English as a Second Language?

Question

Alright, here's the deal...
I know this guy from Korea who has asked me to teach him to speak better English. The only problem is, I haven't ever really helped anyone learn English and my only qualifications for teaching it to someone are that it's my first language and I know lots and lots of grammar lingo. -_-''' Still, people who know me seem to think I can do it, but I'm at a loss for ideas of how to start, what kinds of activities to do, etc. He's probably about intermediate level, so in general we can communicate alright in English.
Any ideas?

Also, I know there is a certain amount of words that are used in plain old everyday speech in English. If possible, could someone tell me where I can find a list of these words?

Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

I think the most important thing for you to do is spend time with him, grammar you might not or might help him, but his speaking can really improve if you spend time and practice with him. I use to be president of some International club at some college and what we did was we gather for lunch and talked about school and life. So basically we hang out and learn alot from each other. I hope your friend is attending School or College that way he can take english or ESL classes and you can help him with the homework. Try to correct his pronounciation or his "meaning", eventhough it seems rude, he'll appreciate that you are helping!!

Answer 2

English is not an easy language to teach to foreigners, and we natives are lucky enough to speak the language as our primary language. However, I speak Spanish, and I teach English to Latinos. If there is one thing I can recommend when teaching, I recommend trying to learn some equivalent phrases from Korean that are common, and relate them directly to their English equivalents. I understand that you do not speak Korean (or at least I assume so), and that you probably won't know how to pronounce them, but find a web page with Korean phrases on it (of course, they must be translated), and then show him how we use that sentence in English. If he doesn't know how to spell very well, I recommend going over writing exercises like showing him how to sound words out. Show him lots of patience, this may be a tough and embarrassing time for him. This may be a good opportunity for you to just make a lesson plan (it doesn't need to be complex, but just lay out the things you want to teach him, and then follow the agenda). Let him read English books, as reading will improve his spelling skills (the books need to be chosen based on his reading skill level, and his level of comprehension). Repeat everything for him at least twice so he can memorize the sounds of the words. Have him write out words that he doesn't understand completely, so he remembers them and knows how to spell them. However, if there's one thing a non-native speaker must learn, it is slang, and colloquialisms. The best way to find those is in a book in a book store, or on line by gooling it. I hope this helped.

Answer 3

You should try "Side by Side" third edition (the student book and the activity workbook). There are teacher resources as well. You don't need buy new books (you can find used and sometimes almost new books at half.com).



If that is too much for you, suggest him to go check at any community college in his area or at a local library. They offer free ESL classes.

Answer 4

http://www.rosettastone.com/en/individuals/languages/english-us/



You may want to look at this program. Some libraries offer it as an online database for their users with a library card, so it's absolutely free, example: http://www.macombcountylibrary.org , go to online information and then to databases, there you would find: http://macombcl.onlinelanguagelearning.com/en/welcome which would be our version of Rosetta Stone that is available to a patron with our card. Your own library (or your friend's library) MAY have this subscription, or at the very least, the software to try.



Also, try to lead your friend to a literacy group, they specialize in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and may be able to help him, or help you help him. This is my local chapter, I hope there is one where you live. Again, contact your local library, they'll know: http://www.macombliteracy.org/index.htm



Good luck!

Answer 5

Have him write a paragraph about something, then you can edit it and walk him through the errors. Maybe he can learn that way.



Also ask him what he has the most trouble with, maybe you can spend more time on that stuff.