More than 36 people in China

By Emma Longman

Part three

Granted, my first choice of school to teach at wasn’t the best – because I was told a bundle of lies by my bosses - but the wonderful students I taught more than made up for that.

The younger students were always enthusiastic to repeat any English words they heard, eager to sing English songs and play any games I threw their way: Anything from hangman to hot potato. My students were a delight to teach, and it was great fun planning out lessons for them, just to see their faces light up at a new game.

As students get a little older – through to early/mid teens – they become a little more picky in their choice of activity or game they want to play. At first it was difficult to find the things they enjoyed
playing – games that would also teach them English – but as I gradually learnt the things they liked, it got easier.
Teenagers like to think they are more grown-up than they are – so you have to talk to them like they are – but of course they are still children at heart and like to have fun in class – so it’s important to
play games with them that involve them as much as possible in the class.
Getting them to compete with each other, or draw on the board usually work into
making them feel they are contributing to theirs – and others – learning.
Casual talk about subjects they’re interested in – such as shopping, or music – usually woke my students up. And you can extend that into games, such as listening to songs and talking about the lyrics, or by discussing possible problems people have when they go shopping.
“Do you want to play hangman?” I asked one of my 13 and 14 year old students.
“Nooo….” they groaned, as I quickly smiled, but surprised, and wiped out my
arty drawing of a hang stand.
However, I suggested the same game to a different class ad they applauded and cheered in delight. Different games work with different students – it’s just a matter of trial and error. The good thing to
remember is students will soon tell you if they don’t want to play a game – and
tell what they would rather do!

Older students are a little more serious. They understand the reasons for needing to learn English and will be studying out of choice. Again, try out different activities and ways of teaching English and you’ll soon find out what works best. Older students will much more prefer word games and will get more enjoyment from exercises such as role play or chain
stories.
In one class, we discussed jobs and the students’ ambitions for their
futures.
 

Teaching English in China for part four