How to teach 5 year olds English: No books, just movement

Five-year-olds are like little balls of energy. They don't want to sit. They don't want to read. They want to move. If you give them a worksheet, they will probably draw a dinosaur on it and then eat it. To teach them English, you have to use their whole body.

Game 1: Simon Says (The classic)

This is the best way to teach body parts and action verbs. 'Simon says touch your nose.' 'Simon says jump.' It’s simple, it’s fast, and they love it.

Game 2: The 'What's in the Bag?' Game

Put a bunch of plastic fruit or toys in a dark bag. They have to put their hand in, feel it, and guess what it is in English. The mystery makes them pay attention.

Game 3: Flashcard Hunt

Don't just show them a flashcard of a 'cat.' Hide the card somewhere in the room. When you say 'Find the cat!' they all have to run and look for it. The first one to touch it and say 'Cat!' wins. This burns energy and cements the word in their brain.

Why Movement Works

At age five, kids learn through 'Total Physical Response.' This just means they learn better when they move their arms and legs while they speak. If they are saying 'Apple,' they should be pretending to eat one. If they are saying 'Run,' they should be running in place. Don't fight the energy—use it!