A few weeks ago we had a great video from Col showing how he tests his kids.
I wrote back to say how cool it was to see such confident kids, and this was his reply, I think you might find it useful!
Thanks,
I’m very proud of my kids. My main aim has been to get them to be confident.
This is one of the reasons I give my kids English names – at day school you may be shy little “Gaeo”, but here you’re Ella, one of the greatest singers and performers in the world!
I also use something I stole from one of your videos, which really works a treat.
Each student stands up in front of the class and introduces himself, when he says his name, all the other students say “Hello, …. How are you?”, and cheer.
It makes all the difference, from a head down mumble to Shakespearean actor in a few seconds!
Thanks for everything,
Col
How can you implement these ideas in your class?
Earn More From Your Passion For Teaching English!
I think the idea of self introductions is great. I’m gonna get my students to do it tomorrow! Also I understand the concept of changing the kids names so they can become someone else, however from my own personal experience I would err on the side of caution. I had a French exchange teacher who decided to change our names and I hated the one that I was given & felt that somehow my identity had been stolen! I was too shy to say anything. This resulted in me hating my teacher and French forever!
Ooo, fair point! 8)
Thanks for sharing those experiences. Very useful. I feel that when I speak another language, it’s a bit like acting because I’m trying to be like a native which involves different intonation, facial expressions, gestures and taking on the national characteristics of that country. Many actors and performers are shy people but on stage they become someone else and speaking a foreign language is to me a bit like hiding behind a different persona. I don’t know if it’s the same for everyone else.
Great to hear how the students’ confidence has grown – congratulations! Sometimes all they need is some approval from their teacher and peers.
I love the intro idea, I´m going to use it today in my 5 year old class!
About the name changing- Maybe if you let the students pick a new name themselves it would take away the problem of a “stolen identity”.
Or, when I was learning Spanish in Jr. High our teacher had us change our real name to its version in Spanish or at least something similar. The kids I have in my English classes always ask how to say their name in English- they get a kick out of it! Maybe this way is a good option.
Just some ideas to tweak what Col does to fit your own class!
And to finish as Col suggests: Cheers!!! for all you awesome teachers out there!!! Keep up the good work!!!!
Self-introductions are included in the DDDragon curriculum, but it is in the form of a Speech. I’m trying to get the clapping and cheering so the kids gain confidence from their classmates.
Yes Amy you’re right. I’m sure I would have felt much happier with the French version of my name, or like you said, letting the kids choose their own name, but only if they want to.
Tried the intro thing out yesterday, kids were great!
Thanks for all the great advice everybody!