[LSIKKING]

I will be working with a 4 year old adopted boy from Russia. He does not speak English and is very much delayed in all areas of development. I wanted to get some suggestions as to where I should start with him… It is my responsibility to get him as close to kindergarten ready as I can in about 9 months time. Thanks in advance for your suggestions and comments!

[STCrowley]

I just posted a great response (actually, when you read the abbreviated version below, you'll know that I'm just guessing) but it seems to have vanished.

My suggestion is this: see if you can't find some 'physical' activities that he enjoys (I mean, where you don't 'have' to talk: blocks, legos, cars, trains) and play with him, speaking only English. I guess that, if I were doing this, I'd try to translate everything he says with gestures into English.

I don't know, though, I'm just saying what I would do if I had the job. Let us know what you DO do and how it works out, though. I'd be interested in hearing it.

[Evie G]

Hi there,

I think that this thread may help you:

one-on-one class help me

Also a great site for ideas for games for little 'uns is:

Genki English, ESL games, songs and ideas to turn ESL lessons into super lessons.

Just get him moving and responding to you first, have a look at the TPR video on Genki English - getting him to 'stand up', 'sit down', 'turn around' etc. Also just play and interact with him in English to get him used to it, then you can introduce flashcards with colours, animals etc and get him to repeat after you. See if he likes colouring/drawing too as that can be fun and relaxing for kids if they're stressed.

Good luck!
Evie