One way the Yachana has been involved with education and the local community is in finding and hosting English teacher volunteers. These volunteers attend school and act as an assistant to the English teacher. English class is a required class for students in Ecuador but the chance for our rural local school to have native English speaker is a treat.
It’s tricky though. At our school, the English teacher himself speaks limited English. His teaching is mostly done in Spanish, with some English included. They use lots of copy work and worksheets when available. The resources provided by the government each year don’t include textbooks or workbooks or really anything to assist. Having volunteers come is a chance to help the students to hear a native accent and give them a chance to speak. They bring a new energy and ideas to the lessons.
This month we’ve had a volunteer from Australia, M. As she and I talked, we decided to offer an English class here at the Yachana during school hours. A handful of students already come as part of a work-experience program and help with the tourism side of the Yachana Lodge. We offered to also hold an English class for them.
Make Learning English Fun!
Learning a language is hard in so many ways, but learning anything is really done most effectively when it’s fun and playful and especially with language, repetitive. So that’s what we tried to do! We played games using phrases I know they’ve learned, but haven’t been encouraged to use very much.
A whiteboard and markers, a few children’s books, a deck of playing cards and a determination to speak English led to a great class. It’s fun to see that they do have a lot of vocabulary in their minds and as we build confidence I’m sure it will come out in their conversation. We’ll continue while M is here and hope to have other volunteers come as well so that we are able to continue.
I’m interested in finding a curriculum, more or less, to follow. There are SO many ideas out there for teaching English, but to find one that fits our situation has been difficult. I’d like to find something that is:
- Beginner Level
- Full of supplemental games and conversation practice ideas
- Doesn’t rely on internet access or printing papers
- Uses basic classroom resources
- Super affordable
The key to making it all work is having English Teacher Volunteers who are enthusiastic and excited to spend time talking with the kids. If you are interested or know someone who might be a good fit, we provide a room here at the lodge and ask for a small fee to cover meals. We’d love to find someone who could come for a longer stay. It’s a neat thing to be a part of and opens many doors for these kids!
Read more about this new outdoor “Choza” classroom that was recently constructed!
Learn More about opportunities to volunteer in our community and stay at the Yachana Lodge
