In the Philippines where English is a second language, teachers are the ones who can play big roles in helping students in learning it. While the country is commended to having a high rate of good English speaking number of Filipinos, teachers can help plant the roots at the young minds of the learners.
Creativity is one factor that can help teachers implement English lessons to their students. They can start as early as in pre-kindergarten classes. Of course, the student’s family can play vital roles as well. In the school, however, teachers of very young learners who are more creative fare well in teaching the language to the learners.
With the use of music, poems, and colorful labels posted in things inside the classroom, the interest of the students are stirred and caught. This is crucial is you want the student’s focused on learning. Music is one very effective tool. Choose English songs with catchy melody and easy to remember rhymes. Students will memorize the song. As they do, discuss with them the words used in the song and you start adding to their vocabulary already. Later on, they do not only sing the song but understands the meaning of the lyrics. What a great way to learn English!
Another is the use of pretend play. Here, you can begin with a simple script. Give the students a line or two that are easy to memorize. Discuss with them the meaning of their dialogue. Use examples. Use lots if needed. Then, by putting action into the words, it will be easier for the students to understand the words they are saying until these words become part of their vocabulary.
Also, the use of rhymes is very powerful. Especially funny rhymes and rhymes about animals and fruits are found to be very interesting to students. Age appropriate rhymes are bountiful and the teacher needs to be diligent in finding them.
As the learner ages, constant English conversations can help them a great deal in learning and eventually mastering the language. Diligence, creativity, and perseverance of the teachers matters if they want to really have their students learn English in the most effective yet enjoyable ways.
References:
Jin, L., & Cortazzi, M. (2013). “The culture the learner brings: A bridge or a barrier? In M. Byram & M. Fleming (Eds.), Language learning in intercultural perspective: Approaches through drama and ethnography. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.
Murray, D. (2013).“A case for online English language teacher education”(PDF).The International Research Foundation for English Language Education.
Wright, W. E. (2010). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia: Caslon Publishing.
By: Heidi N. Gatchula | Teacher III | New Alion Elementary School
