Teaching an Adult Beginner English Student
Thanks for coming onboard as a Dixon House Volunteer English Tutor. Many of our tutors start of with no experience in tutoring English, but quickly find their “groove”, making it an enriching experiencing for both tutor and student. Here are some practical tips that may assist you as you commence this journey.

​1. Your Goal as a Volunteer
Your job isn’t to be a “teacher.” Your job is to help the learner:

• feel safe
• feel encouraged
• practise English
• build confidence
• learn small, useful skills each session

If the student leaves feeling supported, you’ve succeeded.

2. What Beginner Adult Students Need
Beginner adults usually need help with:

• basic vocabulary
• simple sentences
• pronunciation
• listening practice
• confidence speaking
• everyday English (shopping, transport, work, appointments)

They do not need grammar lectures or complicated explanations.

3. How to Speak to a Beginner
Use slow, clear, simple English.

• Speak at half your normal speed
• Use short sentences
• Avoid slang
• Repeat important words
• Use gestures, pictures, objects
• Smile — it reduces anxiety

Example: Instead of “Let’s go through some vocabulary,” say: “We learn new words today.”

4. Structure of a Simple 45–60 Minute Lesson
A volunteer can follow this every time.
1. Warm‑up (5 minutes)
Simple conversation:

• “How are you?”
• “How was your week?”
• “What did you do today?”

Use pictures if needed.
2. Review last week (5 minutes)
Ask:

• “Do you remember this word?”
• “Can you say this sentence?”

Keep it light and positive.
3. New vocabulary (10–15 minutes)
Choose 5–8 new words only. Use pictures, objects, or actions.
Example topics:

• Food
• Transport
• Work tools
• Clothes
• Daily routines

Teach like this:

1. Say the word
2. Student repeats
3. Show picture/object
4. Student says it again
5. Put it in a simple sentence

4. Practice activity (10–15 minutes)
Use simple, fun tasks:

• Matching pictures to words
• Pointing (“Show me the apple”)
• Role‑play (“You are customer, I am shop worker”)
• Reading short sentences
• Filling in simple worksheets

5. Speaking practice (5–10 minutes)
Ask easy questions using the new words.
Example:

• “What food do you like?”
• “What colour is this?”
• “What time do you wake up?”

6. Wrap‑up (2 minutes)
End with encouragement:

• “Great job today.”
• “You are improving.”
• “Next week we learn more.”

5. Teaching Tips for Volunteers
1. Don’t correct every mistake
Correct only when it helps learning. Too much correction kills confidence.
2. Praise often
Adults need encouragement just as much as kids.
3. Use real objects
Phones, keys, food, clothes — real items help beginners learn faster.
4. Use repetition
Beginners need to hear a word many times.
5. Be patient
Adult learners may feel embarrassed. Your calm attitude helps them relax.

6. What NOT to do

• Don’t teach complicated grammar
• Don’t talk too fast
• Don’t overload them with too many words
• Don’t assume they understand
• Don’t make them read long texts
• Don’t lecture — keep it interactive

7. Simple Lesson Topics for Beginners
Volunteers can choose from these:

• Greetings
• Numbers
• Colours
• Food
• Shopping phrases
• Transport
• Work vocabulary
• Daily routines
• Weather
• Family words
• Appointments
• Directions

Each topic can last 1–2 sessions.

8. Easy Activities Volunteers Can Use

• Picture flashcards
• Matching games
• Labelling objects
• Simple role‑plays
• Reading short dialogues
• Listening and pointing
• Fill‑in‑the‑blank worksheets
• “Find the object” game
• “Describe the picture” activity

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9. The Most Important Thing
Your student will remember how you made them feel more than anything you taught.
If they feel:

• safe
• supported
• respected
• encouraged

They will learn.