I Live With A Family In Spain And Teach Them English-Help Me Teach

The children you will be charged with teaching are at such an ideal age and really language hungry. They are also at an age where they are probably really uninhibited about trying words and pronunciations and the like. I think that you have exactly the right idea; play with the kids. It's the best way for them to learn and they'll never even know they're doing it. I wouldn't spend too much time or money on games. I think playing games is an excellent idea.

Play games from your childhood, like Duck Duck Goose or Mother May I. Play simple card games like Concentration with fewer cards since the children are so young (actually any type of matching game is excellent). Play Hide and Seek and Tag. The whole time that you are playing with them you will be conversing which is the best way for them to learn. If I were to bring anything with me it would be Richard Scarry's Word Book. There are a few different ones. My own daughters read them far past the recommended ages because they have captivating illustrations and are very easy to understand. Another good author is Eric Carle, especially Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?

Take advantage of every interaction with the children to converse with them. So this would include when you are eating, shopping, playing, bathing, walking, etc. You are probably going to be seen as a big play mate and not a teacher, which is a nice way to be recognized. I would also go to the library with the kids and see to what books and topics they are drawn. Then try to focus your ideas and lessons on their interests. You are much more likely to keep their attention.

Also, sing with them. Basic silly songs, the alphabet song, whatever. We all learn more efficiently when we can sing it and are much more likely to remember the subject.

I can give you much more detailed and structured lessons, Kaite, but I think you have the right idea by keeping it informal. Let me know how it is going.

Betsy