Esl Young Learners

  The next category we are looking at in our series on teaching special groups in ESL are young learners. We consider students aged 2 to 16 young learners. Find out the positives, negatives and tips when teaching young learners in this video. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit is based on the explanation of the structure and the use of the modal verbs, the passive voice and the phrasal verbs in English.Phrasal verbs are very important to...  [Read more]

  There are some general Do's and Don'ts that need to be considered when teaching young learners. Watch this video to get more insight into teaching this special group of learners. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. I have learnt that when teaching grammar it will be important to keep it simple and clear and not to overload the students with too much information in one session but to break it up with word games, repetition, and audio play. I...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Watching videos is an effective way to switch between different activities or time fill. Modern students are more likely to watch videos or look at images than to do worksheets or read. Videos are also excellent sources of audio-lingual information that develops listening and speaking skills. However, to use videos during the online ESL lessons, it is essential to follow several rules that our TEFL expert shares in this article. Before watching videos, think carefully about the exercises you’ll give to your student and the purpose of this activity. When planning online ESL lessons, understand your student’s needs, and set up appropriate...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas An instructor should adapt their instruction based on the student's needs and abilities, and should take into account the age of students as this is likely to affect factors such as student motivation, attention span, and openness to activities. An instructor should anticipate that young students may be less internally motivated than adult learners. Adult learners are likely to have longer attention spans than younger students, therefore the instructor should adjust lesson plans accordingly. Certain activities will be well received by very young students and poorly received by slightly older students or adult learners, this should be taken into account when planning. It is ultimately the instructor's...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Learning a new language can be nerve-wracking, especially for young learners who experience a great deal of peer pressure and fear of sounding unintelligent in front of their classmates. This fear is something adults learning a new language experience as well. I have personally experienced it as a native English speaker learning Spanish. Therefore, praise from the teacher they view as an expert in the language they’re learning is vital to the learning process in many ways. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alexandra W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I believe praising students is very important. It is essential, however,...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas When teaching young learners, it’s important not to spend too much time on any one activity as they can soon lose interest. It is also a good idea to have activities that give younger learners the chance to move about and use the boundless energy they have at that age. Below we present a list of short activities suitable for young and very young learners of English. This is a good activity for practicing time with small classes. Clear a space in the center of the classroom and have a student stand in front of the board with their back to the class, this person is the wolf and the rest of the class stand at the back of the room. For each turn, the class asks the wolf ‘What's the time, Mr. Wolf?’ and the wolf...  [Read more]

1. Introduction to ESL Education 2. Benefits of ESL Education 3. ITTT's ESL Training Programs 4. Why Choose ITTT for ESL Education English as a Second Language (ESL) education plays a crucial role in helping individuals from non-English speaking backgrounds acquire proficiency in the English language. Whether for academic, professional, or personal reasons, ESL education opens up a world of opportunities for learners to communicate effectively and participate fully in English-speaking environments. The benefits of ESL education are vast and varied. From improved communication skills to enhanced job prospects, ESL education equips learners with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly globalized world. By mastering the English language, individuals can expand their horizons, build...  [Read more]

  The first conditional is used for likely results of possible future situations, as well as promises, threats, warnings or back-up plans. This video is specifically aimed at teaching the first conditional in an ESL setting. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Unit fist aims to briefly overview the course of Teaching English to Young Learners. It starts from discussing the content of the course and explaining how the course works. We learn that...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This post will focus on the differences English teacher face when they are working with a class of young learners compared to a class of adult learners. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rebecca M. First, it is necessary to define what we mean by adult learners and young learners in the TEFL environment. An adult learner is defined as any student over the age of eighteen who engages in English language tuition. A younger learner, therefore, is a student under the age of eighteen years old. There is a much greater variety within the young learner category due to the vast developmental changes that occur during this period. For example, a five- year- old is a very different type of learner...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Online English teachers are divided into two groups. The first group is online ESL teachers that work for an education company. The second group is online ESL teachers who freelance. I will explain the two types of teaching materials, authentic and created materials, and how materials are incorporated in teaching English online to students. The focus of this article will be young learners as that is my personal career goal. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dora E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The first group of teaching materials is authentic materials. Authentic materials are defined as “anything a native speaker would...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Interactive whiteboards have been around since the turn of the millennium. They have been implemented and studied in multiple ESL classrooms, primary schools, and language centers in order to find the best practices. The American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) acknowledges the importance of using technology, such as the interactive whiteboard, to support and enhance classroom-based instructions (Segni & Davidson, 2019). In order for the interactive whiteboard to be used effectively to take advantage of learning opportunities and support children’s learning, it is important to use it skillfully in education. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate William N. Please note...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In the past, the emphasis on teaching a foreign language was, amongst other older techniques, Grammar-Translation, and is still used in some situation today. This method helped the student to learn ‘about’ the language instead of learning the language (ITTT Unit 3,3). Over time, and continuing today, more and more attention and research have been placed on the question of what makes a good language learner. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Cliff G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are considerable differences in age, gender, motivation, attitude, and culture. Different students assimilate differently. The environment...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Description: Teaching English as a foreign language in a kindergarten can be a dynamically different experience than teaching students in older age groups. Teaching in a kindergarten has advantages such as motivation, smiles, and the ability to learn the material in short bursts. It also has disadvantages, such as; short attention spans, diapers, and tantrums. Teaching young children can be extremely rewarding and extremely demanding. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate William K. Teaching Children between the ages of two and five has some advantages that can be very rewarding. My first class ever was teaching children between the ages of two and a half and three and a half. I was quick to...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences Whether speaking at a public event where thousands have gathered, or talking politics around a table with friends, this simple piece of advice is well-known to anyone who has ever done any public speaking. But, it is also critical advice for the aspiring teacher—whether those teaching English as a second language, or those teaching chemistry in high school. The more well-acquainted a teacher is with his or her classroom, the more successful he or she will be in engaging their minds in the topic at hand. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Emily B. So, of course, this is a vital component to any teacher who is seeking to help students wanting to learn English. It is important that the teacher asks...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences One of the pillars of the English language, vocabulary, could well be seen as an insurmountable challenge with no end for language learners, but it can actually be a rewarding one that opens up the very heart of the language. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dawson N. With multiple, controversial estimates, putting the number of words a native English speaker knows from around 20,000 active vocabulary words and 40,000 passive vocabulary words up to 20,000/120,000 for highly educated speakers, and with some saying 5,000/20,000 words are needed for L2 language proficiency, this can seem an arduous and never-ending task for young EFL learners. Despite this, young learners are in a good position...  [Read more]

1. Introduction 2. Why Choose ITTT for Your ESL Certification 3. Our Accredited Programs 4. Support and Resources for Your ESL Journey Are you passionate about teaching English as a second language (ESL) and want to make a difference in the lives of language learners worldwide? Look no further than ITTT - International TEFL and TESOL Training. With our comprehensive certification programs, you can become a certified ESL instructor and open doors to exciting opportunities in the field of English language teaching. ITTT has been a trusted provider of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certifications for over two decades. Our programs are designed to equip aspiring ESL teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas English is not the native language of those who begin to learn English. For children in Vietnam as a country using English as a second language, learning English grammar is difficult for children to learn. So how to teach children grammar effectively and children remember and use it most naturally. Young children have a habit of imitating and following quickly and not selectively, so if we understand this point, we should teach them how to develop naturally. There are many ways to teach grammar to children. Here are some ways I recommend when teaching grammar to children. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Le N. Please...  [Read more]

Anna Domiczek TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Shifting from a traditional classroom to a virtual setting can be daunting for teachers who do not have experience teaching online. This is especially the case if one has to keep young students engaged and motivated. What are the tricks to instill excitement and interest in preschoolers who do not have the intrinsic motivation to perform to achieve good grades? Their parents’ primary desire is for them to speak like the native and one day go off to an internationally renowned US university or work for a foreign company. Young students are motivated by something else- a desire to have fun in a welcoming environment. In the evolving ESL education market, the English teaching...  [Read more]

1. Introduction 2. ITTT: Leading Online ESL School in the Philippines 3. Why Choose ITTT for ESL Training? 4. Course Offerings and Specializations Are you looking to start a career in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) or teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL)? The Philippines is a popular destination for those seeking to earn their certification in ESL teaching. With its diverse culture, warm hospitality, and high demand for English teachers, the country offers a unique opportunity for aspiring educators. In this article, we will explore the best online ESL schools in the Philippines, with a focus on the leading provider, ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training). ITTT is a renowned institution that offers comprehensive online TEFL and TESOL courses to...  [Read more]

  Within the teaching of ESL throughout the world, there is a whole spectrum of the types of groups that you may be involved in. It's worth breaking those types of groups down to have a look at some of the more specific things we need to do when we're teaching those groups - and this is what this video focuses on. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Unit 1 begins with an overview of the course content, how the CTEYL course works, the aims and...  [Read more]

Anna Domiczek TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Preschool curriculum or lesson plan designed for English language learners should incorporate several basic and common themes. Those popular themes created for young learners will introduce students to new, interesting vocabulary words and phrases. Learning about animals, clothing, food, family, shapes, colors, numbers, or daily activities makes students deeply engaged in learning. They are discovering the world around them versus memorizing/repeating abstract words and phrases. Thanks to such theme-based lessons, English language students genuinely engage with the content being taught and make real-life connections while developing new...  [Read more]

Anna Domiczek Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Many research articles demonstrate the effectiveness of chants and rhymes and list the reasons why they should be an important element of ESL instruction. Through the use of chants and rhymes, students get to increase their vocabulary, improve rhythm, intonation, pronunciation, as well as memorization skills. Chants and rhymes are important in language teaching because: "...the literature has recognized the role of nursery rhymes in paving the way for the learners, particularly young ones, in developing their language learning skills." (International Journal of English Language and Translation Studies, Jan-March 2017) Most importantly, chants and rhymes allow for...  [Read more]

1. Introduction to ESL Schools in Spain 2. Benefits of Teaching English in Spain 3. Requirements for Teaching English in Spain 4. How ITTT Can Help You Teach English in Spain Spain is a popular destination for teaching English as a second language (ESL). With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, Spain offers a unique and rewarding experience for ESL teachers. ESL schools in Spain cater to students of all ages and levels, providing a diverse range of teaching opportunities. Whether you prefer to teach young learners, business professionals, or adult learners, you can find a suitable teaching position in Spain. Teaching English in Spain has numerous benefits. Firstly, Spain offers a high demand for English teachers, providing plenty of job opportunities. Additionally,...  [Read more]

1. Introduction to ITTT 2. Why Choose ITTT for ESL Courses? 3. ESL Course Options at ITTT 4. Benefits of Studying ESL with ITTT ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) is a leading provider of ESL courses around the world. With a strong focus on quality education and practical teaching skills, ITTT offers a range of courses designed to meet the needs of aspiring ESL teachers. There are several reasons why ITTT stands out as one of the best providers of ESL courses. Firstly, ITTT has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the field of TEFL and TESOL training. With over 30 years of experience, ITTT has trained thousands of teachers who have gone on to have successful careers in ESL teaching. Secondly, ITTT offers a wide range of course options to suit every learner's needs....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Not all Teaching English as a Foreign Language is equal. Different types of groups of learners include beginner vs. intermediate/advanced learners as well as monolingual classes vs multilingual classes. Another set of distinctive groups and perhaps the most contrary groups to be aware of are groups of young vs adult learners. In the following comparison, the many ways to ensure success with both types of groups will be discussed, as well as reasons the groups can be both challenging and rewarding. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Paige B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are many ways to ensure the success of a group in...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Teaching Ideas The following essay is based on my personal experience of teaching one-to-one English lessons to young children (ages ranging from 5-14), through online platforms and companies. Engaging students through a virtual classroom presents challenges for teachers for several reasons. The first being that throughout the time of the lesson the child sees only the teacher and the given background. In other words, there are no sources of distraction or points of interest besides the teacher herself/himself and, as is known, it is especially important for young learners that the environment and the delivery of the lessons be as interesting and fun as possible. For online lessons, this becomes of paramount importance as the...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences Learning is something essential in anyone's life, not only as a human being but as a species. As humans we start learning about everything in our environment the moment we come into this world and this experience of learning proceeds with us throughout our lives till the moment we leave this world. The more we learn the more knowledge we accumulate, which will help us, as individuals or societies, to improve our lives in every way possible as long as we use this knowledge that we have learned and apply it correctly in our daily lives. It is evident that learning happens through communication and interaction between an individual and his/her environment and the main tool for interaction and communication for humans is...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas Teaching vocabulary is an integral part of every ESL class. There are many ways teachers can introduce new vocabulary to their students that aren’t dull and boring and actually peak the students’ interest and get them excited to learn. Here are 7 great and easy ways to introduce new vocabulary to your ESL students. Using real-life objects to introduce new vocabulary to your students will greatly help them associating a mental image to the word. Kinesthetic learners will especially enjoy this way of learning as it gives them a physical connection with a lexical concept. You can use toys, clothing articles, plastic (or real) fruits and vegetables, animal figures, and more. Show the object to your class, introduce...  [Read more]

Anna Domiczek Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In the education world, the potential and value of using stories and storytelling techniques have always been known and recognized, especially in the context of teaching younger students. Recently, more and more EFL teachers of young learners are integrating carefully selected children’s literature stories to teach English. Children’s literature is such a significant part of English language literature - using it for teaching English can be a very motivating tool for young learners. Stories chosen from children’s literature provide an excellent resource to develop a variety of language and learning activities, and the carefully selected materials can be appealing not only...  [Read more]

1. Introduction 2. Why Choose ITTT for ESL Training 3. Course Options and Specializations 4. Career Opportunities after Training Are you passionate about teaching and interested in working with English language learners? If so, pursuing a career as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher may be the perfect fit for you. ESL teachers play a crucial role in helping students of all ages improve their English language skills, and there is a high demand for qualified ESL teachers worldwide. When it comes to receiving top-notch training in ESL instruction, look no further than ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training). With over 25 years of experience in the field, ITTT is a trusted provider of accredited TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to...  [Read more]