【講師コラム】アンソニー講師No.9～Incorporating Fun and Interesting Materials for Kids to Boost English Language Learning ～

Learning English as a secondary language may be challenging for learners of all ages especially among kids. It entails effort and discipline which is must be maintained over a long period of time. However, it need not be too serious and purely academic. Making ESL lessons interactive is important for all levels of learners, but perhaps especially so for younger students and teens. This is because children have shorter attention spans. Thus, it is very important for parents and teachers to select appropriate fun and enjoyable materials to be incorporated in their kid’s ESL lessons. Also, keeping ESL lessons interactive ensures that the kids are engaged in the lesson.

In my lessons, I use video games such as Fortnite and Among Us which the kids are interested to play. I encourage students to speak up by reducing teacher talk time and giving them plenty of opportunities to communicate. In choosing ESL materials, it is best for parents and teachers to find out what the kids are interested. For example, if the ESL learners are musically inclined, you may consider using one of their favorite pop songs to demonstrate the language point. You may utilize a variety of media, such as podcasts, videos, news articles, and music, to keep things interesting and lively.

It is thus very important to follow and create many different techniques and procedures using interesting materials. Through this creative procedure we can have an interactive learning environment conducive for kids to study English. Fun games and materials ought to be at the heart of teaching English as secondary language, provided also that they are suitable and carefully chosen. Games also help learners recall words and language communication in a pleasant, entertaining way. In sum, incorporating fun and interesting materials for kids can motivate learners, promote communicative competence and generate fluency. These materials definitely have a significant role in improving a English as a second language.