I opened two slots for my classes this morning. These slots is equivalent to an hour and the same student booked both classes. In such case, we're going to have a 50-minute class.
The student who booked my class was a 6-year-old girl from Japan who currently lives in China. Well, teaching kids isn't really my forte and I didn't even try to get a "KIDS tag" at work, but sometimes, a bunch of kids still book my classes. I'm not complaining, though. Some of them can really be a sweetheart.
One of the struggles in teaching kids is their very short attention span, so I have to think of ways to actually keep them entertained and lead their focus back to our lesson. It's easier if the class is just for 25 minutes, but having a 50-minute class is a challenge.
Well, we did use a material at first and I somehow survived at trying to get her attention. We had to do some dialogues, but in order to put a twist, I used several other characters and voices while talking with her. For example:
I have this Chopper plushie which I got from my younger cousin Nicole as a gift. It has been my ally every time I need to get my younger student's attention. I'd read and talk to them using Chopper's cute little voice. hahah
After that, they'd show me their toys as well and boom!!! We have more topics to talk about. xD
Aside from Chopper, we also utilize the whiteboard feature in our class platform. It's very useful especially when kids love to draw... and that's what happened with my student this morning. :)
When we finished our material, we talked about anime and cartoon as well as our hobbies. We both love drawing and Spongebob, so as an activity, she drew this Spongebob on the whiteboard while we continue having a chat.
Isn't she an artist? She's just 6 years old and she shows so much potential. I just love seeing kids who enjoy the things they're passionate about. I feel more encouraged and motivated as well.
Of course, I had to make my own Spongebob drawing, too!
We can only use one digital whiteboard for class, so I did things traditionally. I usually keep some white paper and markers ready for such occasions.
I personally prefer teaching adult students, but having kids as my students once in a while is also fine. They're full of energy and interesting imagination. :) It makes you want to become a kid again.
That's it for now... I still have a couple classes this afternoon and later tonight. See you again!