There are three common methods used to teach children: Grammar Translation, Total Physical Response (TPR), and Communicative Language Teaching (CLT).

• Grammar Translation
  • What is it?
    The teacher gives children lists of vocabulary with translations or example sentences with translated grammar explanations. Students should memorise these and then are tested.

• Advantages
  It is an easy way to present new language and it ensures that students understand the second language.

• Disadvantages
  It can be boring, especially for children who prefer more active learning tasks.

• Total Physical Response (TPR)
  • What is it?
    The teacher asks students to perform actions, e.g. “Stand up. Give me a pen.” Action songs, stories, and rhymes are often used in TPR.

• Advantages
  It is a very useful method for beginners, and is more entertaining and active than Grammar Translation.

• Disadvantages
  It is not as useful with higher level students, and focuses mostly on listening.

• Communicate Language Teaching (CLT)
  • What is it?
    Students work together to perform real-life communication. Surveys, interviews, and solving puzzles are examples of CLT activities.

• Advantages
  Focuses on fluency, engages children, and allows children to express themselves.

• Disadvantages
  Shy students may have difficulty with this method, and the teacher many have difficulty keeping students speaking in English (rather than Chinese). Teachers should remember to include not only fluency but accuracy as well in their CLT lessons.

All three methods can be used in the classroom; the teacher does not need to choose one. There is no proof that one is better than the others. If you get to know your students and their likes and dislikes, you can choose the type of activities that they enjoy the best.

This article is taken from:

http://www.englishonline.org.cn/en/teachers/teaching-articles/methodology/teaching-methods#