In this article, I want to explain how most language schools teach Kindergarten and Starter levels. One reason I want to do this is to clarify the focus of this website.
Most language schools tend to teach Kindergarten English in three levels: Kindergarten 1 – 3.
Sometimes, Kindergarten 1 is an optional level.
That is, its designed to be much easier than Kindergarten 2. It has less vocabulary per unit, and simpler grammar structures. The aim is to ease the students into learning. Often, a lot of the vocabulary and structures introduced in that type of Kindergarten 1 program are (deliberately) heavily recycled during the beginning of Kindergarten 2. What this means is that stronger students who start at Kindergarten 2 will quickly pick up what they missed in Kindergarten 1.
I don’t think that Kindergarten 1 being taught this way is all that common. I mention it, because one of the course books I’ve considered using does teach it this way. And I do think there’s a lot of value in this approach, because, for example, instead of having to deal with up to eight vocabulary items per unit, children are exposed to only five. What that means is that, as a teacher, you can focus more on developing the process of the class itself. That might include things like learning really good pair work activities and games.
The level after Kindergarten 3 is known as Starter. It sits between Kindergarten and Primary.
Typically, its the first time reading and writing become a major focus for students. Children that are too old for Kindergarten (6-7 year olds), go into the Starter level rather than Kindergarten or Primary. Sometimes a really strong 5 year old will skip Kindergarten and go straight to Starter. Sometimes, an older student (up to even 9 years of age) may also go to Starter rather than Primary.
Starter can be a very difficult level to teach.
Usually, this is because a class can have children with vastly different experience in learning foreign languages. Some have no experience learning English and struggle with all of the skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Other students come with a solid foundation, having completed Kindergarten 1-3. Even within those students the have completed Kindergarten English, some will be stronger at basic reading and writing than others.
How Starter is taught also differs between schools and teachers.
Some teach Starter like a ‘Kindergarten 4’ style class. That is, they teach it with lots of songs, movement, games, and crafts.
Others teach it more like a ‘Primary 1’ style of class. That is, they use less songs, games, and crafts, and instead focus more on activities, and basic reading and writing skills.
Why I’m writing about this is that I want this website to focus mostly on very young learners. These are typically children aged 3-5, who will study Kindergarten 1-3. However, Starter is a really important level, and is often considered part of Kindergarten. I think its also useful to study what forms the ‘bridge’ to Primary, so that you understand where Kindergarten students are going. For that reason, I want to include some Starter related content on this website.
