Icky sticky bubble gum

Ok, so there is one new girl in the group who bursts out laughing every time we sing Icky sticky bubble gum. This song by the way is a great way to practise body parts. The kids don’t even realise that they are learning, but they are! There is lots of singing during circle time and a lot of free play in the garden. During physical education we will have a shoe changing contest. Can you tie your shoelaces?

The little mouse, the red ripe strawberry, and the big hungry bear

Children’s book for beginners: The little mouse, the red ripe strawberry, and the big hungry bear. The little  mouse wants to pick a red, ripe strawberry. But how about the big, hungry bear? It will find the strawberry, no matter where it is hidden, or who is guarding it, or how it is disguised. So what can be done? Hm. Do you have any idea?

Teaching English to beginners is so much fun!

Baby shark is the new favourite

We have added new songs to the list, as we do every week. Baby shark is the new favourite! The children love it. We also made up our version of The wheels on the bus – with body parts.

Another thing I find amusing is how the kids try to guess what season comes after what season. They’ll learn it.

We also practise scissor skills during craft.

10 Little Rubber Ducks

We have a new children’s book for this week: 10 Little Rubber Ducks. I find it funny that the story begins with a rubber duck machine. They are then transported across the wide sea to faraway countries. In the storm 10 little rubber ducks fall into the sea. Where will they swim? What creatures will they meet? Will they see each other again? Quack! It’s also a nice opportunity to practise ordinal numbers.

Body parts

We are reviewing the seasons and the weather in English this week, and started learning about body parts. For the new kids even some nouns are new, for the bigger ones I introduce some body part related verbs, to keep everyone busy. Flashcard games and action songs are mainly on the menu this week. These are classics for beginners.

The kids share with each other their memories from their summer holidays. It’s nice to listen to them…

The new group

So, I will have a new group. Some kids (4 to 5 year old) from the previous semester come back, and there will be some new faces (3 to 4 year old) as well. It’ll be good to have some kids who are already familiar with my methods, my instructions and my games. It’ll be easier for the rest of the group to catch up. The new kids are really proud now that they can be in the big group. Okay, let’s begin. English for beginners! Well, almost beginners.

Without kids

The kids are enjoying their summer break, and so are we kindergarten teachers. It is time to relax a bit and recharge your batteries for the new semester. As you organise your English teaching material you realise how much the children have actually learnt in the course of the year. And of course you as a kindergarten teacher have some nostalgic moments as well. But a new group of children is coming, and you’ll bond with them too. New faces, new signs, new group dynamics. And this is part of the reason why we love this job, isn’t it?

The graduates

Well, summer break is here and I had to say good bye to the seniors in my group. They have to move on, and I think they are looking forward to meeting new friends, playing with new toys and getting to know new teachers. One thing I’m sure of: they won’t have difficulties communicating in basic English. Their vocabulary is solid and their comprehension is great. I got some souvenirs from them, but I will still miss them. Good luck, dear graduates!

Ice cream time

How many scoops can you eat? It’s always a good time for an ice cream. Especially in summer. It also provides a great opportunity to practise numbers, colours and tastes in English.

The kids have to use sunscreen when we go outside, so it takes more time to prepare everyone.

We are learning more words from Gregory, The Terrible Eater too. We play a lot of different flashcard games, so it’s never boring.

Gregory, The Terrible Eater

Gregory, The Terrible Eater – another great English book for very young learners of English. Gregory is a goat, but not just an average goat. He is a terrible eater. Find out what he wants to eat.

We learn new words with flashcards. Tin can, box, rug, bottle cap, shoe, shirt, buttons, newspaper, a pair of pants, coat, cardboard, shoelace, necktie, sewing basket, clothes hamper, tool kit, tire, barber pole, violin, car. Select only 6-8 words, this is too much for one week.

Then we play parachute game with plastic fruits.

Maths with dried fruit reloaded.