Help!! Teaching 2 dif. level classes at the same time

[Amy lynne]

Hello,

I have two beginner students ages 14 & 16 in my advanced class. My advance class are 4 students that are 15.

My problem is that at my school it's a small private school. And the only day the two beginner students can come is the day of the advance students class. So basically I'm trying to teach 2 classes in one. I NEED HELP!!!!

I will not turn the 2 girls away. They really want to learn English. I was thinking of trying to do some easy things together. But for the most part I would try to keep them separate because it would be too hard for the 2 girls.

I need some advice. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thank you, Amy

[gfell]

I've tried this in the past, and it was really difficult. I dare to say that it's almost impossible to give value to 2 different skill levels at the same time.

You are 3 options here:

1. Tailor the lessons to the lower level students
2. Tailor the lessons to the upper level students
3. Divide the class activities into the 2 different levels

All 3 options wont be ideal to any of the students. You just have to make best of the situation you are placed in.

At the beginning you can mix up and teach different greetings such as:

- What's your mother's name?
- Where does your grandmother live?
- When were you born?
- What's your favourite food?

Once again, with these new greeting presented, both groups will be learning from scratch, so it's fine to combine the groups.

I would definitely assign homework and in-class activities to each group to suit their particular level. Try splitting up the groups so that they are apart from each other by a few metres, that way they wont get distracted when you are explaining to the different level.

At the end of the class, bring them all together and do a vocuabulary building exercise. Try to teach them new vocab that neither group knows. That way they both start off on the same level playing field.

Good luck and hang in there!

[Amy lynne]

Thank you for your reply. I feel that it isn't fair to any of them. But I will try to make the best of it. I will try your advice. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I was totally unprepared. But the good news is the girls told their mother they really liked the class. I was a little shocked but pleased.

[gfell]

You're welcome. It is tough, and you aren't the first person to be put into such a situation.

Good luck!

[exported_kiwi]

Try buddying the lower level students up with the least able of the upper level students and tailor specific stuff for them, it increases the lower level numbers, helps the lower level students with a buddy and gives the upper level students pride and face in helping other kids learn, as well as they can polish up their basics too.
Hope this helps, good luck!