Resources and materials for ESL Kids teachers
Resources and materials for ESL Kids teachers
Flashcard Coloring. Recently a few members have sent in the following idea: instead of printing out the color flashcards from this site to use in class print out the black & white flashcards (all the flashcard images are available in color and black & white). Then have your students color the flashcards in class. This allows the students to focus more on the picture (and its corresponding word) and they will then hopefully be able to internalize it better. Not only that - coloring flashcards is fun!
Flashcard Review. This is a fun, quick vocab review method using flashcards. Teacher holds a pack of flashcards with the pictures facing towards him/her. The last card should be turned around so it is facing the students but is hidden as it is behind the pack. Slowly pull the flashcard up inch by inch so the students can only see part of the flashcard. As the picture is slowly revealed students try and guess what it is. The first S to guess correctly keeps the card (for 1 point). Variation: To make it a little more difficult turn the flashcard upside down.
Homework with Parents. Try and encourage your students to do their homework worksheets with one of their parents. This will give parents a chance to see how their child is progressing and give your S some parent led English practice. To help encourage this try setting homework assignments that directly involve parents: e.g. have your students ask their parents questions in relation to the theme they are studying (e.g. Theme = animals students ask parents about their favorite animals, Theme = measurements, students measure their parents hair, nose, arms, etc.). Click here for an example worksheet.
Laminating Flashcards. Laminating your flashcards is a great way to make sure they last for a long time and it also brings out the colors. Bent cards can be re-laminated to iron out the creases. A laminator and laminator pockets are well worth the investment as you'll save paper and printer ink costs in the long run.
Teaching the Alphabet. There are many ways to teach the alphabet and all Ts develop their own style over time. Here is a basic outline of steps you can follow when introducing a new letter: 1. Hold up an alphabet letter flashcard so all students can see it. 2. Chorus the letter 3 to 5 times. Then ask each S individually to say the letter. 3. Teach the sound of the letter (e.g. "A is for 'ah' ... ah - ah - ah"). Chorus again and check individually. 4. Provide an example of an object that begins with the letter - double-sided flashcards with the letter on one side and a picture on the other are great for this. e.g. "What's this?" (elicit "A"). "And A is for...?" (elicit "ah"). "And 'ah' is for ... (turning the card over) "apple!". Chorus the word and check individually. 5. Do a final check (Teacher: "What's this?", Students: "A", Teacher: "And 'A' is for...?", Students: "ah", Teacher: "And 'ah' is for...?", Students: "Apple!"). These steps can be followed by 'magic finger', 'pass it', 'find it', 'slow motion' or any other alphabet game (see our games section for details). Also, the 'ABC song is a nice way to start and finish the alphabet segment of your lesson.
Using Worksheets in Class. Worksheets (or handouts) are a great resource to use in the classroom. Before letting students loose on the worksheets it is very important to show them what to do. Hold up the sheet so all can see it and actually start working on the sheet. It may be necessary to complete the whole sheet first or just some of the sheet if it seems your students can understand what to do. Whilst demonstrating, involve your students: ask them for the answers, or even ask them what color you should use. After giving out the worksheet make sure your students get in the routine of writing their names on the sheet (they can get mixed up easily) and then walk around and monitor, asking questions and giving lots of praise and encouragement. If your group is small enough you can do the worksheet along with the students, joining in with their activity. At the end, ask each S some questions about their worksheet and again give lots of praise.
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