If you were going for some language sessions with your DCs...

[Mung]

...what would you want to do?
...what would you expect from the facilitator?

I have 2 HE families coming to mine next week for some language sessions and I am so scared. Its ridiculous, I know. I just feel that the parents, being so entwined in their children's learning, will be so sure of what they want and I really want to do it right.

Lots of oral work; songs, rhymes
Lots of language in real life situations

But all without having to read a thing...

I am not sure I can fill an hour with enough things to meet the needs of the range of ages I have.

Why am I getting so stressed by this ?

[james79]

Could your first session be a 'get to know each other' one? You could ask them what they expect of the sessions/what they'd like to get of them and you could set your own guidlines of how you like to work...
I'd love to meet someone who does what you are doing in my area so be confident and know that you are skilled and they want to spend time learning from you.
Hope that helps.

[FILLYJONKhasayarnshopASBO]

have you asked the parents a. what they want from the session and b. how their kids learn (they will know)?

odds are they are quite sure of what they want, but I'd guess the learning style is what matters more than the content. (eg they might be very anti grading/praise , just want the kids to have fun...or none of these things)

best of luck

[GoldstonAcademyForTheInsane]

A first session would probably be a good time to get to know each other, what the parents and children are looking for, what age ranges there are and what abilities they already have.

Once you have done the introductions in English, you can then do them in the language you are teaching. Get everyone to introduce themselves and then introduce others.

Simple songs always go down well, especially if you can find a direct equivalent, such as the "Happy Birthday Song" or "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes".

Maybe just them try a mixture of the resources you have and see what they like.

Hope this helps.
Amanda Goldston
www.GoldstonAcademyForTheInsane.com

[Mung]

They did give me an outline of what they wanted. In some ways they are sure of what they want, but in others they are quite open...I can't decide whats worse. I am just getting stressed by the unknown and once I have had a lesson I will be fine.
They haven't mentioned learning styles, but have mentioned that they want lots of music and songs...so I am starting with a very simple childrens song and hoping to go from there.

Just one thing...if they are anti praise, does that mean I cannot say well done at all? Even more stressed now

[FILLYJONKhasayarnshopASBO]

they probably aren't anti praise

i don't much care, but i have a few friends who are quite hot on this and they'd probably grill the teacher a bit first .

Can you just phone and have a chat about what they are after? HErs are so different, its impossible to say in the abstract what they will want.

[Mung]

They just gave me an idea and then said we'd discuss more after first lesson. I know deep down it will be fine, its just that I am getting myself all worked up as I hardly know them.
Thanks for the advice though.

[Mung]

Phew...glad that is over with. It went well. Me being me, thought it went OK, but the feedback I got was good. They are coming again, so thats a good sign.

[james79]

Excellent and well done!!

[Mehetabel]

We have a Japanese lady comes to our house to teach 4 12yr old children. I stay out of the room, but from what I am told, they seem to play lots of games, do origami, and talk the whole way through in Japanese. There is a fair amount of structure, but I think that is because Japanese is a structured language, and some basics have to be learned first, so they did have to work hard learning the different characters first before they could move on to more fun things.

Yesterday they role played going to the shops, with one of them being the assistant and the others customers.

I think if you keep it fun you won't go too far wrong.

[Mehetabel]

Just to add, you won't ever please everyone all the time, so don't bother trying, you will tie yourself in knots.

Work out for yourself, what you are happy to do, then tell people that is what is on offer, then it is up to them if they choose to go with that or not.

Sounds harsh, but I have long experience of trying to please too many and ending up pleasing none!

[Mung]

Thanks for that advice Mehetabel