[liebkostdrache]

I've had groups of small kids (not that big though! poor you!) and 'Simon Says' has worked really well for me for simple beginnings.. 'jump' and for those that are true beginners, I mime the action for them while saying the word. Also, blocks and shapes they color in, but must ask for 'blue' 'red' ... one word answer was the target. whatever implement have you use. worked very well..flashcards? mimicking animal noises with the cards: 'Cow' "moooo' work well too. These worked for me with a group of very scared, very shy 4 year old kids. Do you have a puppet? Sometimes puppets work, sometimes not..they can be scary. Do you have an assistant that speaks English? Good luck to you! Sounds like you're really up against it.

[Pix]

Hi there,

Have you tried stories - kindergarden kids are mysteriously spell-bound by them.

First though you have to quiet them down and that can be done through a game like the "Magic Five":

This is a listening game that, once the routine has been taught to the class, allows you to quickly establish calm and regain all the children's attention. Using other listening games in this book teach the commands: 1. On your bottom, legs crossed; 2. hands in your lap; 3. look at me; 4. ears and eyes open; 5. mouths closed. Once the children know these commands say, "Give me five: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5" while the children do the sequence of actions.

For a preschool story suitable for beginners try the one from the link below, which you receive by email free:

https://teachingenglishgames.com/esl-games-for-kids/

The games book that goes with the stories is of limited use with 40 kids, but the stories should be fine with any class numbers.

Kind regards
Shelley