How to Teach Basic Conversational English

Conversational language is simply an informal way of communicating with someone else verbally. Educators often talk about this in terms of prescriptive and descriptive language. Prescriptive language is generally what people learn as children, a set of rules and structures to follow. Descriptive language tends to be less structure and more subjective, much like slang, for example. Know that in some cultures, prescriptive language does not even exist. To teach basic conversational English, remember to keep an open mind.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Local and long-distance telephone service
• Skype (optional)

Instructions

1. Know something about the cultural background of the students you are teaching. Teachers may unknowingly offend students they want to help. Try not to superimpose your own cultural or belief systems over others.

2. Start by role playing. A good way for non-native English speakers to learn verbal context is to let them pretend to be someone else. It is also okay to place them in pretend circumstances. Have them act out a grocery store scene in a movie, for example. Consider letting them act out a song as well. Be sure to use other students in the classroom as standbys. It makes the learning experience fun and takes a little pressure off, too. Make role play index cards, if applicable.

3. Build student vocabulary. Give students a new vocabulary list on a weekly basis. You can develop a list from common everyday experiences like going to the laundry or bank. Avoid simply getting a list online. If necessary, carry a notepad with you when you run your daily errands. Mix it up a bit and have students eventually develop and exchange lists on their own. Develop little acting skits from class vocabulary lists.

4. Increase listening skills. Have your students try to listen to English speakers as often as possible. This can be done by having them watch or listen to either radio or TV news, for example. News anchors tend to have very good diction and expressive style.

5. Be sure to let students talk aloud. In order to teach basic conversational English effectively, create an environment where students feel comfortable speaking aloud in front of their peers. This will dramatically improve their pronunciation skills and overall language ability.

Tips & Warnings

• Students can use MP3 players to listen to audiobooks.

• Have access to either a language computer lab or PC in the classroom. Download Skype and allow kids to speak with others over the Internet. You can make this a weekly or monthly event.

• Beware of cultural boundaries. Avoid direct physical contact at first.

Resources

• Tips for Teaching Conversational and Colloquial Speakers Their Own Language