Trainees Martha and Annika recently joined Myittar Yaung Chi and have quickly become part of the children’s daily lives. Alongside helping with routines and activities like playing and painting, they also support the children in improving their English skills.
Each trainee teaches a mixed group of seven to ten children, combining boys and girls of different ages and learning levels. English lessons usually take place in the evening from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The sessions begin with a short conversation about the day’s events before transitioning into structured lessons based on textbooks. These cover grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension and typically last about an hour.
The final 30 minutes focus on a more playful and interactive approach. The children might create short theatre plays to perform in groups or take part in vocabulary games where they describe words for others to guess. These activities help them use English in a practical and engaging way.
After just one month, the trainees have already seen impressive progress. Much of this development comes from growing familiarity and confidence — the children are becoming more comfortable with both their teachers and classmates.
Teaching mixed age groups with varying language levels can be challenging. The trainees must constantly find creative ways to keep everyone engaged, ensuring that no one feels left behind or bored. Despite these challenges, the experience is deeply rewarding. Watching the children grow more confident and capable each day brings pride and joy not only to the students but also to their volunteer teachers.
