Are you teaching online? Tips for Language Teachers

Tips for Language Teachers Teaching Online

“Welcome to the virtual classroom of endless possibilities!”

When choosing a venue to teach children online, keep the following points in mind:

• Select a small room in your home for your classes. Set it up with a desk, laptop, or computer, a simple, attractive, but practical background, and organizers for props, flashcards, puppets, and any other resources that will help you teach young children. Even if you are not at home you want your setup to look like a classroom.

• Ensure that there is a lot of natural light entering the room. While being near a window is excellent, you might also need to use other lights in the room and strategically positioned lamps to supplement the lighting. Experiment with your lights until you find what works best for you.

• The colors you choose for the background and your appearance in front of a camera are equally crucial. It is best to use solid colors that are not too bright or dark. Solid colors are less distracting for toddlers as well as the camera (which may go in and out of focus). Speaking of color, some children will find it easier to read your lips if you have a little color on them. Similarly, using eyeliner will draw attention to your eyes while making eye contact with your students. Aside from color, you must control the space between you and the camera, as well as the space to the right, left, distant, and close to the camera. Using the space effectively, going from front to rear and side to side, keeps your students engaged.

• You want to reduce noise in your classroom and, more broadly, in your home. Any mechanical noises that may come from within your home, as well as noises that may originate from outside your home (garbage trucks, doorbells, etc.), must be considered and avoided. When teaching, you may need to inform individuals who live with you of your expectations; thus, a letter or a sign at the door may be appropriate. You merely need to be extremely cautious of any distractions that could distract you and, as a result, your students.

• Keep sustainability in mind. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself to avoid burnout. It is vital to plan your complete day, including meals, washroom breaks, water consumption, physical exercise, vocal health, and so on.

• Finally, be gentle with yourself. If this is your first time teaching in an online classroom, it may be intimidating. You are a champion, and you will succeed, but you must be kind to yourself. While many challenges may emerge, we urge you to remember why you became a teacher in the first place: your love of children and your excitement for education. Maintain your self-confidence, carry on with what you’re doing, and keep your excitement for teaching students alive.