Make Learning English Fun For A Non-English Speaker
There are quite a number of ways in making
learning English fun for a non-English speaker. For teachers who have been finding ways on how to make those lessons interesting, knowing what your students truly like can help. In addition, there are also some other things which you can keep in mind to help those non-English speakers appreciate learning English even more.
by AdrianaNoton
There are quite a number of ways in making
learning English fun for a non-English speaker. For teachers who have been finding ways on how to make those lessons interesting, knowing what your students truly like can help. In addition, there are also some other things which you can keep in mind to help those non-English speakers appreciate learning English even more.
One of the first things that you can do is not to mind the grammar. A good way to study a new language is to know that words are the most important; grammar only comes in second. You can always communicate with the right words - even with bad grammar and construction. But if you have the perfect grammar but you don't know the words, you'd be left misunderstood.
Helping these English learners to speak more often is one of the best ways for them to retain the language. Keep in mind that it is always better to think in that particular language, as well as actually speak it. There are lots of learners who cannot grasp English because they do not want to speak. Encouraging them to speak, even if they make mistakes, would help them to
learn to talk in English.
Another way for students in making learning English fun for a non-English speaker is to study with music. Kids, teenagers and adults all like music. It virtually removes the traditional way of teaching, and implies a lighter atmosphere when learning. English lyrics can sharpen their listening skills, and then you can give out some worksheets to test their comprehension. With advanced groups, you can even make these as topics for speaking exercises.
These music lyrics can give new words to build on their vocabulary, and also to recall them easily. A language learned through music can be easier to recall because learners tend to remember a tune or a melody connected with words. Learners of all ages can also sing along to the tunes, as well as do some listening exercises while they listen to music.
Some students prefer to study using visuals and audio, so films and various videos do them best. This is helpful especially for the kids who would prefer to learn English using cartoons. Older learners may choose sitcoms and movie clips. Word association with visuals is very powerful, and they tend to recall it better when they remember the scene or situation. Answering some worksheets during and after the videos can evaluate their performance, as well as simple discussions.
Of course, there are also games to spice up your learning sessions. Word games and different vocabulary games can be made up to help them learn new words, and even with their sentence constructions. A simple game of charades can help with the vocabulary, whereas a 'pass the message' game can give them proper judgement on context clues and English grammar. Learners generally tend to remember and retain the words after that. Just make sure that they only speak English during and after the game.
Learning English does not have to be always by the traditional way. Multimedia and games can definitely be a big help in making learning English fun for a non-English speaker. With the Internet, music and even modern games, somebody with a strong will to
learn English can learn it in no time at all - without the bore.
About the Author: Josip Danang
Posted by Adriana Noton
Mar 11, 2010