Teaching Activities for Pre-Primary Section of International School

Teaching small children from a variety of backgrounds in an international primary school setting can seem a bit daunting, however it is easier once you begin to realize that all children are virtually the same the world over. Instead of focusing on differences, celebrate them while discussing what makes all of the children similar.

1. Name Games

   • Name games and introduction games are very important for children, especially those who are in a foreign country and who need to feel grounded in their surroundings. Play games that allow children to get to know one another such as asking children to say their name and gesture to go with it and then having the class repeat the name and gesture. Or, ask students to say their names and favorite colors, asking the class to repeat it back to them.

   Music

   • Music is one way in which everyone in the world connects. Bring your children together through simple projects in which they create their own instruments (for example, the classic gluing two paper plates together with beans inside) or playing music and teaching the children to pick out the sounds of different instruments, as well as figure out how to identify the composer and what country the music is from.

   Cultural Awareness

   • Cultural awareness will be a large part of your work at an international school. Have your children ask their parents about the traditional "costume" of their countries and have them draw pictures or bring in pictures of it. You can also ask students to have their parents help them describe a holidays as celebrated in their home countries. Ask each child to present, with their parents' help, on a parent day so that everyone can learn about other cultures. Make sure and detail how the customs are done in the country you currently reside in to help acclimate the children.

   Language

   • Students at an international school may share a common language, but may not know the language of the host country. Even if it is just a few lessons a week, make a point to acquaint them with words they may need to use outside of the classroom. Teach children how to count in the host language by having them count fruit or beans and teach children simple songs and nursery rhymes in the host country's language.