Teaching Kids in Grade One Science, Math And English.....

[sirchai]

Hello and sawasdee khrap,

Not really wanting to waste anybody’s time here. I'd just started to set up an EP and we've got one class of grade one kids who never had English before in Anuban,/ Kindergarten.

I'm doing that with an experienced grade one Thai teacher, who's married to a foreigner and her English is acceptable. We're both facing the same problems, as they can't even write their names in Thai.

But it's quite a lot of fun to see their development in English and Thai. These kids will be in an EP set-up next year and might continue with me, or maybe a new teacher with experience.

I'm using all sorts of programs, PowerPoint Slides, etc...Good stuff from the net. Just curious if anybody on this forum does, or had done something similar.

I grew up in a bilingual environment and spoke English and German when I was a little kid, I think the younger the kids are, so better to teach them two languages.

My suggestion to teach those Anuban kids who'll be in the EP by next year was deeply accepted and it seems that it will help them a lot how to write letters, numbers, etc. Just to get familiar with the basic English language, the different tones and the right pronunciation.

I'm trying to make the superiors understand that they should learn science, for example living and non-living things in Thai first, and then I'll cover the same topic in English. Same goes for math.

But it seems very difficult to make something that would make sense, as the Thai teachers schedules and mine are already made…..

I'd be more than happy, if people reading such a forum, which is called "teaching forum" would come up with their experiences.

Please consider that it's not about anybody's grammar, sentence structure, typos, or anything else now.

It's all and only about to find the right way to deal with such a difficult situation.

I'm very happy with what I'm doing and thought others might be in a similar situation.

Thanks in advance for any useful ideas/ posts. Thanks and a good day.-Khop Khun La Lai.-

[simon43]

Sort of on-topic..

Last year when I taught in Laos, the kids studied an EP in the morning and then a Lao government curriculum in the afternoon, (by law). So it was a full day.

I created a curriculum timetable where the EP maths and science subjects taught along the same lines as the Lao curriculum that had been studied just a few days earlier. This worked very well, because the students had initially approached the subject in their mother tongue, with a MT teacher explaining concepts, especially for science.

So when the students then re-approached the same subject content in the EP program, they generally already understood the subject content/concepts, and were able to concentrate on understanding the English words associated with that content.

The only problem was that I had to 'summarise' the Lao science and history content into English for my teachers, and my Lao reading skills are slooooowwwwwww!

[iancnx]

Even though my son is only 18 months old I am already looking at materials for his first year of home school. I would be really interested to hear about your progress. My wife is Thai and teaches English in the Thai system so the Thai requirements are covered, certainly for the primary years to age 10. Plan after that, who knows, but global education will be turned on its head with technological advances IMO.

[Eddy B]

I used to teach Science in a MEP program. I have a list of websites you can use if you want them. The thing I found with the younger students was that they needed to be hands on...........getting dirty with their hands. So I did a garden project and I also tried to introduce a pet in the room project. The pet in the room project was great for the kids as they learned about the animal and how to takecare of it. The problem with this project was the parents being too over protective of their dear little ones.

[simon43]

What was the pet?

[Eddy B]

What was the pet?

otostigmus-scaber_119545_1.jpg

Surprisingly not that! They were hamsters but due to a break out in 2009/2010 of H1N1 or otherwise known as "swine flu" the parents wanted the hamsters removed. I did try to explain to them that ham is a name used for pig meat but hamsters are not swine so no problems. It fell on deaf, mai kao jai ears so I had to find suitable homes for them. And again not in a centipedes stomach!

[IMA_FARANG]

What was the pet?

otostigmus-scaber_119545_1.jpg

Surprisingly not that! They were hamsters but due to a break out in 2009/2010 of H1N1 or otherwise known as "swine flu" the parents wanted the hamsters removed. I did try to explain to them that ham is a name used for pig meat but hamsters are not swine so no problems. It fell on deaf, mai kao jai ears so I had to find suitable homes for them. And again not in a centipedes stomach!

-------------------------

Interesting.

Now if I was a cynical person I might conclude from that story was the real problem educating those children was not them, but their parents.

Well, maybe that's a bit harsh.

[sirchai]

It's more difficult than I fist thought. Mist kids can't even write their names in Thai. There's absolutely no knowledge in English, as they never had English at Anuban.

My Thai colleague is pretty cool and speaks English. I couldn't do this job without using some words in Thai.

Still working on them to call me "teacher Mike", not "Khun Kru Farang." But their short time memory seems to be very limited.

The use of a projector is worth gold in such a learning environment.

For the one poster who'd like to make home schooling, I think I've got some good stuff somewhere. Will page you, when I found it.-

[zeichen]

I'm trying to make the superiors understand that they should learn science, for example living and non-living things in Thai first, and then I'll cover the same topic in English. Same goes for math.

That is actually what a bilingual program is.

The theory is based on CBI (content based instruction) if a student knows the concepts/content of a subject, they then can learn the foreign language vocabulary and comprehension of the language.

EP programs should have a foundation of English before they start. If students, have no ability in the foreign/second language, there is no way that they will learn the content/concepts of the subject nor develop their language skills.

Covering the national curriculum is a challenge even in their native language. Trying to do it without the students understanding basic instructions or skills of the instructing language will be a nightmare.

One thing to remember is that in this environment all subject teachers are still language teachers. The overall goal isn't just the content or fact memorization it is also developing the langauge skills necessary to progress.

Teaching study skills, like note taking, time management and other things should be a part of the lessons also. When using PPT and other lecture based teaching media, make sure to simplify the language and reduce the meta-language.

Content based instruction is quite effective but students either need a foundation of language skills or a deep understanding of the subject prior to studying it in the target langauge.

Introducing the vocabulary and overlapping instruction from the different subjects will be key. Having new vocabulary in all subjects each day is insane. Try to have one theme for all subjects that unifies them. That way you can build upon each class with the different subjects.

Starting an EP program without the right curriculum, support materials, resources, etc is something I don't envy you at all.

Good luck.

If you survive the year, you will only be a better teacher from it.

Brainpop is a great resource for young learners. Very simple and direct animations that relate to 1000's of topics.

[sirchai]

I'm trying to make the superiors understand that they should learn science, for example living and non-living things in Thai first, and then I'll cover the same topic in English. Same goes for math.

That is actually what a bilingual program is.

The theory is based on CBI (content based instruction) if a student knows the concepts/content of a subject, they then can learn the foreign language vocabulary and comprehension of the language.

EP programs should have a foundation of English before they start. If students, have no ability in the foreign/second language, there is no way that they will learn the content/concepts of the subject nor develop their language skills.

Covering the national curriculum is a challenge even in their native language. Trying to do it without the students understanding basic instructions or skills of the instructing language will be a nightmare.

One thing to remember is that in this environment all subject teachers are still language teachers. The overall goal isn't just the content or fact memorization it is also developing the langauge skills necessary to progress.

Teaching study skills, like note taking, time management and other things should be a part of the lessons also. When using PPT and other lecture based teaching media, make sure to simplify the language and reduce the meta-language.

Content based instruction is quite effective but students either need a foundation of language skills or a deep understanding of the subject prior to studying it in the target langauge.

Introducing the vocabulary and overlapping instruction from the different subjects will be key. Having new vocabulary in all subjects each day is insane. Try to have one theme for all subjects that unifies them. That way you can build upon each class with the different subjects.

Starting an EP program without the right curriculum, support materials, resources, etc is something I don't envy you at all.

Good luck.

If you survive the year, you will only be a better teacher from it.

Brainpop is a great resource for young learners. Very simple and direct animations that relate to 1000's of topics.

Thanks a lot for your input Zeichen Hope you're doing well..

I do have various programs, plus quite a few years of teaching experience in Thailand, taught grade one and two before. that helps me a lot.

It's basically something new. This year, it's called AP ( advanced programme) and, these kids will go to EP in grade two next year and a new class grade one will follow.

We've also started to teach Anuban English, which is really needed to get them familiar with the different tones, the ABC, numbers,etc..., before they join an EP.

Even as hard as the job seems to be, it's also a lot of fun. I'm doing this job, because I truly love what I'm doing.

The kids' love and smiles give me more than any money can buy. I posted this, as there might be others out there, who're in a similar situation.

And the exchange of ideas can't be a mistake, if it's suitable for Thai kids' education. Cheers-

Edited May 26, 2014 by sirchai

[Scott]

I take care of several programs. We have a mini-English Program (which is nothing more than lessons in Science, Social Studies and Math taught in English), a bilingual program, where nearly everything is taught in both English and Thai and an International Program where they take everything in English, except for Thai language classes.

By and large the mini-English program is a waste of time and the International Program is a waste of money. The bilingual program is where they learn well. Like Ziechen mentioned, they learn the concepts in Thai and then are taught again in English, so we are always teaching not only a subject, but mainly the English language. The international program is too new to make an adequate comparison, but in a few years I will have a better idea. Right now, I am afraid they are going to become bi-literate, illiterate in two languages.

[zeichen]

Most of the bilingual courses Ｉ　have seen usually cover different topics in Thai and English. For example on Monday and Wednesday the Thai teacher would cover planets and Tuesday Thursday the Native English Speaker would teach about constellations. So what was happening is that most students were only learning parts of vocabulary in both languages. On the ONet test they did poorly and then even less on the cambridge testing. Whereas the EP program students did equally as poorly on the Onet but extremely high on the Cambridge testing.

I think the most important thing to make any program work is to make sure parents know the limitations and give them suggestions of what they could cover at home to make up the difference. Especially for the young learners it is very important to have constant feedback to students and parents. Instead of generic progress reports, detailed ones that indicate exactly what the parent can do at home to help. When using a set curriculum the parents could be suggested certain supplimental material that they can do with the children. Not just given worksheets for homework which seems as the standard in Thai education. Some parent training too on how to faciliate homework and instead of kids just filling in a worksheet have the parents let their children explain what the worksheet is and why they choose their answers.

Parent involvement is one of the most crucial factors in a student's progress. I have been trying to limit the control and role of the teacher as knowldege inputter and put more control in the student's hands. This is much harder in a large class or when traditional values are too strong.

[studdyj]

I am coming to Thailand next month and I will welcome any chance to work or teach young kids about basic English Language... If anyone knows anything available please hit me up.

[sirchai]

I am coming to Thailand next month and I will welcome any chance to work or teach young kids about basic English Language... If anyone knows anything available please hit me up.

You might have a better chance that people "hit you up", when posting a thread at teaching in Thailand, as not too many people will read this thread.

Please also try ajarn and other websites.

.Best of luck, teaching kids about basic English Language.-

Edited May 28, 2014 by SlyAnimal
removed URL

[studdyj]

Thanks and i tried the ajarn but is not available, so please help with a proper website. thanks

Edited May 28, 2014 by SlyAnimal
Removed URL

[sirchai]

Thanks and i tried the www.ajarn.com but is not available, so please help with a proper website. thanks

How can you not understand what the thread is all about? It's not a job offer, so please Google it.

Thanks a lot for not understanding my questions..-

Edited May 28, 2014 by sirchai

[studdyj]

I did but it seems this website is been blocked in my country so can't have access on it. Then with this I have to wait till i come to Thailand next month

[sirchai]

I did but it seems this website is been blocked in my country so can't have access on it. Then with this I have to wait till i come to Thailand next month

Seems you were only using the wrong keyboard.I can't get anymore of it, please stay calm and read the thread again and again.

Please ask Scott, a moderator of the teaching forum, ( sorry to Bangkok for that!) he'll help you to post a new thread.

Please do it. Please. Thank you..And enjoy your flight, Thailand needs more quality tourists like you, because of the ongoing political situation

Where do they block ajarn ? -

Edited May 28, 2014 by SlyAnimal
Removed URL

[studdyj]

Hahaha thanks so much for this and please link with me on my personal email and let me have your contacts so as I can connect with you when I come over.

<E-mail address removed, you can contact the poster via PM>

Thanks

Edited May 28, 2014 by SlyAnimal
Removed e-mail address

[studdyj]

Oh ok but try lets hook up because wanna help and volunteer there..

[sirchai]

Oh ok but try lets hook up because wanna help and volunteer there..

Where?

[studdyj]

I mean in Thailand when i come there next month and if possible you can give send me you contacts in my email address which is

Edited May 28, 2014 by SlyAnimal
Removed e-mail address

[SlyAnimal]

Please note that linking to commercial websites is against the forum rules, as is the linking of e-mail addresses on the forum.

Studdyj - If you would like someone to contact you, they can pm you (or you can pm them). Also if you would like to ask for information regarding teaching jobs etc, you can open a new thread, as this thread is about a completely different topic.

[Scott]

I have deleted one rather nasty post. You are expected to be civil to other posters.

I have sent you a PM Studdyj.

[sirchai]

I have deleted one rather nasty post. You are expected to be civil to other posters.

I have sent you a PM Studdyj.

Scott, I apologize.....

[sirchai]

Just a short update. It seems to get better and better. Thai colleagues are pretty much okay, even if most of them are jealous of the fact that a new hired Thai teacher for this program and I "enjoy" much better conditions.

It takes quite a while that the kids really get to know you, but the ice is broken and it's a lot of fun to teach them. Okay, I prefer older students, as I'm more used to teach kids who at least understand some English.

Biggest problem seems to be- what's also the problem anywhere else here - that some kids are really bright, while the majority is really stressed out, learning two languages at the same time.

Biggest issue is to calm them down without hitting them, what the Thai teacher does. Started to make translations in my free time, besides correcting their books.

Had my wife with me today and she covered a few hours as my Thai colleague wasn't there. Now she knows that they don't just pay me a salary for being there.

There're times, when I want to run away from the noisy little monsters, who now started to hide behind the curtain at the door and other "funny" things.

Thought of a good solution, to hang one of these noise- makers on the highest tree near the entrance door and I'm sure the rest will be quite for an hour, or so.

But the fact that i also teach grade six and three makes it to a nice job. Grade six teachers are trying to get as much information as possible, how and what I'm doing that they listen to me. And learn.

Might be that I like to make a lot of jokes, while they're most of the time so dead serious.

Well, might have to rethink my plan.

Even found a short cut to that small town and don't have to drive on the pretty busy 226 anymore.

Nice to have a projector, scanned all their books in, put them on PowerPoint and don't have to waste so much time writing stuff on the board.

Several programs such as Rosette Stone, some youtube material is really nice to use. Started to show them a short cartoon when they come back from lunch and now they behave much better, as they want to continue doing so.

Had a fantastic math lesson with them, when the director walked in, to see how I was doing. The lesson after lunch then was completely different.

Might take two or three more weeks until I know all their nicknames. To make a long story short, it was the best thing to start at this school.

Life's so different and people really appreciate what you're doing. I was so sick and tired of my former school, where only lies and gossip made their days.

Finally, there're schools. And there're schools. Some are good, but some are not worth to work for.

Edited May 30, 2014 by sirchai

[Squeegee]

Good luck to ya mate. It's good to see your enthusiasm.

Try to stay positive no matter what. If you feel resentment now due to your having apparent better conditions it might not get much better so keep an eye on your back and - I'm sure you'll be doing this anyway - ensure you have as great relations with everyone as much as possible, and anyone who - and there probably will be - just won't play ball with decency just avoid them and don't rise to any bait. Don't mean to sound cynical or negative, but it's just best to be prepared with a strategy and not feel let down later.

On a similar note, my own experience of this sort of thing fell completely apart halfway through the year, so watch out for having the ground removed from beneath your feet just as you think it's coming together.

Basically what happened for me was I was employed to set up a "Mini-English Program" whereby I spent 50% of my contact time in a nice, small air-con classroom with a co-teacher teaching English, Science and Maths to a small group of P1 kids (with resources), then the other 50% of my time was the typical 'into the lion's den' teaching the rest of the school for 1 hour per week for each class.

The co-teacher was fantastic: great attitude, reasonable English, nice person, good teacher and supportive and open-minded, but the Powers That Be in the school treated her like muck and over-worked her so by the October holiday she'd found a new job. By the time I came back from the break the owner dropped on me the fact that the MEP was cancelled and I would be doing the rest of the school for 2 hours per week. The co-teacher's replacement was not at all receptive to working together (previously myself and the other teacher had even co-taught other grades where we could fit our schedules together). At the end of the year I moved on. There were other issues too, although to be honest it wasn't such a bad school compared to many places.

Again, don't mean to sound negative, just wanting to say to watch out for sudden changes in any embryonic situation, especially where farang and English Programs are still a novelty; and to appreciate what you have whilst you've got it: especially what sounds like the freedom to actually attempt to deliver something remotely useful to those kids.

Finally, that projector.... mate, it's worth its weight in gold. Engage the living daylights out of those kids with your own Powerpoint games and presentations plus dozens of songs and videos from YouTube. When I was in that kind of situation I felt my main mission was to introduce to the kids the idea that foreigners are approachable and understandable and that learning English can be fun.

Chok dee, na.

[studdyj]

Great to see all these and I am learning a lot. Thanks guys

[sirchai]

Seems the ice is broken with the kids and teaching goes pretty well. Have all books scanned in and on PowerPoint now. It's indeed a lot of work, but makes teaching much easier.

Got two science books, two English books and two math books on PowerPoint and it saves me a lot of time, instead of writing stuff on the board.

A lot of science and math stuff is on youtube and other websites.I have to admit, that it wouldn't work out without a projector in their learning environment. ( Just my opinion)

Some kids are struggling, as they're learning Thai at the same time. Some "teachers" had the fantastic idea to employ somebody who translates all I'm saying into Thai, which doesn't make any sense now. They started to learn English two weeks ago and will get used to it.

Just wondering what some Thai teachers believe, as simultaneously translations from English to Thai and vice versa don't work.

The kids will have to learn English in English and Thai in Thai Full stop.

Hope "studdyj" had found a job working for Scott now. Good day.- .

[zeichen]

It actually depends on their previous knowledge. Having some translation is very helpful. Learning a 2nd language purely by emersion without any reference can be hard on many students especially those that haven't developed their critical thinking, cognitive connection and association.

The specific target language objective can be taught without translating but reference points being translated can help.

However, the situation you describe sounds like a fail. If they are only trying to learn content and not skills, then translating would be fine, but the skill sets that you are trying to teach would be better off by doing exactly what you are doing. Using visual aids and specific examples to learn the language through the concepts.

I do wish you the best of luck but don't envy you. I think the worst part would be if it succeeds and someone else takes the credit. Or they decide to over rule your great efforts and sabotage it with more idiocy like translating your every word.

Brainpop is a great resource if you haven't used it. Awesome short animated videos with a myriad of subjects.

Be careful with the overuse of powerpoints. Just because they are visual they still lend themselves to more of a lecture based teaching approach rather than an interactive inquiry based approach.