Kindergarten.

[Yimmy]

I’ve taught from P2 to Uni level but never under P2. I’m about to begin teaching KG and don’t know what level they should be at – should they be able to write the alphabet, should they be able to use basic sentences or just words (verbs and nouns presumably)?

I’m great at teaching kids – heaps of fun, always have them speaking as much as possible, but just don’t know what abilities KG kids should have.

I’m not looking for advice for how to teach kids, just looking for advice on what this age group should be able to do already. Thanks.

[mizzi39]

I've taught from P2 to Uni level but never under P2. I'm about to begin teaching KG and don't know what level they should be at – should they be able to write the alphabet, should they be able to use basic sentences or just words (verbs and nouns presumably)?

I'm great at teaching kids – heaps of fun, always have them speaking as much as possible, but just don't know what abilities KG kids should have.

I'm not looking for advice for how to teach kids, just looking for advice on what this age group should be able to do already. Thanks.

Basic sentences? L2 kindergarten? No way! Not unless one of their parents speaks fluent English and they learned through acquisition. I am still trying to teach M1-M3 how to form and convey a complete thought. I am glad to hear that you are great at teaching kids and you should have heaps of fun and the Ss should too! Songs, games, imitation, etc. I have found works great with youngsters because they are so impressionable and like to have fun! This way you can start to introduce them to grammar (which as you know grammar is so boring even to native speakers), but the student will not even know they are learning it. Good Luck!

Edited August 5, 2008 by mizzi39

[Yimmy]

Thanks, and writing - should they be able to write words?

[mizzi39]

Thanks, and writing - should they be able to write words?

Yimmy, you taught from P2-Uni. What was your assessment of those Ss writing skills? I had an M1 student today who couldn't even spell "milk" correctly, so it would be best to assess their skills before you start teaching them anything.

[devona]

I've been teaching KG1 - KG3 for the last 3 yrs in Thailand. It depends what age you're teaching. The KG1 students will probably be able to trace letters, some may be able to write letters themselves but then there'll be some who can't trace yet. KG2 students can usually form most of their letters and KG3 can write words, but usually need to copy them as only the very best students will be able to spell.

[PeaceBlondie]

Pictures, and name the objects. Colors. Teach them the alphabet song. Nothing wrong with lots of repetition. Adjectives of size - big, small. Where it works, such as consonants, say the sounds and give examples: b, d, f, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w, z..

[Yimmy]

Good info. Cheers D an PB.

[Plus]

I didn't start to learn writing until the age of 6. At that age, K2G, about 2-3 years old, they should have difficulties HOLDING a pencil, nevermind writing.

Just because some of them can, doesn't mean it's necessary for everybody.

They are babies, some of them still can't control their bladders, some even can't speak at all.

But the teachers, know better, right?

[PeaceBlondie]

I would avoid tricky vowel sounds. Dog and cat are okay, and maybe cow and blue and red and white. As I say, they are good at memorizing, but not at systematic analysis of comparative phonemes and diphthongs.

Yimmy said Kindergarten, which I assumed means 5 year olds. Three year olds know so little Thai that you could teach them Urdu and Swahili along with English.

[devona]

KG2 where I teach is age 4 to 5yrs. 2 to 3 yrs is nursery and I agree they would just be leanring to hold a pencil or crayon.