Hello!

My name is Shannon and I teach ESL to kids in Japan. More specifically, I teach preschool to 12 2 year old Japanese children. I also teach shorter classes to kids ranging in age from 9 months to 12 years old.

Since you’ve reached this site, you probably teach ESL to kids too.

When I first moved to Japan to teach ESL, I had a bit of experience tutoring kids, but these were kids who were already fluent in English. I had no experience with non-English speaking kids. I went through a rigorous two week training program, then was thrown into the classroom. Alone. I was the only adult there. Needless to say, it was a challenging few months.

However, as time went on, I learned to communicate better with them. I learned how important it is to maintain control of your class. And to always have a backup plan.

You may be in a similar situation. Perhaps you have no experience working with kids. Perhaps you were a great teacher in your home country, but are now finding it difficult to teach kids who have very little English ability. Perhaps you just need a few good ideas.

Unfortunately, there just aren’t that many resources available to people who teach ESL to kids, especially very young kids. I know because I have looked for them. You can find plenty of information about teaching very young kids who are native English speakers and plenty of information about teaching ESL to kids who are older than 5. But it’s hard to find information that combines the two.

That’s why I created this site. I wanted to share the knowledge that I have learned through experience with other teachers.

On this site, you’ll find:

• lesson plans to teach ESL to kids
• ESL activities and games that are appropriate for all age levels
• tips for teaching ESL to specific age groups
• why songs can quickly become your best friend
• advice for YOUR specific difficulties

Teaching ESL to kids can be very draining work, but once you master the techniques that I show you, I think you’ll find that it’s some of the most rewarding work you’ll ever do.

Love,
Shannon Sensei