the first lesson, I would like to note an important unspoken rule. Smile, children feel good mood. It is not so much important for them how well you speak or with what accent, but your care and attention. That is why it is important to know everyone in the class by name and to be interested in the mood of the students. Also, do not scold the group for mistakes, on the contrary, show that it is not only possible, but necessary, to make mistakes.

Lesson planning is a mandatory element of training for teachers. This will help to strictly observe the “timing”, and with children this is very important, since they cannot yet calmly study in the lesson for all 45 minutes.

The main stages lesson with first graders:

1. Acquaintance (5 minutes).
2. Goal setting (3 minutes).
3. Warm-up (5 minutes).
4. Main topic (10 minutes).
5. Controlled practice (5 minutes).
6. Free practice (7 minutes).
7. Physical education (5 minutes).
8. Reflection (5 minutes).

Let's analyze each of the stages separately.

Methods of learning English in elementary school

In addition to a positive attitude, teaching children includes certain techniques and exercises that will be effective because of their age and abilities. Unfortunately, there is no perfect way that will suit everyone and give the same result. Just like there is no perfect textbook that you can use without hesitation to conduct classes. That is why experienced teachers combine different approaches.

Methods for elementary school students:

• The classical approach has been known to many since the times of the USSR under the name "grammar-translation method". Here it is not forbidden to explain the meaning of a certain structure in Russian, and tests and opening brackets in sentences are used to consolidate. Since this method does not help the development of speech skills, it is rarely used separately, but in the modern educational process it complements other techniques.
• The communicative technique, in contrast, does not place a strong emphasis on the rules for using grammar, but considers its use in various contexts. This effectively develops speaking and vocabulary.
• The game method is necessary when teaching children 6-8 years old. At this stage, it is difficult for children to concentrate and devote themselves to their studies. In this case, games will be an interesting pastime for them, and the teacher will be able to convey the topic of the lesson.
• The project method implies the development of students' autonomy, and is clearly not suitable for first-graders. But children from grade 3 will be interested in preparing their own project on a given topic using English outside of school.
• Fortunately, combined approach does not have clear rules and boundaries, the teacher himself chooses certain techniques based on the interests and abilities of the student.
• Glen Doman's method is identical to using flashcards, where children easily memorize new words with the help of repeated repetitions after the teacher.
• Using the Zaitsev method, you can significantly increase the child's vocabulary, as well as work on spelling. Here cubes with letters of various colors are used. While learning the alphabet, it is very important to show children that letters are different from sounds and sound different when combined with each other. Use these cubes for reading and conducting dictations.

Conclusion

English teachers do a great job in the classroom and during the preparation for it. After all, it is important not only to transfer knowledge, but also to instill a love for learning English. In the first grade, this is especially important, since during this period the foundation of the attitude to study and mental work is laid.

Methodological diversity greatly facilitates the educational process. But how to choose the right techniques and combine them with each other? The TEFL/TESOL online course helps English teachers navigate and easily select materials for children and adults, as well as quickly and efficiently work with grammar and vocabulary in the classroom. In a few months, you will learn to determine the goals of the classes and select exercises based on them. Sign up for the course right now to get it at a 50% discount.

We hope that this article will become your "guide" for your first English lesson. We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments.