Don’t pick topics that are overly complicated. While parts of speech are an important part of the English language, young or new speakers won’t understand what adverbs and prepositions are. Focus on topics that would be easy to role play in a classroom, like asking someone about another person’s weekend.
Pay special attention to words that are spelled similarly but pronounced differently, like rat and rate, or fat and fate. Have students pronounce words that are identical in spelling aside from a single vowel, like pin and pen.
It can help if you develop a lesson plan ahead of time. Even if you’re teaching someone informally, their English lessons will benefit from structure. If you’re teaching your own child, try to keep your lessons in short, 15-minute increments. Use these segments to educate your child throughout the day. [3] X Research source
Use the same verb to explain verb conjugations. Start explaining the different tenses of the verb “play. ” Unlike “go” and “do,” “play” follows the past, present, and future structure in a way that’s easy to understand (e. g. , played, play, will play).
Provide examples of each sentence type by including the students in your example. For instance:“Sally goes to school” is a simple sentence. “Sally likes math, but John likes science” is a compound sentence. Remind your students that compound sentences are created with connecting words like “and” and “but. ”
For instance, you could have 2 students pretend to ask for directions. Focus on question vocabulary by having 1 student ask how to get to the nearest gas station. Instruct the other student to answer with directional vocabulary, like “right” and “left. ”
If your students are ESL learners, use their native language on the other side of the flash card. Flashcards can be a great tool in teaching a new language. [7] X Research source You can write down the most essential and general words first, then move on to the more specific ones. [8] X Research source The task of memorizing every word can be counterproductive for both beginners and advanced learners. So try to tackle 20-50 words per lesson, day, or week.
Use a sample dialogue to explain the difference between these styles of language. You could use “Good evening! How has your day been going?” as an example of formal language, and “Hey! What’s up?” as an example of informal language. Remind students that they probably use informal language when talking to friends and other people their own age.
For example, explain how the words “stuff” and “thing” are vague and unhelpful in conversation. In a store setting, tell your students that “I’d like to buy that pencil” is a lot more helpful and specific than “I’d like to buy that thing. ”
For instance, try having 2 students engage in a simple conversation about the weekend. One student can “initiate” with a question, like “How was your weekend?” The second student can “respond” by saying, “It was good. ” The second student can then “follow-up” by asking the first student how their weekend went.
A good example of an interactional conversation could go like this:“Hey! Did you do the homework last night?”“Yes, I did. ” A good example of a transactional conversation might go like this:“Excuse me! How much will it cost for 1 slice of pizza?”“It will cost $2. 50. ”
For instance, you could pretend that a desk is the cash register counter at a fast food restaurant. Tell 1 student to be the fast food worker, and another student to be a customer. Students might be more engaged if they can move around the classroom or learning area.
For example, if you’re teaching your students about different responses to conversations, you can use facial expressions to help. Saying something like “Yes, I’d be happy to do that!” could be accompanied with a big smile, while, “I’m sorry, I can’t make it!” can be accompanied with a frown.
If you’re practicing with your child, ask them which role they’d like to do first. Continue switching off as you practice different conversations.
For instance, large hand gestures can be helpful in a lesson on adjectives. While explaining the words “tall” and “short,” extend and lower your arms to demonstrate a person’s height.
For instance, in a video detailing a basic greeting, the actors might wave their hands to say “hello” and “goodbye. ” Remind your students that they can wave when offering a greeting to someone, too!
If you notice your students standing too close or violating another person’s boundaries on accident, don’t chastise them. Instead, point out what they’re doing wrong, and how they can improve.
Encourage students to challenge themselves during each lesson. If they say something incorrectly, you can always help them!
If you want to keep your students committed to these ground rules, consider writing out an agreement and having the students sign it. If your students aren’t polite, then the learning environment won’t be as productive or helpful.
If students aren’t participating in a lesson, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re bored. They might be having some difficulty understanding the lesson.
Repetition and practice are key to improving spoken English!
For instance, if you lost your luggage at the airport once, create a sample practice conversation for students to practice. Have 1 student be the airport staff member, and another be the traveler.
