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Post by liduario on Feb 17, 2017 12:53:27 GMT -2
I guess I would be classified as an advanced English student or something like that.
I have almost no conversation experience, though. I've learned with tapes and books, then read books, internet and I can understand spoken Englisht but I almost never talked to anyone!
So, I assume I have a strong accent and I certainly do many mistakes...
I started to teach my son some words and now I'm playing with him using English - playing seems to be the best way to teach him.
So, in general, at which level of English it's ok to teach your own son? Could I cause more harm than good if I really have a strong accent?
I never did an English test as Toefl. I guess Toefl is directed to English learners who want to travel or apply for foreign studies...
Is there a good English test to mesure my skills to teach someone English?
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Post by teresarodrigues on Feb 17, 2017 13:25:42 GMT -2
My daughter had english lessons on kindergarten for 2 years, when she was 4/5, and she loved it. She learnt to count till 10, the colours and some few words. Now she's 6, started elementary school this year and she doesn't have english (i guess it will restart in 3rd grade). Sometimes I do some refresh in the words she already knew, so she won't forget them, in a very informal way (like in the shower, etc.) I have many english books for kids at home and I could teach her, but I guess at this time, when she is learning how to write and read in portuguese, it would do more harm than good, because she would try to read it instead of just listening. Liduario, if you are concerned about your accent, why don't you try to find online stuff for kids, like games, songs, etc. spoken by natives so he can have access to a correct accent? And if you are near him, maybe you will get used to it too.  |
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Post by liduario on Feb 17, 2017 14:01:57 GMT -2
Hi Teresa,
I think you're right, I'm going to try more online materials. I tried Peppa Pig and some cartoons but he doesn't like to watch without understanding, even Peppa Pig which he knows from heart almomst every sentence in Portuguese.
I'll try some songs and games as you said, if it's not fun, he won't pay attention.
I totally agree with you about written English. I avoid any English text. He's starting to learn how to write and read too. So I think it's better to teach only spoken English at this time.
*On the other hand, pun not intended, maybe children wouldn't be confused if they learn to spell English words with "another alphabet" as the libras/american signals for letters... For example, If you show your little finger and tell them it's the "I" without showing the written letter they could learn how to spell it without the risk of overlapping the English "i" with the Portuguese "i'. Just an idea, I guess it's maybe too much anyway...
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Post by teresarodrigues on Feb 17, 2017 14:26:05 GMT -2
In my opinion, if we do not live in a country where they are going to speak english on a daily basis, we shouldn't teach them based on showing the letter and all the sounds it has (in portuguese we have several letters with multiple sounds). For example, if we moved to US and they went to school, even kindergarten, they would be in touch with the language, even if only spoken and they would learn both languages at the same time. But since they are only speaking with us, I guess it won't work because we speak portuguese to them most of the time. Kids are fast learns so, don't worry. They just need the right incentive. My daughter's was trying to understand what me and dad where talking about when we she listened to us talking in english (soon she figured out that we are saying something she shouldn't know)  |
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