Why Teach English to Young Learners

English Courses for Children Build Lifelong Skills

Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) is a way to introduce English as a foreign language
to young students. While children may not have an understanding of why it is important to learn a
second language, there are many reasons that answer the question, “Why teach English to young
learners?” For instance, creating a fun and positive learning environment can equip kids with a
strong foundation for success in more advanced courses later in their academic careers.

Taking the Fear Out of Learning

One of the most important aspects of teaching English to young learners is creating an enjoyable
and creative learning atmosphere. To most children, learning English is just another activity in
their average day. Though it will take time for them to understand the future impact of what they
are learning, the basic skills that these kids learn will prepare them for more advanced language
courses.

Here are a few ways to add excitement to lesson plans:

 Fun activities: Incorporating new words into songs and games helps children relax and enjoy
the learning process. Using music also improves retention of new material.

 Add variety: Young learners have very short attention spans, so having a diverse repertoire of
activities to draw from will keep students engaged and motivated.

 Learning the basics: Much of early curriculum is centered on alphabet, numbers and colors.
Focusing activities on these topics allows for plenty of creativity in your lesson plans.

Creating a Consistent Environment

Why teach English to young learners when adults are better behaved?

There are many rewards involved in working with children, including the enforcement of good
habits. A disciplined learning style should be enforced early on and TEYL courses present a
wonderful opportunity to learn how to establish good academic behaviors.

 Commands: Children can learn behavioral discipline and a new language by using English
commands.

 Questions: Requiring children to use their new language knowledge to ask questions

reinforces language skills and good behavior to carry on in their education.
 Track Progress: Students need positive reinforcement to help them see the fruits of their
hard work and stay motivated. Incorporating a system to track individual and class progress will
contribute to a productive environment.

Why Teach English to Young Learners Instead of Adults?

When it comes to teaching opportunities, many may question why to teach children rather than
more mature learners. While topics covered by adults may be more relevant to instructors,
children are still learning their native language and have the ability to rapidly progress through
curriculum. Teaching young learners is a rewarding experience and provides invaluable skills to
these young students as they progress through their education and on to their future careers.

TEYL courses present an opportunity to make a significant impact in the education of children
across the globe. With a little creativity, correct TEYL training, and patience, English teachers can
pass down timeless knowledge to youngsters to carry through their academic and professional
endeavors later on in their lives.
Difference of Teaching Young Learners versus Teaching

Adults

Differences of Teaching Young and Adult Learners

Students wishing to learn English generate many teaching job openings across the world.
Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) generally occurs in the student’s own country and
usually through private tutelage or as part of after-school programs. There is a high demand for
TEFL specialists that can teach both adults and children; on the other hand, when choosing one
age group to instruct, the difference of teaching young learners versus teaching adults must be
considered in order to ensure that you find the best fit for your skills and teaching style.

Differences in Classroom Style

Kids learn English at public or private schools and often attend language schools in the evening
or on weekends, creating an exceptionally large demand for English-speaking teachers. Adult
courses will generally be taught at night or on weekends and may be more limited in availability.

Here are a few other differences in classroom style to consider:

 Student-teacher ratio: Teaching adults generally involves much smaller classes than young
learners. Lessons can be more individualized and teachers can get to know students when
teaching small groups.

 Classroom activities: Since children are encouraged to learn languages through games,

songs, artistic projects and storytelling to stay engaged, teachers have the chance to incorporate a
lot of energy and excitement into their teaching that is not as common in adult programs.

 Rate of progress: As children are also learning their native language, teachers are likely to see
huge leaps in ability. Most adult learners have specific goals for acquiring their English knowledge,
allowing them to reach a direct and immediate impact of their learning in their daily lives, even
though their progress may not be as rapid.

 Behavior: Young learners are inconsistent in their motivation and mood, which presents
challenges for teachers. Leading a young-age group class demands patience and a more diverse
repertoire of learning activities as opposed to working with middle-aged or old students.
Achievement and Expectations

Another major difference when teaching young learners versus teaching adults is the expectation
placed on instructors. Teachers must assess their own mastery of the English language and their
ability to handle pressure from students.

 Topic relevance: When teaching older students, topics should be relevant to more personal or
daily life experiences, making it easier to create engaging lesson plans.

 Grammar: Teaching adults requires a much higher mastery of grammar given that concepts
need to be taught effectively to older students. Beginner-level children classes require only a
general understanding of grammar so teachers face fewer grammatical demands during the
class.

 Pressure: Teachers are under more pressure when leading classes of mature learners
because expectations are higher as these students pay for their EFL classes themselves.
Instructors need to be able to create a clear vision of their curriculum and deliver results.
TEFL courses with job guidance, such as ITTO’s, offer wonderful opportunities to engage with
students of all ages. The difference of teaching young learners versus teaching adults can be
best approached by knowing your own strengths as a teacher. To determine which group of
students you are best suited to lead, consider your teaching style and mastery of the language
before applying for a teaching position.
Technology and Learning English

The rapidly advancing age of technology has made it possible to overcome many different
challenges in our world today. But the benefits and versatility of technology are not as evident as
it is with learning English. This is why more advocates support the integration of technology into
education. The positive influence of technology when learning English is valuable and can
maximize the overall experience.

As technology becomes a major part in today’s world, students can have more freedom and
support to fully absorb the material. More students are choosing to learn English online because
of the increased efficiency with lower costs. Technology and learning English go hand in hand
and here are some reasons why more prefer online lessons.

Technology Brings Opportunities

The biggest reason for incorporating technology into education is the overall changes in global
communication. What was once inaccessible can now be easily reached by way of the internet.
Technology opens doors to many more opportunities by linking the world together. The olden
days of limited options for education are long gone and all thanks to technological advances.
Students will not only have flexibility with online schooling but also have access to more
resources.

Virtual Community of Learners

A pivotal aspect of learning English is to how to communicate with others in a social setting.
Though it may seem impossible with online learning, the fact is exactly the opposite. Students
now have a virtual community of learners to discuss topics with, seek advice, or gain leadership
skills by helping others. Interactive whiteboards for instance, are a simple but invaluable way for
English learners to access helpful resources or lessons. Instructors may include previous topics
that are extremely important to progress to the next level. In addition, Interactive whiteboards
help a great deal to support an online education and are a perfect example of how to incorporate
technology and learning English.

Spark Interest with Technology

Another benefit of mixing technology and learning English is the possibility of heightening
interest. A traditional classroom setting is often not conducive to learning because the rote
strategies do not challenge or interest students. But technology has completely changed the
game and makes it easier for English learners to focus because the content can be presented in
a number of ways. Lessons that include computer-based instruction, visual aids, and
technologically advanced materials help students achieve more in less time.

Increase in Accessibility

Technology is certainly not beneficial only for education because just about everything has
become more accessible nowadays. But especially for learning English, having technical
assistance and more flexibility is the key to success. Traditional learning in a classroom is
extremely limited and can only be ongoing as long as students are present. However, technology
and learning English has allowed students to use mobile phones or laptops for example, to
access require information anytime they need. This not only helps students to absorb the
material but also offers valuable practice on the proper ways to use tools of technology.

Learn Valuable Skills

Students prefer to blend technology and learning English because of the valuable skills acquired
throughout the lessons. Computer software and online tools help learners to absorb the material
much more easily and also hone language skills that are useful. Technology is most successful
in maintaining the interest of students while engaging them in the lesson. It helps to emphasize
the essential building blocks of language learning including vocabulary, comprehension, phonics,
and overall fluency.

Build Confidence for Success

Students often feel discouraged in a classroom setting because falling behind can be
embarrassing and discouraging. But with a course that incorporates technology and learning
English, students can learn with privacy and learn the vital skills of success. Technology cannot
be ignored even by English learners because all communication in social or business networks
use the internet in some form or another.

You, as the English Teachers

The International Teacher Training Organization – ITTO –, the pioneer of a one-of-a-kind course,
brings to the English teaching community an online TESOL Technology course devoted to train
English Teachers to use or strengthen their knowledge in integrating technology devices in the
classroom. In this course you will learn to employ new techniques that go beyond the use of
conventional classroom items such as blackboards, chalk, recorders, video-players, flashcards,
books, photocopies, etc. These new teaching tools provide excellent opportunities for language
educators to explore and use to enhance teaching and learning. Thus, you offer many
advantages to your learners on using Technology and Learning English.