Филологические науки / 5.Методы и приемы контроля уровня владения иностранным языком

Suynbaeva B. K.

English teacher of school No. 30, Taraz, Kazakhstan

Teaching English speaking at the beginning stage

Children in primary or elementary school are usually in the concrete operational stage of cognitive development. This means that they learn through hands-on experiences and through manipulation of objects in the environment. Children in primary or elementary-school settings generally learn by doing. If this principle were extended to the English teaching setting, it would mean that children in language classes need to be active than passive; they need to be engaged in activities of which language is a part; they need to be working on meaningful tasks and use language o accomplish those tasks. So when the teacher wants to teach children how to speak he should not only show them how to do it but give the tasks and practical exercises.

Children have three main and important sources of interest in the classroom. They are pictures, stories and games: the first being obviously mainly a visual stimulates, the second both visual and aural; and the third using both visual and aural channels as well as activating language production and sometimes physical movement.

There are some more sources of interest for children: physical movement (dancing, gymnastics and aerobics); drama (mime, role play, putting on plays); projects (exploring a topic and making booklets or displays on it); doing decorative writing or other graphic design.

Young children are often eager, almost too eager. The problem arises when they are eager to do things other than what you’re trying to teach them. Here are six tips to keep them interested in class and motivated to do what you want them to do:

Tip 1: Keep yourself motivated.

Tip 2: Encourage.

Tip 3: Play games

Tip 4: Get their hands dirty

Tip 5: Get them moving.

Tip 6: Vary the pace

There are some more advices how not to get disheartened when you have to teach beginners:

1. Simplify your language

Don’t be too fast. Be very slow so that they feel good about listening to you. Sometimes, you will to “act” to make them understand. Don’t feel shy to act. Use simple words.

2. Observe successful teachers

Some teachers are astounding in their approach and presentation. There is nothing wrong if you sit in their classes and observe how they handle the session. Let not your ego prevent you from learning good methodologies which can mould you as a teacher. Don’t let the ego tell you that you know “everything”.

All the teachers must realize that the rapport that you build with your students is the first step towards successful teaching. If there is an emotional gap between you and your pupils, the learning process will lack depth. Plan for your “first day” lesson creatively. As you know, the first impression is always the best impression.

3. Use of dictionary

If a language teaching session is to be effective, the learners must be encouraged to use dictionaries. As children search for words, they learn a lot of words. Language sessions must be full of activities. They must be student centered. Many a time the teacher plays passive role. If your session is dominated by your voice, then reconsider the strategy. English classes must be boisterous but under the control of the teacher.

4. Say “no” to traditional question papers

Don’t be a victim of traditional question papers that are full of “fill in” exercises. Question papers must be appealing to the students. Don’t just focus on grammar. Add passages that will require the use of dictionary.

We think that the most important thing in teaching children is to include game-like activities, especially while teaching speaking. There are some games in the practical part of the work.

· Bingo – Use numbers, letters of the alphabet, or word families: furniture, fruits, sports, jobs, colours, actions

· Memory – Put 10 everyday objects on a tray. Say what they are in English, cover them. Can your child remember what’s there and tell you in English? You can also use photos from magazines or newspapers of different word families.

· Alphabet Game – Say a letter of the alphabet. Can your child find an animal, something to eat, etc. beginning with that letter? Or ask your child to write five words beginning with one letter.

· Spy – Say that you are thinking of something beginning with a letter. Your child has to guess what it is. Example. “I spy with my little eye, something beginning with W. ““Is it water? “ “No. ““Is it Window? “ “Yes! “

· Twenty Questions – Think of an object or animal. Your child has to ask questions to find out what it is. Example: “Is it big?” “No.” “Is it very small?” “No” etc…

· Definition Game – Give your child a definition, they have to guess what you’re defining. Example: “It is very big and it has a long nose.” “Is it an elephant?” “Yes!”

· Treasure Hunt – Your child has to find the things, or follow the clues you’ve written in English.

Alternate calm games with lively ones to keep the children alert and motivated, but without letting the class get out of hand. Good discipline is essential to effective learning.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1. www.englishteachersforum.com. Motivating young children to learn English. By Shelley Vernon

2. www.englishteachersforum.com. Don’t get disheartened when you have to teach beginners.

3. www.teachingenglish.org.uk/download/children.shtml

4. www.englishclub.com Learn English: Young Learners