Teaching English as a second English for children: creating a learning environment through playing or not?

Being teachers of English as a second language (ESL teachers), it is necessary for us to let children study in a positive classroom by encouraging them to take part in both outdoor and indoor activities. And in the scope of this post, we suggest ESL teachers trying to create a positive learning environment through allowing children to both learn and play when learning English.

First of all, we should understand what a positive learning environment and learning through play mean. A positive learning environment can be defined as a place where teaching and learning can take place simultaneously and flexibly in the most effective and productive manner. And learning through play is a term to describe how children can learn to make sense of the world around them, what they can gain from take part in meaningful activities and the relationship between learning and playing.

Generally, not all teachers pay attention to the characteristic of children that they are active and eager to play. Therefore, the importance of conducting playing activities in classroom, especially English classroom is not always concerned. According to some researches, children are more inspired in learning English when playing, which makes them love English naturally and then they can learn English better. Similarly, through play, children can develop social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally, and gain the self-confidence required to engage in new experiences and environments. When playing, children learn to solve problems and to get along with others. They enhance their creativity and develop leadership skills and healthy personalities, etc.

So how can ESL teachers create a positive learning for their children? In order to do this task, the first thing that ESL teachers should do is to select games or activities that are suitable to children’s levels of age, characteristics and abilities. If native English teachers often use popular English games in their country, ESL teacher can use both English games and normal ones explained in English language. Then they prepare necessary materials as well as tools supported for the activities or games. The most popular things suggested to use in their English classroom are pictures, cards, or flag, etc. The next step is to hold or organize the games for children including explaining the rules, observing the process, announcing the results and giving gift for winners. And games just show the effects if they are designed carefully with a meaningful context, meaningful purpose and meaningful lesson. It means that these activities need to connect to the lessons or at least can create something new and interesting for children to learn and remember. For example, the Guessing Games helps children to know basic new words in the story or text that are going to be taught. Game Simon says can teach children to combine oral language with body one.

To sum up, it is important for any ESL teachers to help children learn English in a positive environment through play. In order to know more about how to create a positive learning environment and Learning through play, please read at:

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columncc/cc010309.html

http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/teacher-community/blog/how-create-positive-learning-environment

By Bui Thi Chi
(proofreading: ELT iCenter)