Esol Online Course

[TexasRanger]

Hi,

I just found out I may be a father soon and being the anal type I have already started going crazy trying to think of all the implications.

One of the things I would like to do though is learn to teach English, not for work but to teach the kid and get my wife to a good standard before we need to teach the kid. We normally converse only in Thai, she has studied for a short time but really doesn't like speaking English, I hope this will now change.

My situation is that I work overseas but live in Thailand and so I would be looking for a totally online course as I cant attend classes.

If anyone would be kind enough to attempt to answer these questions I would appreciate it.

Is there a total online course that might suit me or should I just buy text books as I am not looking for a qualification, only the ability to teach my native language and structure lessons etc.

Many thanks in advance.

[TexasRanger]

Yeah, I know, I meant TEFL course, oops not a good start

[puchooay]

How long do you stay overseas at any one time?

I think you are taking things a step too far. My wife speaks quite good English. I have never "taught" her English. She has just pick it up in conversation.

My nine year old daughter speaks very good English. Again I have never "taught" her. From the day she was born I always spoke to her in English. She learnt to speak the same way that everyone in the world learns to speak their mother tongue, by speaking regularly.

[otherstuff1957]

Most people who successfully raise bilingual children follow one simple strategy: each parent speaks to their child ONLY in their native tongue. So, your wife speaks to the child in Thai and you speak to him/her in English. It can be confusing & difficult when they are very young, but eventually they will become fluent in both languages.

Living in Thailand, your child will undoubtedly learn Thai much more quickly & easily than English. You will have to resist the temptation to simply speak to your child in Thai. If he or she talks to you in Thai, make them repeat the question or statement in English - even if you already understand what he or she is saying.

Also, buy some Disney & Sesame Street DVDs for them to watch when you are not around and DON'T let your wife buy them any Thai language Kidvids. Remember, he or she will learn Thai naturally from his or her mother & friends. English will require extra effort.

[TexasRanger]

Thanks for the good advice, I spend around a month or so away and then the same at home so I should hopefully be able to keep the English going. I appreciate your perspective on this so I will try that out, it will be hard speaking English to the kid all the time in a totally Thai environment but I am sure it will pay in the long run. I hope to read to the kid in English as well as my parents read to me every night and I love reading, I don't see any of that going on where I live now.

Thanks again.