Utilizing ESL/EFL course books for students can help teachers in planning their classes and structuring them however we should not become dependent on them at the expense of our own ideas.
Utilizing ESL/EFL course books for children is typically something that is that is not our responsibility as teachers. It usually depends on the specific language school along with their rules. There are clear benefits and drawbacks to the use of course books in teaching students in the early years – but it is important to be aware of not relying too much on them for the lessons we teach. Ellie Romero writes.
Learning English to children is difficult work, and has its own distinct challenge. One of the challenges is understanding how to organize and plan lessons so that children are learners engaged and motivated. Beginning with a blank sheet of paper can be intimidating, especially for those who are new or instructors who aren’t as experienced.
Utilizing a textbook for ESL/EFL courses can be extremely helpful in organizing and planning lessons, and will save you a lot of time in preparation. Course books can be an excellent framework with clear goals, with suggestions and materials that provide focus and consistency to the lessons.
However, we should be cautious when we use course books for children to ensure so that we don’t fall into a routine and rely solely on them to supply the entire lesson material. Teachers who are good at their job know that they have to bring their own unique style and imagination to the lessons. It’s essential to incorporate diverse ways to keep kids’ focus, and also to reuse the language of the primary in many interesting ways.
Here’s a quick reminder of the benefits and drawbacks of using course books for ESL/EFL for children, so that we should be aware of the way we utilize the books in our classrooms.
The benefits of using EFL/ESL books for children
They’re usually bright and vibrant with a variety of popular themes which is why they immediately grab the attention of children and keep their interest.
A majority of them offer an already-designed framework that allows for a certain degree of consistency and logical advancement.
They are clearly defined list of goals and objectives for every lesson. This is useful in identifying or creating additional activities.
The content is generally clearly laid out, with the majority of language materials for all four abilities (reading writing, speaking and hearing).
They’re especially useful for beginners teachers who aren’t experienced with pre-made exercises as well as lesson plans, making it easier to plan for every class.
If the materials for the add-on are bought (Flashcards and CD-ROMs, Posters, etc.) this will save hours of time creating or finding these kinds of materials to stimulate your brain.
It could be the most affordable or most efficient way to supply the necessary learning materials to each pupil.
Advantages of using ESL/EFL books for children
The content is not always appropriate for a particular class because of the class’s levels, abilities or other factors. Finding yourself stuck with one book to guide you through the whole year – one that is too simple to read, too complicated or inappropriate for your culture – is an absolute nightmare!
The framework or progression could get too rigid. They’re made for the average student’, but that isn’t actually the case!
There isn’t enough practice to ensure the language is being taught, and there isn’t much distinction and there’s no space for learning styles that differ.
The exercises may be presented in extremely routine ways, which makes them extremely predictable (i.e. boring!) for students in the early years.
They are often unable to offer adequate, accurate languages models. Certain audio material are horrendous!
Teachers can be enticed to reduce their costs and become less imaginative. It’s easy to get into the trap of taking the ideas from the textbook instead of employing our own creativity in order to bring the subjects to life.
There are many “add-on” resources that publishers would like schools to purchase such as flashcards, posters, and CD-ROMs. Schools aren’t able purchase these additional items making it difficult for teachers to make the most value out of their books.
Conclusion
No matter how great the course book may be the contents of it are not likely to fill up the whole hour (or or) in class or even hold the attention of the students for the length of time. A single book is not going to to meet all the needs of a child – or the needs of any teacher or teacher for that matter!
It’s unlikely to teach children solely from a book, or for a whole class, and not be penalized for bad behavior and losing control of the classroom! Children require variety, changes in their pace and activities and plenty of physical interaction with games and songs.
No matter what the advantages however, we’ll always have to add more information, alter certain activities or perhaps even eliminate some completely! Each child requires different levels of encouragement, support, and encouragement. We must be skilled in adapting and adding to the content to fit the specific needs of our classes.
Therefore, while using books for ESL/EFL courses with children can be a great help in the process of planning and arranging our classes, they will never substitute for your own thoughts and imagination. It is still necessary to employ our imaginations and be awe-inspiring. We must find other methods to engage and motivate students in our classes, and to constantly revise and reuse the most important language in engaging ways.
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