Teaching Young Learners ESL Phonics

By Steven Thomas


To help kids learn a second language faster, it is necessary to start with ESL phonics so that they will know how to associate sounds with letters. This is very important especially if their primary language uses a different alphabet or writing system from what is being used in English. From there, you can can build up the kids' skills until they become more familiar with the language.

Learning a second language formally almost always starts with studying the alphabet. The time-tested Alphabet Song can help your students memorize the letters as they associate them with each note in the song. Prepare short discussions on each letter, beginning with how it sounds and a common item that begins with it. Choose an item that your students are familiar with, such as those that are used at home or in school.

Start with words that are familiar to your students. That is, choose items that they see almost everyday so that they can associate these with each letter. You can choose objects that they use at home or that they see in the classroom. You can also use flashcards for this exercise so that students can identify each object and the sound of the first letter of the word.

The earliest listening exercise that you can do with your young students is to have them listen to you as you read out or identify an item associated with a letter of the alphabet. Have them repeat the word after you. If necessary, repeat saying each word until all the students get it. This will help you identify the areas for improvement of your class. That way, you will know how to plan your future activities.

Introduce short sentences to your class. It is better if you can limit yourself to just using a maximum of five words in creating simple sentences. Start with giving your learners sample sentences for introducing themselves. Have them practice this with a partner. This will work better if you teach them how to ask simple questions and to respond to them. Another thing they can learn is to give short descriptions for basic items.

Have the students advance to longer sentences and short paragraphs by teaching them nursery rhymes. These are easy to memorize especially if you teach them using pictures and actions. Make sure that the learners understand what the statement is about by reviewing what each sentence meant. You may also have each student describe or act out the rhyme to check their understanding.

Make learning more fun and engaging by using movies and songs. Select those that generally use neutral accent so that these are easier for early learners to understand. Stick with themes that are wholesome and simple so that these can be easily discussed with young students. It is better if you can provide them movies and songs with subtitles so that they will learn how the words are inflections are used in conversations.

Young learners may be difficult to teach since they might not have used English before. That is why it is important to give them a good impression on language learning to keep them interested. In between discussions, play games that are appropriate for their age. It is even better if you may introduce the lessons through fun activities.




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