[Eric]

Quote stanley

I have the same problem. As I teach children of expats, I also have some near native speakers of English in the same class as children with very little English at all. I am currently working out how to deal with it. To get round the problem, I intend to do a lot of group work and have the children mainly working in same-ability groups. For those with limited English, I will try to simplify the task so that the language I want them to use is at their level. I wouldn't worry too much about a 6 month difference. I would do as simplyesl suggests and make sure you review previous language all the time, in warm-ups and games. (I'm sure you do this anyway, so sorry if it sounds obvious) In my experience, even when classes are grouped according to ability, there will always be a range within that and you may well find that some of your new students are quick learners and will soon catch up with the majority. Good luck!

i like the group idea. thanks. i think of ways to implement that.

[Mr. E English]

Seems to be getting worse every minute Eric and I would question whether it's actually possible to teach a mixed nationality group at such different levels. Sounds like your school needs to step in and help you out - regroup the students according to ability / provide extra remedial lessons / assign a classroom assistant!

Six months difference in learning at a intermediate level and above is manageable in the classroom, at pre-intermediate it's difficult but just about possible, but at elementary I don't personally think it's possible.

If I think of my elementary level students the complete beginners are doing "My name is ... / this is a pen" while six months later we're starting on past simple - that's a big difference.

[Eric]

Quote Mr. E English

If I think of my elementary level students the complete beginners are doing "My name is ... / this is a pen" while six months later we're starting on past simple - that's a big difference.

that's where im at but with uni students. ths school is not going to do anything...