I just want to say it really feels good to have someone leave a comment on your worksheets. �Thanks so much for leaving one on mine. �I am so new to this world of ESL and I am still learning. �However, I really appreciate the kind words that people leave. �I also feel like I learn from all of the experienced people here on this forum. �This website has helped me tremendously in so many ways. �I will do �my best to leave more comments for people as well....I have done so with some and not with everyone :-)....my apologies! �What great work everyone does here.... from lesson plans, to worksheets, to exchanging ideas...etc. �I have a question for some..if anyone has the time to answer...what if you are in a situation where you are asked a question about grammar (specifically) and you don�t know the answer at that moment ( I am still in the middle of my studies) and I don�t always have that answer for the student right away. �What is the best way to answer that question on the spot...whether in the classroom or teaching privately? �I appreciate any suggestions or advice. �

Kindest regards,

Colie

 

it isn�t very hard for me to leave a comment (a thank you note) for somebody�s work, since he/she deserves it. We  all have learnt and will continue to learn so many things from this GREAT experience called eslprintables.

 

As to your question, it�s very simple, in fact. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you don�t know the answer "on the spot". Tell him that you don�t know (admitting this will bring you closer to them, and they will understand that their teacher can also be a student who works hard to be informed and to teach them). When this used to happen to me (children think of so many things that we can�t anticipate all of them -- especially strange/funny words that they want to translate) I used to tell them that I was not a walking dictionary and didn�t know everything, but I promised I would bring them the correct answer the next day. AND I ALWAYS DID SO. It is important not to let your students down and to always respect your promises (even the negative ones).

 

See you!

 

                                                                                                Domnitza

If you don�t know something, just admit it. If it is possible, search together with the students who asked you. You have probably a dictionary in your classroom, or even internet. If you search together it would be fun. If you can�t do it, just bring the answer the next class.

 

I am often asked questions about the names of grammatical rules (my personal nightmare!) and have no idea what the student is talking about.  I am very upfront (honest) about my lack of knowledge in this area as I am employed for my knowledge as a 1st language speaker, and my knowledge on how to teach effectively.  This is how I deal with difficult questions - I hope it is of help to you:

 

First I make a decision - is this a useful piece of teaching - if no I write the question down and tell the student I will find out for them.  If I think it is a good question for everyone (A TEACHABLE MOMENT) I do the following -

- Ask the class what they think and brainstorm ideas on the board (if the answer is known then we stop here)

- have the students discuss the question in small groups - and give them dictionaries or grammar guides to help them.

- If no one can find the answer I either write it on the board with a �REWARD NOTICE� or set it as homework.

 

Cheers Vicki