Questions & Answers

What is the most important thing to look for when selecting an English teacher for your child?

The most important thing is does your child like this teacher. Does the child look forward to seeing him or her again? A child is more likely to learn quickly one he or she likes the teacher.

What other things should you look for?

Does the teacher create a fun environment for learning?  Children will not learn quickly in a dull environment.  Does the teacher have a good variety of methods to instruct?  Children can get tired of some activities quickly, so a good instructor would have other activities to fall back on.

What is the role of technology in a child's learning?

Technology can play a role, but one on one interactions with the teacher are most important.

What would a typical session look like?

It depends on the length of the session. And even then, it's hard to describe a typical session. One-on-one interactions, whether reading, games, or language practice play a big part in most sessions. But children can sometimes get bored easily. So some sessions may focus more on educational TV shows. In English.

How many hours a week is ideal for my child?

The more hours a child is exposed to another language, the more quickly they will learn that language.

What credentials should I look for when hiring an English teacher?

Having a native speaker of English is the most important credential. Degrees and certificates are not important. Not for younger children. The interaction between the child and the teacher is more important than any of that.

Should I select a picture of British English or American English?

The differences between the two are not that great. Either one will be fine.