I like to start my English lessons with a familiar routine: Circle Time. It is a small moment, but it helps children settle down, switch into “English mode” and get ready for the lesson ahead. Repeated routines also give children plenty of opportunities to hear and use the same language in a natural way.
We usually begin with the day of the week. 📅
We sing our Days of the Week Song and, most importantly, we do the movements that go with it. 🎶🕺
I find this particularly important with younger learners. When children hear a word, say it, sing it and move at the same time, they create a stronger connection between the sound and its meaning.
Then we check the month. 🗓️
We sing our Months of the Year Song song and ask: “What month is it?”
Next comes the weather. ☀️🌧️🌈
We look outside, choose a weather flashcard and sing our Weather Song. Children can take turns saying:
“It’s sunny!”
“It’s cloudy!”
“It’s raining!”
Finally, we talk about our feelings. Of course we have a feeling song, too! We use it with flashcards and encouraging children to use facial expressions to show how they feel. Children can choose a feeling card and say:
“I’m happy.”
“I’m tired.”
“I’m excited.”
For younger children, pointing to the correct face is already a great way to participate, while older children can ask a partner: “How are you today?”
I love these routines because they are predictable without being boring. Children know what comes next, but there is always room for singing, movement, creativity and conversation.
And before we know it, English has already started! 💛
Here are a few things you might find useful for your classroom: 🛒
📅 A colorful classroom calendar to hang on the wall and use every day with your students!
🌦️A Weather Chart
🧸 Puppets
