How to teach

beginners
Angela McClenaghan
Tutor Development Manager @Preply

Carrie Lillie
Senior Curriculum Developer @Preply
 Before we start
Let’s learn the interactive options

Provide comments during

the presentation

We don’t use that function

during the webinar.

Enable transcript option.

A presenter may ask you

to vote in a poll

We don’t use that

We’ll send you function during the
the link for the webinar.
webinar recording
soon!
Beginner
 Can introduce themselves and others, ask and
answer questions about personal details such as
where they live, people they know and things they
have. Can interact in a simple way provided the other
person talks slowly and clearly and helps.

The CEFR A1 description

What challenges might there be

when teaching beginners?

 Online

Considerations

● Common script
● Language family
 Syllabus

● Spiral Syllabus

● Repetition
● Personalisation
● Prioritise what they need
Example A1 syllabus Source: Oxford House College
Lesson plan

Start planning at the end

● Warmer
● PPP
● Review

Plan ICQs and CCQs

Communication strategies

● Use gestures / visuals / intonation

● Simplify
● Demonstrate
● Concept questions
● Repeat
Role plays and dialogues
 Role plays and dialogues

A: Can I take your order?

B: Yes. Can I have a salad and the roast chicken, please.
A: And to drink?
B: I'd like a beer, please.
Drilling

● Mumble drilling
● Echo drilling
● Chants
 Disappearing drill

A: Can I take your order?

B: Yes. Can I have a salad and the roast chicken, please.
A: And to drink?
B: I'd like a beer, please.
 Disappearing drill

A: Can I take your order?

B: Yes. Can I have a salad and the roast chicken, please.
A: And to drink?
B: I'd like a beer, please.
 Disappearing drill

A: Can I take your o _ _ _ _ ?

B: Yes. Can I have a salad and the roast chicken, p _ _ _ _ _.
A: And t _ drink?
B: I'd like a b _ _ _, please.
 Building a dialogue

A: Can I take your order?

B: Yes. Can I have a salad and the roast chicken, please.

A: And to drink?

B: I'd like a beer, please.

B: The bill, please.
A: Would you like something for dessert?
A: Yes, here it is.
B: Yes, I'd like the carrot cake, please.
B: I’ll pay by card
A: And a coffee?
A: Thank you. Come again.
B: Yes, a black coffee.
B: Thank you. Goodbye.
 Reading aloud

A: Can I take your order?

B: Yes. Can I have a salad and the roast chicken, please.
A: And to drink?
B: I'd like a beer, please.
Writing tasks
Reading aloud

● Why?
● Tips
● Activities
Accuracy / Fluency
To translate or not to translate
Achievements
Preply materials
for exam
preparation
 Thank you for
attending today’s
session!