Teaching English to very young children is a wonderful experience. But if you’re new to it – or used to teaching older children or adults – it can feel a little daunting. That’s completely normal. Feeling nervous shows that you care and want your lessons to go well. So be kind to yourself, take a deep breath, relax… and follow these 15 practical tips.
1. Throw your inhibitions out the window
Be prepared to act, sing, dance and have fun. Arrive at your class with a smile and full of energy, then teach with zest – the children will pick up on this and be excited to learn with you.
2. Focus on the positive change you’re making
As your confidence grows and you start enjoying the lessons more, the children will feel it too and become even more receptive. Remember, they have no idea how you’re feeling inside unless you show it – so keep a big smile on your face!
3. Set class rules early
Establish “Essential Agreements” from the very start so everyone is clear about boundaries. A simple “Please stop” signal is especially helpful when things get too lively.
4. Plan for short attention spans
Be well prepared and always over-plan – it’s far better to have too much than to suddenly realise you’ve got 10 minutes left and nothing ready. Ten unplanned minutes is a long time with very young learners!
5. Speak clearly and naturally
Use a clear and normal voice when teaching. Don’t shout or exaggerate sounds or words in an attempt to be understood. The children need to hear English spoken in a clear, natural way. Use visual cues and props to support understanding. Be patient and listen well.
6. Be observant and supportive
Watch for signs that a child needs help – they might not know how to ask, or may be too shy. Also allow time for them to find the words they want to say. Stay alert and ready to step in gently.
7. Use music to build routines
Play soft music as children arrive and again at the end of the lesson. This helps establish a calm, predictable routine and can reset the mood if the class gets a bit too lively!
8. Communicate openly and positively
Keep communication open – with children, parents, colleagues, and your employer. Share what’s working well, and don’t hesitate to speak up if something’s not going smoothly. Asking for support is a strength, not a weakness.
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9. Go with the flow if things go off-plan
If a lesson doesn’t go the way you intended, don’t panic – it happens even to the most experienced teacher. Stay relaxed, keep smiling, and the children will respond. If the children are having fun, learning is probably happening, even if you can’t “see” it immediately. Don’t be afraid to adapt or abandon an activity if something isn’t working. Then think objectively about what you could do differently next time to make the lesson work, and keep trying new ideas and ways of teaching until you find what is right for you.
10. Set goals without pressure
Setting clear goals or targets can be very motivating, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how quickly children progress. Just make sure the environment stays encouraging, not competitive, so children don’t feel like they are failing.
11. Make learning meaningful
Meaningful content holds children’s attention. If something sparks their interest, try to incorporate it into your lesson plan. Always try to keep learning in context. For example, if you’re teaching the names of farm animals, make a farm scene or have a story about a farm and the animals. Sing relevant songs, like “Old McDonald had a Farm”.
12. Tune in to how they’re feeling
Be alert and on the lookout for children who appear worried, upset or not their usual self. Address these things, but not in front of the whole class. For example, some children don’t enjoy singing or dancing in front of others, and that’s okay. Encourage, but never force to join in. Not singing or dancing doesn’t necessarily mean a child s not acquiring the language.
13. Build your own teaching toolkit
Make a “toolkit” and keep adding to it. Find props, soft toys, puppets, sets of flashcards, songs… things that work for you and that you can use again and again.
14. Expect to feel tired!
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself more tired than usual, especially when you first start teaching this age group. Ensure to have a healthy work/life balance, so you don’t burn out.
15. Enjoy the experience!
Immerse yourself in the children’s world – sing, dance, and use lots of energy and expression in your voice and actions. The children will respond, and you’ll both enjoy the experience much more.
Like most things, teaching young children gets easier with practice, as you try out new ideas and discover what works. If you arrive at class with a smile, enthusiasm, and energy, the children will pick up on it and be eager to learn with you. Teaching very young learners is incredibly rewarding, and you’ll often see and hear results surprisingly quickly.
Have you taught very young learners? What’s worked well for you in the classroom? Feel free to share your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments below.
