No sooner had I written my last post about teaching babies & 2/3 year olds then I had lots of people write in to contradict everything I said! π
Lucky put up this picture showing how she uses the Genki English flashcards with her baby classes.
These are the new “Fruit Market” flashcards.
And Sarah* Β wrote in to say:
Our school director told me they are against media use in the classroom, they want the old traditional learning methods. I’ve been in this school since February and they can care less what goes on in the classroom so I decided last week to introduce Genki English to my 27 months old class. What a difference! The theme for the week was body parts so we did Make a Face and they loved it, and can sing it too!
*Needless to say I changed “Sarah”‘s name! π
She went to ask …
My question is about the “How old are you?” song. Do you have or have you considered adding a second version to this song? I don’t want my babies to sing I’m 5 years old I’m 6 years old… The music fits perfect to sing I’m 1 year old… To I’m 8 . It can be added to the menu as ages 1-8 and 5-12. Just a thought.
I always *love* getting requests, Β so here you go – check out the update!
Hope that helps those of you teaching the really little ones, and of course feel free add comments and to completely ignore everything I say in the blog if it works in your actual classroom! π
Be genki,
Richard
Great to see some talk about teaching really young babies and children. When I first started teaching babies, I thought it was a waste of time. But I did actually see that these babies listening and speaking accelerate rapidly when they hit one and two. Actually, I need cards for I’m six months old and stuff. Then again, probably don’t need any cards for I’m one month old. Quick question – what’s the youngest age you have started teaching babies or children from?
Richard,
I just saw the update to the How old are you? song, it’s perfect. Thanks a lot.
Hi Richard!
I do not agree with Lucky when she says “don’t talk to the babies as obviously they don’t understand”
With my baby playgroup I always make sure to have eye contact. Anyway they barely start understanding their own language… we do talk to them in their mothertongue … even ( especially!) if they don’t understand much of it!
I would add a few things: a mystery box is always a big hit.
And while waiting for everyone to take off his shoes, etc., I always go from a baby to another one, asking their name ( of course the baby odesn’t answer, his minder does) and writing it on a tag. It goes ” Hellom! What’s your name? Look, there’s Sarah ( showing Sarah’s tag” What’s your name? Leo? Nooo! Tom?” until the minder answers and then I write the name on the tag and stick it to the baby’s shirt.
Always the same pattern, this way they understand at some point what I resquest when they arrive.
Also Stand up/ sit down is not easy for them, most of the time it takes them forever to do so…
QUESTION to those of you having playgroups:
How much do you charge?
Having amounts won’t make sense here as it depends on the area you are teaching, but what percentage of the regular kids classes do you take for a mother baby pair? And How long is one class?
Ms Lucky,
I’m pleased you are having such a great website now. I guess I should contact you over there, as I have a few questions. Keep up the great work!
A “How Old Are You?” for kindergarten ages up would be useful, I do believe.
Any particular reason why not to use flash cards for youngsters? Wondering . I use them, for example ill show a picture of a lion and then we all act like lions etc. Or I’ll show a picture of food and mime giving it to the sprogs. Everyone seems content enough.
@Russ They’re just not very effective from a language acquisition point of view.
I see, just read a little bit. I guess this means don’t use them for drilling – which makes sense. Flash cards are versatile though! (If you don’t mind the high chance of them being ripped up!)
Yep, and lamination (with rounded corners!) is your best friend!
I plan to give classes ages from 3 months to 12 years old. I have to have this program!!
Hi Richard,
Since my point of view any age is perfect to introduce a new language, your methodology is fun and easy to use, children, babies or anyone is able to learn.
Thank you very much for sharing your ideas and experiences.
Have a nice and blessing week.
Alicia. π