Wednesday 24 October 2018

Teaching Kids About ESL Phonics

By Steven Thomas


To help kids learn a second language faster, it is necessary to start with ESL phonics so that they will know how to associate sounds with letters. This is very important especially if their primary language uses a different alphabet or writing system from what is being used in English. From there, you can can build up the kids' skills until they become more familiar with the language.

The English alphabet should be one of the first things that they need to memorize. As with most learners, this can be done through the Alphabet Song, which will help them remember each letter along with the tune of the song. Later, discuss each letter and introduce to them how the letter sounds. Check if your learners have problems reproducing the sound of each letter. Then, you are ready to teach them short words.

Increase your learners' vocabulary by introducing more words that begin with each letter. Stick with short words that are no more than two syllables. To make them remember faster, use flashcards with pictures of the items. Once you have taught more words, you can create a game that will test your students' understanding and retention of the words.

The earliest listening exercise that you can do with your young students is to have them listen to you as you read out or identify an item associated with a letter of the alphabet. Have them repeat the word after you. If necessary, repeat saying each word until all the students get it. This will help you identify the areas for improvement of your class. That way, you will know how to plan your future activities.

Introduce short sentences to your class. It is better if you can limit yourself to just using a maximum of five words in creating simple sentences. Start with giving your learners sample sentences for introducing themselves. Have them practice this with a partner. This will work better if you teach them how to ask simple questions and to respond to them. Another thing they can learn is to give short descriptions for basic items.

Have the students advance to longer sentences and short paragraphs by teaching them nursery rhymes. These are easy to memorize especially if you teach them using pictures and actions. Make sure that the learners understand what the statement is about by reviewing what each sentence meant. You may also have each student describe or act out the rhyme to check their understanding.

Make learning more fun and engaging by using movies and songs. Select those that generally use neutral accent so that these are easier for early learners to understand. Stick with themes that are wholesome and simple so that these can be easily discussed with young students. It is better if you can provide them movies and songs with subtitles so that they will learn how the words are inflections are used in conversations.

While it is challenging to teach young learners, once you were able to properly orient them on how fun it is to learn English, learning will become easier for them and and the teacher as they move forward. Make sure that all of you still have fun while learning. Incorporate games into the lessons whenever appropriate. Discussing topics that they are interested in also helps a lot.




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