Yikes! Teaching English in Thailand & could use help with lesson plans

**PhoenixBSD** · 07-16-12 at 12:26 AM

Calling all ESL teachers, etc.!!!

I've been teaching English at a small rural school for a month now and have to say I'm enjoying it immensely as I love kids. It really helps that I've been here for several years now and can speak the language fairly well including reading and writing the Thai script a bit, albeit s-l-o-w-l-y. I'm teaching grades 4 & 5 together, then 6th-9th grades individually. I was hired, along with many other native English speakers, to help improve students' conversational skills, pronunciation, etc., but with an emphasis on making it very enjoyable for the students, i.e., not too serious. Since the Thai students are being taught 'grammar' by their Thai teachers, we're instructed not to get involved with that aspect. The problem is that Thais are so overly nationalistic that they actually think it's appropriate to teach English like it's a subset of the Thai language. Since Thai is a tonal language and with no verb conjugations, but with different consonant and vowel sounds, etc., etc., etc., it couldn't be any more different than English. This approach clearly has never worked and finally the ultra-nationalistic zealots at the top of the educational food chain apparently are realizing that.

My problem is lesson plans. I've been creating my own and so far they've been OK, but I'm searching for some great lesson plans that are logically written to provide the basics while building student skills step by step. As is typical for Thai textbooks and classroom sessions there is no logic whatsoever. I want to be as effective as possible so I'm looking for a series of well-thought-out lesson plans to help these kids. My school director has given me carte blanche to teach as I see fit and that I may use whatever materials I choose, so I'm not hamstrung with their error-riddled textbooks, etc.

If anyone can provide some links, etc. please post in this thread. Lesson plans from 1st grade on up is what I'm after. I do appreciate it.

To tP moderators: I hope it's OK to post in the Helpdesk forum as I would like to be able to Thank those who provide assistance.

darelsalam · 07-16-12 at 12:37 AM

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http://www.isabelperez.com/

**usiel** · 07-16-12 at 12:44 AM

Thailand?! Holy crap! I'd totally take advantage and try to learn some Muay Thai from the motherland.

**rockyrocks** · 07-16-12 at 02:22 AM

My first thoughts at reading the title was Rosetta stone.. I just visited their website and they have quite a bit of detailed structure for various purposes.. and if you find the one you like you can always find the pirated version somewhere..

I have done some 8 months of teaching Hindi to street kids (that was some 4-5 years ago)..and it was was exactly the same way.. we had to make it fun so that kids would come to learn everyday.. We had to use a lot of forms like visual aids, films, small plays and our own creativity in teaching.. yes it was a smaller group so we could give individual attention to each kid but I think it can be replicated on a larger scale..

Last year I was actually supposed to conduct a study at my old school on how to make a classroom more learning conducive and I think I might have some aids/links for the teachers (though will have to search for them now) If you need some help let me know will be glad to help.. I love talking about education and how to make it more fun!!.. :D

**MacFalic** · 07-16-12 at 03:15 AM

Yeah, when I was in Thailand I found it about the only language I couldn't really get a grip on.

I suggest you pick up some books. I mean choose books appropriate for grade levels, but something that would keep Thai students interested or be fun. Make the books of a type that use conversational English, like young adult fantasy. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the Thai people rather superstitious? They might like the West's taste in magic or ghost stories. Just an idea. That would be about the only way to have lesson plans 'ready made'.

As for the suggestion re: Muay Thai, if you might be interested in it, do not learn the 'sport'. Find a school or instructor that can teach the actual combat. The sport is more like; western boxing vs. military hand-to-hand combat techniques. Just my opinion.

**Omega_Prime** · 07-16-12 at 03:20 AM

Get them to say "Welcome to city wok, can I take your city order please?" and tell them when I have stopped laughing, you have passed.

**Shawn_7** · 07-16-12 at 04:30 AM

Congrats Phoenix, a very nice job indeed :)

If you want the opinion of people who work in the field (ESL) the best thing you can do is to ask a linguist expert in ESL at the linguist list

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http://linguistlist.org/

(menu ask a linguist or ask an expert).

Also linguistlist ESL resources

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http://linguistlist.org/sp/GetWRListings.cfm?WRAbbrev=LangLearnESL

where you can even find a link to educational service at the Bangkok Post.

**cazmajor** · 07-16-12 at 08:49 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Omega_Prime

Get them to say "Welcome to city wok, can I take your city order please?" and tell them when I have stopped laughing, you have passed.

Made me chuckle!

**PhoenixBSD** · 07-16-12 at 11:24 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by rockyrocks

My first thoughts at reading the title was Rosetta stone.. I just visited their website and they have quite a bit of detailed structure for various purposes.. and if you find the one you like you can always find the pirated version somewhere..

Thanks, I'll check it out. I have used Rosetta Stone and it's pretty good.

Quote: Originally Posted by rockyrocks

I have done some 8 months of teaching Hindi to street kids (that was some 4-5 years ago)..and it was was exactly the same way.. we had to make it fun so that kids would come to learn everyday.. We had to use a lot of forms like visual aids, films, small plays and our own creativity in teaching.. yes it was a smaller group so we could give individual attention to each kid but I think it can be replicated on a larger scale..

Yeah, it's pretty much the same here in the Land of Smiles. Thai students need tons of attention and interaction to keep them interested. When they're engaged it is so much fun. My combo 4th/5th grade class will literally shout out the answer in unison when they're confident they know the correct response to my question.

Quote: Originally Posted by rockyrocks

Last year I was actually supposed to conduct a study at my old school on how to make a classroom more learning conducive and I think I might have some aids/links for the teachers (though will have to search for them now) If you need some help let me know will be glad to help.. I love talking about education and how to make it more fun!!.. :D

Thanks for the offer, rockrocks!!! Yes, I definitely am open to any aids, links, etc. that will help.

Cheers & peace!

**PhoenixBSD** · 07-16-12 at 11:33 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Shawn_7

Congrats Phoenix, a very nice job indeed :)

If you want the opinion of people who work in the field (ESL) the best thing you can do is to ask a linguist expert in ESL at the linguist list

Code: Select All

http://linguistlist.org/

(menu ask a linguist or ask an expert).

Also linguistlist ESL resources

Code: Select All

http://linguistlist.org/sp/GetWRListings.cfm?WRAbbrev=LangLearnESL

where you can even find a link to educational service at the Bangkok Post.

Thanks for the links, Shawn_7! I've just done a cursory visit and will spend more time perusing.

Cheers & Thanks Again!

07-16-12 at 12:37 AM	#2
darelsalam Apprentice Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 389	Code: Select All http://www.isabelperez.com/

07-16-12 at 04:30 AM	#7
Shawn_7 Elder Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Eventyrland Posts: 3,512	Congrats Phoenix, a very nice job indeed :) If you want the opinion of people who work in the field (ESL) the best thing you can do is to ask a linguist expert in ESL at the linguist list Code: Select All http://linguistlist.org/ (menu ask a linguist or ask an expert). Also linguistlist ESL resources Code: Select All http://linguistlist.org/sp/GetWRListings.cfm?WRAbbrev=LangLearnESL where you can even find a link to educational service at the Bangkok Post.

07-16-12 at 11:33 PM	#10
PhoenixBSD Luminiferous Ether Sailor Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Thailand Posts: 1,598	Quote: Originally Posted by Shawn_7 Congrats Phoenix, a very nice job indeed :) If you want the opinion of people who work in the field (ESL) the best thing you can do is to ask a linguist expert in ESL at the linguist list Code: Select All http://linguistlist.org/ (menu ask a linguist or ask an expert). Also linguistlist ESL resources Code: Select All http://linguistlist.org/sp/GetWRListings.cfm?WRAbbrev=LangLearnESL where you can even find a link to educational service at the Bangkok Post. Thanks for the links, Shawn_7! I've just done a cursory visit and will spend more time perusing. Cheers & Thanks Again!

07-16-12 at 12:44 AM	#3
usiel Master Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,119	Thailand?! Holy crap! I'd totally take advantage and try to learn some Muay Thai from the motherland.

07-16-12 at 02:22 AM	#4
rockyrocks Elite Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,331	My first thoughts at reading the title was Rosetta stone.. I just visited their website and they have quite a bit of detailed structure for various purposes.. and if you find the one you like you can always find the pirated version somewhere.. I have done some 8 months of teaching Hindi to street kids (that was some 4-5 years ago)..and it was was exactly the same way.. we had to make it fun so that kids would come to learn everyday.. We had to use a lot of forms like visual aids, films, small plays and our own creativity in teaching.. yes it was a smaller group so we could give individual attention to each kid but I think it can be replicated on a larger scale.. Last year I was actually supposed to conduct a study at my old school on how to make a classroom more learning conducive and I think I might have some aids/links for the teachers (though will have to search for them now) If you need some help let me know will be glad to help.. I love talking about education and how to make it more fun!!.. :D

07-16-12 at 03:15 AM	#5
MacFalic Sleeps with Kuune Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Land of Cunning Sheep Posts: 836	Yeah, when I was in Thailand I found it about the only language I couldn't really get a grip on. I suggest you pick up some books. I mean choose books appropriate for grade levels, but something that would keep Thai students interested or be fun. Make the books of a type that use conversational English, like young adult fantasy. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the Thai people rather superstitious? They might like the West's taste in magic or ghost stories. Just an idea. That would be about the only way to have lesson plans 'ready made'. As for the suggestion re: Muay Thai, if you might be interested in it, do not learn the 'sport'. Find a school or instructor that can teach the actual combat. The sport is more like; western boxing vs. military hand-to-hand combat techniques. Just my opinion.

07-16-12 at 03:20 AM	#6
Omega_Prime Autobot Supreme Commander Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3,556	Get them to say "Welcome to city wok, can I take your city order please?" and tell them when I have stopped laughing, you have passed.

07-16-12 at 08:49 AM	#8
cazmajor Elite Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1,630	Quote: Originally Posted by Omega_Prime Get them to say "Welcome to city wok, can I take your city order please?" and tell them when I have stopped laughing, you have passed. Made me chuckle!

07-16-12 at 11:24 PM	#9
PhoenixBSD Luminiferous Ether Sailor Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Thailand Posts: 1,598	Quote: Originally Posted by rockyrocks My first thoughts at reading the title was Rosetta stone.. I just visited their website and they have quite a bit of detailed structure for various purposes.. and if you find the one you like you can always find the pirated version somewhere.. Thanks, I'll check it out. I have used Rosetta Stone and it's pretty good. Quote: Originally Posted by rockyrocks I have done some 8 months of teaching Hindi to street kids (that was some 4-5 years ago)..and it was was exactly the same way.. we had to make it fun so that kids would come to learn everyday.. We had to use a lot of forms like visual aids, films, small plays and our own creativity in teaching.. yes it was a smaller group so we could give individual attention to each kid but I think it can be replicated on a larger scale.. Yeah, it's pretty much the same here in the Land of Smiles. Thai students need tons of attention and interaction to keep them interested. When they're engaged it is so much fun. My combo 4th/5th grade class will literally shout out the answer in unison when they're confident they know the correct response to my question. Quote: Originally Posted by rockyrocks Last year I was actually supposed to conduct a study at my old school on how to make a classroom more learning conducive and I think I might have some aids/links for the teachers (though will have to search for them now) If you need some help let me know will be glad to help.. I love talking about education and how to make it more fun!!.. :D Thanks for the offer, rockrocks!!! Yes, I definitely am open to any aids, links, etc. that will help. Cheers & peace!