Course objectives

The ever increasing number of pre-school children learning English and the constantly decreasing age that they start learning it is a growing trend. This course caters to teachers who are currently teaching VYL (pre-primary/ early years), are about to start teaching VYL or at minimum have access to VYL classes which they can observe. You may have experience of teaching YL classes, but find that the needs of learners age 6 or younger are different and require a different approach. This course aims to introduce you to the principles involved in teaching this age group and give you a bank of activities and resources to support your teaching.

Course content

This is a 10 module course consisting of input, reading, research and portfolio tasks. The modules cover:

• Expectations of a VYL class
• Teaching VYL
• Managing the classroom
• Your teaching toolkit
• Arts & Crafts
• Planning Using stories
• Theories and Principles behind using games
• Music, Movement and song
• Literacy

The course provides opportunities for course participants to implement, experiment with and reflect on acquired knowledge from the input sessions. This is achieved by providing opportunities for further development and encouraging action research and self-reflection via portfolio tasks which follow each session. Tasks are often classroom based and can be done with your own VYL class or by observing another teacher.

Mode of assessment

• At least 8 satisfactorily completed portfolio tasks
• A written self-reflection assignment

Your submitted portfolio is moderated by the IHWO Assessment Unit who agree the final grades with the course tutors.

Is this course for you? 

• Qualified and Experienced language teachers that are interested in teaching very young learners
• Qualified and Experienced language teachers who have already taught young learners but would like specific training

Note participants' minimum level of English should be C1 level

Location

The course is run online and requires regular/daily access to the internet with a good connection.

Tutors

The course is run by qualified online tutors who will guide trainees through the online sessions and assess the portfolio.

Time commitment

The course is paced at one module per week and therefore lasts for ten weeks. After the end of the 10th module, participants have a further two weeks to complete the portfolio work and final assignment.

Participants are expected to spend a minimum of five hours per week online and doing tasks. The actual time dedicated to course varies from participant to participant dependent on involvement in discussions. Participants can expect to spend approximately two further hours per week completing portfolio tasks. These tasks will involve the application of course input to a participant’s everyday VYL teaching.