Teaching ESL Children

As we continue thinking about children in our classes for whom English is a second language (ESL), I asked a sweet friend to give us some insights on teaching these terrific kids. My friend is from Korea and has been living in the United States for about one year. She was an English teacher in Korea and continues teaching ESL here. The questions I asked her and her responses are below...

1. What is the most important thing our teachers need to know about teaching children who are learning to speak English? You should be aware that they don't have much knowledge in their own language so you need to encourage them to practice English within their knowledge.

2. What are some of the best techniques that you have used in teaching ESL? Games! Board games or card games. Description games where you give the child a word. They have to describe the word and the rest of the class guesses the word.

3. What are the things that our teachers need to avoid in teaching ESL? Don't pretend that you understand the children when you really don't.

In our church classrooms, we need to remember that ESL children may have a limited background in biblical knowledge. They are learning just like all our children. Games are an excellent way to teach Bible content and to build English skills. When you do not understand what a child is saying, ask her to repeat her words slowly and clearly. Affirm her for her growing English ability and for her participation in the class. Be patient with her as she learns about God and about her new culture.