Working with Kids

[Solitaire U.]

I teach ESL privately to kids and adults. I used to generally despise kids, even my own to a certain extent, but now that I've discovered that I seem to have a natural ability to quickly establish strong rapport with kids, I actually enjoy working with them. I enjoy teaching adults too, but I kind of suspect that my attitude, 'teacher personality, etc. is very different with adults versus kids.

So who works with kids, and what do you have to say about it?

 

[Ex-User (5841)]

Based on my outreach activities kids (5-13) are easier to motivate but have lower attention spans, but I find I can deal with that because I have the "cool factor" and we're usually doing something hands-on or I'm demonstrating how to process a tranquilized bear or something.

The same "cool factor" can backfire though. If I taught ESL, I'd likely be teaching them to say some not so nice things

 

[Solitaire U.]

I actually teach them to call me "Mr. Cool." They love it.

 

[intpz]

Hell no, I hate stupidity, and kids are usually stupid as they are still learning things.

College, I could teach the students, but I wouldn't give a shit about them, and likely wouldn't try to explain the subject again if someone doesn't get it.

 

[perkins]

It requires a great deal of patience. However, I do find it very rewarding.

Hell no, I hate stupidity, and kids are usually stupid as they are still learning things.

You mastered learning?

 

[intpz]

You mastered learning?

Huh?

 

[Proletar]

Yeah. Me and kids sort of are on the same boat. They are usually open-minded and usually listen to reason, at least when they are calm.

Kids are good people. I have no idea why people hate them so much.

 

[intpz]

Yeah. Me and kids sort of are on the same boat. They are usually open-minded and usually listen to reason, at least when they are calm.

Kids are good people. I have no idea why people hate them so much.

Because they are annoying, dumb, have no knowledge compared to a grown-up, and of course because they look goofy.

 

[Deleted member 1424]

Kids are fairly easy; easy to manage(for short periods) and easy to impress; exceptions to those from abusive households. They can get disarmingly affectionate rather quickly though. Babysitting in highschool, the biggest issue I faced was the kids telling me they wanted me to be their new mom.... and then later telling that to their actual Mother when they returned. This happened at least four times; some of the awkwardest moments I've ever experienced.

In short; I like them well enough, but I don't want any myself.

 

[DeadonDreaming]

Kids are fairly easy; easy to manage(for short periods) and easy to impress; exceptions to those from abusive households. They can get disarmingly affectionate rather quickly though. Babysitting in highschool, the biggest issue I faced was the kids telling me they wanted me to be their new mom.... and then later telling that to their actual Mother when they returned. This happened at least four times; some of the awkwardest moments I've ever experienced.

In short; I like them well enough, but I don't want any myself.

I did that when I was in 2nd grade >_<

 

[BridgeOfSighs]

Yeah. Me and kids sort of are on the same boat. They are usually open-minded and usually listen to reason, at least when they are calm.

My boyfriend teaches mostly middle school age kids and this is generally what I hear. I think once most kids reach a certain point - in high school - they become really disinterested in learning for various reasons. If kids enjoy something they will celebrate and it and investigate the subject further, ask questions, talk about it.

Also, kids are generally not as judgmental as adults.

 

[Hadoblado]

I'm great with kids, and I genuinely enjoy their presence. I am looking at going into developmental psychology at university partially because of this reason.

 

[snafupants]

Women might be good with children because women are children in many respects.

 

[Architect]

I'm better with kids then with adults usually, always have been.

 

[Solitaire U.]

Women might be good with children because women are children in many respects.

That was a very poorly executed response.

@ Architect: Why do you think that is, and are you referring only to your own kids, or kids in general?

 

[intpz]

@Solitaire U. I see "kidS," your question is stupid...

 

[Solitaire U.]

Suppose we let Architect answer for himself...and never, ever, EVER call me stupid. To you I'm Mr. Solitaire U.

 

[Architect]

Why do you think that is, and are you referring only to your own kids, or kids in general?

No, all kids. When I was a teen I really enjoyed my younger cousins and they looked up to me. As an adult I feel more comfortable with kids usually. Often more with boys then girls, some girls can be real twits, because being ahead emotionally (and of certain temperaments) they start acting like mini adults.

I guess I like kids because they don't have any fakery, they're totally honest. They can't help it, as there isn't a built up persona. Adults are usually fake. Instead of honest, real behavior adults seem to have a catalog of set behaviors they picked up in life. "Hey Architect let's do dinner", for example. Kind of fake, are they really interested, or just fulfilling the social customs? Then you go over to an evening of small talk, deception and bullshit and find it's a lot of fakery. Oh under that there is a human who is interested in spending time together, but its hard to see. The veneer turns me off.

It's all about roles - adults play too many roles. Reminds me, I like old people too for the same reason (usually - some old people are nuts). They've been retired or whatever, and older folks don't lay out the bullshit. My present best friend is probably that, because he is just himself. Anyhow that's my on the spot theory, I'll think some more about it.

 

[intpz]

Suppose we let Architect answer for himself...and never, ever, EVER call me stupid. To you I'm Mr. Solitaire U.

Don't tell me what to do, you THING!

 

[7even]

What age range are we talking about here exactly?
Kids are awesome! Their perception of time and space really intrigues me.
I'm envious of them, they're full of life. Feel bad that they're going to grow up. So bloody into adventure and play. So much unknown must trip them the fuck out.
Their egocentricity makes them live in their very own world.

Although, once they get past the age of 8 or something, they start changing, and become pretty fucking annoying. Pretty much 'mini-adults' (Like Architect said) that are ignorant as fuck.

 

[Solitaire U.]

@7even

I define 'kids' less in terms of arbitrary age in years, and more in terms of pubescence. Pre-pubescent = kid. Pubescent/post-pubescent = pain in the ass, uh, I mean 'young adult'. If I had to pick an age, I'd say at around 12 years old their attitudes change drastically (often, but not always, for the worse from my teacher's point of view.)

7, 8 and 9 year olds are definitely my favorite students to work with, followed by 10 and 11 year olds. I pass on requests to teach kids younger than 7 to my associate who specializes in those ages. I'm not averse to the kids themselves, but teaching ESL to kids 6 and younger requires a lot of repetitious engagements, like singing 'The Color Song' over and over for an hour. Not my style.

Ages 12 and up I consider as adults, and use adult-geared materials and activities.

I also enjoy teaching older adults. Actually, I enjoy teaching anyone of any age that is sincerely interested in learning and participating. 7, 8 and 9 year olds just seem to be naturals in that regard.

 

[7even]

Right, is ESL an abbreviation for English as a Second Language?

Yeah actually, I'm not even sure if kids past 8 are the type of kids that are a pain in the ass. So my choice in stating a number was arbitrary, and most probably subjectively false. How you define it seems more familiar.

So, would you say your approach to teaching is enthusiastic?
Must be sort of fun. It's hard for me to picture being a teacher though, especially to children, as your behavior and demeanor would be sort of have to be adjusted, would it not? Or perhaps not I guess eh.

Actually thinking it would be pretty cool to teach, get so many fans. I like fans.





...It gets hot in summer.

HA.

...Nah, that was pretty lame.

 

[Solitaire U.]

ESL = English as a second language. Technically, I teach EFL (English as a foreign language), since I teach in a non-English speaking country.

I'd say I'm very enthusiastic. I particularly enjoy the creative process of preparing materials. I've already completed my first textbook (Basic English Grammar) and am working on the second. I'm planning six in total, 2 basic, 2 intermediate, and 2 advanced, along with a shitload of associated games, activities, etc.

The actual teaching part is even better. It seems like there's an infinite amount of different ways to teach a given module. Every time is a little (or a lot) different. The communicative process is such a beautiful system to navigate. And that's how I see myself...a navigator. The varied personalities that are my students are the ones that set the course. I just guide them on whatever course they've chosen.

 

[TriflinThomas]

It depends on how they were raised, some kids have never been told "no" and it shows in their behavior.