[Sissy]

Hello,

I am Looking for some advice about teaching 2 to 3 year olds ESL. They native tongue is german. I have between 3 to 7 children on any given day. Some don't come every day either twice or three times a week.

Also, I am not alone during the day. There is another teacher always present who speaks only german to them. I have been singing songs to them during morning circle and been talking and teaching in English to them when I can either individually or in small groups, but they don't really participate at all. I sing Wheels on the bus, itsy,bitsy spider, teddy bear, teddy bear. They just sit there and look at me without doing any movements. I feel at the moment very ineffective. This is my second week any suggestions?

[chokosaki]

When teaching children about that age I try and change up the activities often. Children that young have very short attention spans and shouldn't be tasked with focusing on one thing for too long.

I generally switch activities up every 5-10 minutes. You have the right idea with the songs. Try to come up with some themes (such as teaching animals, numbers, colors, etc) and teach from there. Themes help students focus on certain areas.

Also, try downloading some flashcards and playing some simple flashcard games. Check out Dave's ESL Cafe for some great ideas for flashcard games and tips on teaching young learners. You can get some flashcards and other material from clicking on the links in my signature.

Good luck with your new little friends!

[Sissy]

Thanks for the information. Will give it a try!

[chokosaki]

Good luck! let us know how it turns out for you

[Dave-B]

Have fun.
Speak English all the time.

That should do it.