In my 2 years of teaching from time to time I heard some of my colleagues saying that they didn’t want to work with YLs. And I really don’t understand maybe refuse to give it a try to understand this situation. Why? Are you afraid of becoming a child again and see the world through their eyes? I can understand the hesitation and not knowing what to do when you enter a class full of children since I felt the same at first, but what’s the point of getting rid of this idea when you have all kind of sources and experience sharing people around you? Where has your energy gone?

Some people say ‘If you are a high school teacher you’ll try hard to get used to working with YLs, but when it comes to the teachers of YLs they’ll adapt quickly to higher levels.’ Don’t get me wrong but come on we are teachers we can’t be diffident people! Besides working with all levels is a precious experience which each successful teacher has to have. We live in a global world who knows what comes next..

Yes! As a teacher who works with young learners I admit that teaching YLs requires many talents. I want to share what I’ve learnt in 2 years:

Be lovely!

Raise ss’ motivation & enthusiasm. It is easy to motivate your ss’ as long as you choose interesting activities.

Be interesting. Entering class with a puppet or subject relevant hat arouse those little pretties curiosity.

Live in your ss’ digital age. Knowing their interests and games they like playing help you to select the best activities.

Speak the same language. I don’t approve of talking to a child in a childish way. Don’t imitate them. Let them imitate you when you speak with right emphasis. What I m trying to say is It s nonsense to speak like a child. However, you have to think, imagine like a child! The most important things are the thoughts and the words you selected.

Search, read, learn, and work hard… Wait! The last sentence I wrote applies to all levels, doesn’t it?