Kids and Teens

Children at this age are generally competitive, imaginative and they are particularly open to learning about the world around them. It is necessary to develop their sense of logic, systems and the ability to solve problems to prepare them for later learning. It is important, therefore, to ensure these factors are catered for in the classroom, by incorporating team games, the world outside the classroom (e.g. facts, different cultures) and puzzles. Language learning needs to be fun and dynamic.

An integral part of learning a foreign language is learning how to be a student and how to behave in a classroom environment. Time in the classroom will therefore be spent on things such as helping students to listen to and follow instructions and teaching them how to behave appropriately to each other (e.g. sharing, co-operating) and with the teacher. Time spent on these areas at this age is time well spent as it will give them useful skills for the rest of their lives.

Children at this age can be easily excited and motivated and at other times, more disinterested. Lessons need to be a mixture of ‘serious’ work (exercises, grammar) and more light-hearted activities (team games, imagination) – but which also involve learning – to keep them motivated and interested. Many children may have been learning English for some time by now and they may feel they know enough. These students need to be encouraged to start being more accurate, with more of a focus on activities such as spelling and word order.

Study skills are an integral part of learning a foreign language at this age. Time in the classroom will therefore be spent on helping students keep work neat and tidy, teaching them to keep records of what they are learning as well as encouraging them to be understanding of their own and each other’s weaknesses. Time spent on areas such as these at this age is time well spent as it will help them with their future learning and with their general schooling.

Grammar will start to play a more central role in the classroom, however, it is important to balance this with activities that focus on communication and expressing and sharing ideas and opinions. Teenagers need to be given opportunities and encouraged to use the language, as they are often so focused on marks, tests and getting it wrong in front of their peers that they are afraid to practice and experiment. Others may feel that they can communicate effectively with the language they have and are therefore not motivated to improve – in particular when it comes to being accurate.  The right motivation needs to be found to keep students of this age enthusiastic about learning. This often means bringing the outside world into the classroom in the form of music, sport, technology, the environment and the Internet.

Study skills are an integral part of learning a foreign language at this age. Time in the classroom will therefore be spent on teaching them to keep records of what they are learning, encouraging them to use these records as a study and reference tool and helping them to respect and understand their peers and their teachers. Time spent on areas such as these at this age is time well spent, as it will compliment what they are doing in their general schooling and also help prepare them for any post-secondary study.