FAQs for Young Learners;
What age children do you accept?
Usually from the age of 15. Occasionally I may accept a younger student if I know the family and I am certain that the child has the confidence to benefit from the experience.
Can you take 2 children at the same time?
This does not work with two children of the same nationality. The temptation to speak their own language is too strong.
However, when there are 2 students from the same family, I can place a brother or sister with my colleague Charlotte, and we can organize social visits and activities together.
Sometimes it is possible to arrange a home-stay course with two students of different nationalities, but a similar level of English.
What if my son or daughter doesn’t like the food?
I ask my students about food they particularly like or dislike before the course, or on the first day. I usually invite my students to come with me to the supermarket, and to choose some foods that they particularly enjoy. I discuss and plan meals with my children and my students to ensure that everyone is happy and well fed.
What will happens in the afternoons when you are not doing an activity or excursion?
Will my son or daughter be bored?
Sometimes we play cards or a board game. Some students like to play computer games with my son. Teenage girls usually enjoy walking around our town centre, looking at the shops. We have a large selection of DVDs to watch. Most teenagers are familiar with the Harry Potter films, for example, and are curious to watch them in English. We have a sports centre 5 minutes from the house, which offers table tennis and Badminton. Some students like to plan a walk using a map, and explore the town. I usually set a few ‘homework’ exercises, and encourage students to write an English diary.
FAQs; General
Do you cater for special diets?
Yes. In the past I have provided wheat free, dairy free and vegetarian diets. I am happy to help, but please let me know your dietary needs in advance.
How can I live with an English family if my English is very limited and you don’t speak my language?
This is a challenge, but it is fun! And you will make really good progress. I have a lot of experience in communicating with students of all levels. We can use drawing and diagrams, and we can break up the lessons with practical activities like preparing food, using money. You may find you need more sleep than usual, because you will be working hard, but it really can be good fun.
How can you teach me English if you don’t speak my language?
Very few people are complete beginners. Whatever your level, we will work from there. A young child learns his or her mother’s language using only that one language. There isn’t any other language used for explaining things. You will progress more quickly using only English.
