This is the baby ESL lesson plan that I use in my "mommy and me" ESL classes. It's actually quite similar to my daily lesson plan for toddlers because many of the babies will enter my toddler class in the future. Keeping a similar structure helps them to feel more comfortable and confident when they enter "real preschool".
When teaching babies, it's important to remember not to expect too much. Babies are still learning their native language and depending on the age of the child, it's unrealistic to expect them to speak much. Many teachers become frustrated when the babies are not responding in ways that older children would respond. But that's OK. Using games which allow the children to demonstrate knowledge without having to speak will make them feel more comfortable.
In a way, when mothers bring their babies to an ESL class, it's not always to learn English. They want their children to get used to hearing English, and get used to the teacher and the classroom setting. Take it easy. Play with the kids. Tickle their bellies. Give them lots of love. You are their introduction to school and it's important that you give them a positive feeling.
Baby ESL Lesson Plan
1. Hello Song. This is a signal to the kids that class is about to start and puts them in the right mindset. I have used both songs from CDs and songs that I just sing myself. One of my favorites to use is this:
(to the tune of Where is Thumbkin)
Teacher: Where is Yuki? Where is Yuki?
Yuke: Here I am. Here I am.
Teacher: How are you today Yuki?
Yuki: Very well I thank you.
Teacher (and class): Say hello. Say hello.
2. Short Conversation. This is just a quick question and answer that helps them to practice speaking English. I focus on a single question each month. Probably the kids will not be able to answer the questions yet. Often their mothers will answer for them in a voice pretending to be the child. But it's still important for the kids to hear the question and answer format. Even if it's only their mother answering the question, clap your hands and say good job. As the babies get slightly older (approaching 2 years old), they may be able to answer the question. Make sure you give them lots of time to answer. The three questions that I use are:
What's your name?
How are you?
How old are you?
3. Weather. Go over different types of weather and ask what the weather is today.
4. ABC song. I use a "magic wand" pointer and point to the letters of the alphabet as we sing them. For classes that I have been coming for awhile, I give them the pointer at the end of the song and ask them to point to the letter of their name, saying "Where is Maya's M?" Give them a chance to find the letter, but guide them to it if they are unsure.
5. Vocabulary. I usually pick three different categories of vocabulary to review. Sometimes I use flash cards and sometimes I use toys or books. If using flash cards, then we'll play a quick game. I go through these pretty quickly as the baby's attention span is not that long.
6. Play time. I designate 10-15 minutes of play time with the children. During this time, I talk a lot and model different ways of playing in English for the mothers. Then they are able to take this home and practice with the babies. Some examples of things that I might say during play time are:
Look! You have a red block!
Where is the apple? Can you find the apple?
How many toys do you have? Let's count! 1...2...3...
7. Singing and Dancing Time. Every month I select 4-6 songs that we will do that month. I try to pick 2 or 3 songs that we can do standing and 2 or 3 songs that we can do sitting down.
8. Bye Bye song.
This daily ESL lesson plan can be tweaked as necessary to your needs. You may also want to give your mothers the list of vocabulary for mothers or phrases for mothers.
As always, if you want any help, just let me know!
Love,
Shannon Sensei
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