互動英語教室 - I want to be an English teacher (2)

Lily, graduated from the University of Hong Kong majoring in English literature (英國文學), wants to become an English teacher. She found a job in an English learning centre for children last month. She believes that creativity (創意) can be developed at an early age. Creativity helps one solve problems in real life. Her friend Louise was wondering how playgroups can benefit children.

Louise: I heard that playgroups can benefit children on different aspects (方面) like cognitive (認知), language, social skills (社交技巧) and self-help, is it true?

Lily: You are right! The process of learning for the children is basically by learning through trial (試驗) and error (錯誤). A good playgroup programme offers a balanced (平衡) variety (種類)of learning engagements that facilitates curiosity (好奇心), problem solving and creativity.

Louise: I read that children at 12 months begin to speak by imitating (模仿) their parents.

Lily: Yes. They will be exposed to a wider range of vocabulary (詞彙) by repeating rhymes (押韻) , sing songs and stories. Since they interact (互相交流) with peers (同輩) in the playgroup, they can improve their communication skills.

Louise: By attending play groups, children can interact with other children and parents. The longer they follow the daily schedule, play and interact in a group situation, they would become more aware of self-regulation and sharing.

Lily: oh! You know a lot!

Louise: Haha! Just because I’ve read books about education!

Lily showed Louise around the centre. Children can learn how to help themselves in their classes. The classrooms are built to accommodate young children with low table, chairs and shelves.

Louise: Like the ones we are sitting on right now?

Louise found it fun to sit on a small stool (凳子) and was impressed by the colourful furniture.

Lily: Yes! They are specifically designed to give easy access to toys and materials and to encourage active exploration (勘探). Children are trained to be independent and can complete tasks by themselves.

Louise: Lily, thank you for giving me so much information today!

Lily: It’s my pleasure!

Louise: Thank you! Have a great day!

By Lily Poon

Questions:

1) Do you think playgroups can benefit children? Why? Or Why not?
2) If you were a teacher, how would you encourage children to think creatively?

They are open ended questions. No answers will be provided.

Special thanks to Tadpoles Early Learning
Article by Lily POON
Script by Louise Chow
Video by CP Chan

互動英語教室 - I want to be an English teacher! (1)

Hong Kong has one of the lowest birth rates (出生率) in the world. On average (平均) Hong Kong parents spend a large amount of money on tutors (補習老師) and extracurricular activities (課外活動) although primary education is basically free. There are many English learning centres in Hong Kong offering courses that develop children's critical thinking (批判思想) and language skills through different topics. Lily, graduated from the University of Hong Kong majoring in English literature (英國文學), wants to become an English teacher. She found a job in an English learning centre for children last month. She observes (觀察) how the native English speakers teach local kids English and is taking a certificate course on education after work.

One day, a lady walked into the learning centre and made some requests.

Lily: Hello Madam. My name is Lily. How can I help you?

Louise: Hello. May I know what kind of courses do you offer?

Lily: sure. Here is the leaflet (傳單) introducing our courses.

Louise: Oh! Lily! It sounds familiar. You must be the girl in the next class in secondary school!

Lily: oh! You must be Louise! Let me show you around.

Lily didn’t expect to see her secondary school friend again at work. This learning centre is conveniently (方便) located in a popular shopping mall. She immediately showed Louise around.

Lily: Here is the classroom.

Louise: It’s nice and colourful.

Lily: We put a lot of thought into the colour of the centre. We believe positive visual (視覺) stimulation (刺激) and a tidy (整潔) room can keep us focused on learning. Images of nature make us feel so peaceful.

Louise: That’s very thoughtful of you. How about the teaching tool (教學用具)?

Lily: There are a lot of different tools.

Louise was very impressed by their colourful toys, games and books more for kids. Quality teaching resources can definitely help teachers in class.

Louise: I like the pattern of the mat!

Lily: We sterilise (消毒) all the tools and the mat before and after class, It’s a safe and hygienic (衛生) environment for children.

Louise: That sounds great!

Lily explained to Louise that the youngest student here was two years old. They offer a large variety of English courses tailor-made (度身訂造) for children. Lily believes that punishment (懲罰) is not effect to encourage (鼓勵) learning while a good reward system will help children learn what is expected of them. For instance, rewarding (獎勵) kids for good behavior and appropriate (適當) for the situation is an important motivation (動機). However, material (物質) and monetary (金錢) rewards are not at all appropriate. Going to the park or playground, allowing them to play with friends are examples of appropriate rewards. One has to learn being a good parent too!

Special thanks to Tadpoles Early Learning
Article by Lily POON
Script by Louise Chow
Video by CP Chan