3 don'ts in Teaching English for Children

Based on my experience, there are few things should be avoided in teaching English for children. Moreover, the children are coming from an environment with no background of English at all. So far, I have tried much efforts to find the best way how to teach them in a better way and gain better result also, of course, I joined online course, found many articles about it, searched various teaching resources for them, and so forth. In certain ways, some of teaching methods and materials suit for children in certain conditions, but it is not always suitable for my students. As the example, I used to make star chart to motivate children in learning English, but in real practice this technique is not appropriate for my students. I gave them a challenge game for them to review vocabularies and the winners would get a star stick. Here, my students did everything to get the star and an appreciation from other friends, but what they did was making a secret note and cheating. In more frightening condition, when a child got less star or nothing at all than others, he/she would be bullied by other friends. So, I think we should be more aware about the background condition of our children. 

3 'DON'Ts' must we do in teaching English for children:

1. DON'T create competitive situation too much

Students usually like games or challenges so much, but it is necessary to see if they need them or not. The best way is letting the children learning English in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, feeling free to ask and studying together with their friends. 

2. DON'T use high level instructions

Students/children sometimes have less input of words and life experiences. This can be because of family background or surrounding. Though we have a good method/technique/material/worksheet/game if they do not understand what we say, it will cause a chaos situation and it is very exhausting for teacher. I think choosing the simplest material is the best way, of course, it is based on the condition of the students.

3. DON'T treat children differently

Children need much attention and it is very natural. They want their teacher gives all attention and appreciation just for them not for others. They will call you many times to ask for attention and evaluation. If you haven't given them 'yes' answer yet, they will call you again and again. In fact, the children always try by themselves to the best one in front of others. 

Well, I only wrote my experience, if you have other ideas both pros and cons, please share with me. I would be very happy accepting all of your thoughts. Thanks in advance.