Things I have learnt in Las Mimbres

During my time at Las Mimbres Primary School, I have learnt a great deal with regards to various teaching methods and their application in classes. Set out below are some of my favoured methods that I regard as highly effective in teaching young children the basics of a foreign language.

Working in Small Groups
I found that working in small groups was extremely beneficial to the children and me, as we could get to know each other far more effectively and I could create a closer bond with each child. With the close relationships I established, I was able to engage the children far more easily and they are more willing to listen, learn and ask questions when they do not understand something. This was of great benefit with the Princess stories mentioned in my previous blog as I worked in groups of around 4 children on average, and they were eager to learn the basic vocabulary whilst colouring in the pictures. They are far more comfortable in asking questions, because in a small group there are not 22 pairs of eyes focusing on them when they ask me a question about something they do not understand. Group work in my opinion, definitely enhances a child’s confidence and willingness to learn.

Visual aids and songs
I have learnt that it is vitally important to show variety in my teaching methods as children can become extremely bored very quickly, which can result in them being restless and disruptive. To tackle this challenge, I have adopted various methods that I have picked up from shadowing the teachers in each class. I find that teaching children songs which focus on certain subject matters and the use of visual aids on another day will always get them excited. There is a contrast of co-operation and competition between the children in these two methods – all of them singing together when I teach them a song, and then becoming competitive in seeing who is the first to guess what each visual aid means. In learning the words to songs whilst constantly trying to outsmart the next student with the visual aids, the children find themselves learning basic vocabulary and phrases, whilst at the same time having fun.

Computer work
Finally, from time to time I will use the computer with each child individually as they are always excited to be picked out. On the computer I would show them various stimulating visuals, primarily slide shows and videos and I would allow them to pick out pictures and designs to collate with their work or to match certain words in the vocabulary that they have been learning.