Teach English in Kongcun Zhen - Jinan Shi

EFL Teachers have a category of students they can teach, such as: Kindergarten, Elementary school, Middle school, College, University, Language training centers, Special groups for business, accounting, engineering, tourism etc. Of these categories, Teaching English as a Foreign Language in kindergarten would be considered as one of the most exhilarating experiences. This is because teaching children requires a more active (singing, chanting, miming, dancing) and engaging approach as compared to teaching adults in higher levels. Another advantage of teaching in kindergarten is that, the students know nothing or so little, so the teacher has a chance to engrave the lesson content on their minds without having to contradict/correct anything known prior to learning that specific topic. Normally the students have their class teacher in the class room, who acts as a support system in case of emergencies which makes the EFL teacher confident about the safety of the students. However, the downside to teaching EFL in kindergarten is that there is a tendency for absenteeism of the students, especially when there is a change in weather causing colds and illnesses that are contagious. At this time the teacher has to move slower, and be more repetitive. There is also a challenge of racism towards foreigners. Most of the EFL teachers are foreigners, some students tend to give an improper attitude, like cover their nose when the teacher is near them say if the teacher is black and in china. Once a human being is segregated this way, this can be a bad experience. A good foreign EFL teacher has to be prepared to handle this situation with care and a lot of caution. The student is simply ignorant, correction is necessary without being very direct. Most kindergartens have many teaching aids and materials that make the classroom environment come to life - from the wall colors and decorations, the pictures and items such as balls, letter blocks, colored board markers/ stickers etc. However, a Good EFL teacher should have his materials and teaching aids with him, according to his lesson plan, just in case the ones in the classroom are faulty or don’t apply to the subject language. When students see the materials, they look forward to the activity which really keeps them engaged. EFL teachers often teach using story books, which have relatable material like days of the week, weather season etc. This kind of content can be used daily as the teacher can ask, What day is it today? What’s the weather like today? What season is it? Etc. Every new day and lesson provides an opportunity for follow up and revision of the lesson content in the games, chants, and songs. The EFL teacher has to be keen on the safety of students before playing games, songs and chants especially children who love to fall down or are likely to run into a table or chair. Teachers should reorganize the classroom furniture before a game or chant so as to ensure safety and free movement. Kindergarten students have an average age group of 2-7 years old. The students at this age have a low concentration span, and therefore the teacher has to effectively plan the time of the lesson that ranges between 20 – 40 minutes approximately. This kind of lesson would best be designed to have much more drills, chants, songs, pictures/flash cards, and games that will incorporate the lesson content but still be fun and competitive. The games can be known to the student but occasionally be switched up. But in the process, they are focused on giving the correct answers and memorizing the material and excelling in the activity at hand say pronouncing the name of the flash card shown. Teaching EFL in kindergartens will expose the teacher to a lot of love and warm expression of culture, through their school and cultural activities. A good teacher should be in position to appreciate the culture and be a part of the school activities and participate when required. This participation with the other teachers will build a good rapport and sense of togetherness and family. This is a reason for most EFL teachers to travel and teach in different cultures, for a rich cultural experience. Children have such beautiful minds and interpretations of the things that they see and perceive for the first time. They are very honest and creative, seeing through different lenses and imitating all the teacher says. This I would say is the true beauty of life and evolution, an exhilarating experience.