Best Props for Teaching English to Young Learners in One-on-One Classes

Teaching English to young learners in one-on-one classes can be fun and rewarding, but it also requires creativity. Young students have short attention spans, so English teachers need to make lessons exciting and interactive.

One way to do this is by using English lesson props—items that help explain lessons, keep students engaged, and make learning easier. In this guide, we will explore the best props for teaching English to kids in one-on-one classes, plus tips on how to use them effectively.

1. Flashcards – The Must-Have for Teaching Vocabulary

Flashcards are one of the best English lesson props for teaching English to young learners. They help kids learn new words and recognize them easily. Flashcards also make learning fun because they use pictures and colors.

How to Use Flashcards in One-on-One Classes:

• Show a flashcard and ask, "What is this?" to introduce new words.

• Play a memory game—show three flashcards, mix them up, and ask the student to find a specific one.

• Use action flashcards (run, jump, dance) and ask the student to act them out.

• Play a guessing game—describe something on a flashcard and let the student guess.

Pro Tip: Use big, colorful flashcards with simple pictures so kids can understand them quickly.

2. Puppets and Stuffed Toys – Making Lessons More Interactive

Kids love talking to puppets! They make students feel comfortable, especially shy ones. English teachers can use puppets to act out conversations, tell stories, and make learning more exciting.

How to Use Puppets in One-on-One Classes:

• Make the puppet ask the student questions like, "What's your name?" or "How are you?"

• Use the puppet to role-play conversations. For example, the puppet can order food, and the student responds.

• Ask the student to teach the puppet new words to review lessons.

Pro Tip: Give the puppet a name and voice to make it more fun.

3. Whiteboard and Markers – A Visual Tool for Teaching

A whiteboard helps students see words, letters, and drawings while learning. It is useful for spelling, phonics, and sentence-building activities. If you are teaching online, you can use a digital whiteboard instead.

How to Use a Whiteboard in One-on-One Classes:

• Write missing letters in words and let the student complete them.

• Draw simple pictures and ask students to guess what they are.

• Use it for phonics lessons by writing letters and blending sounds (e.g., C + A + T = cat).

• Play a drawing game—let the student draw a word you say.

Pro Tip: If you are teaching online, try using Google Jamboard or Zoom’s whiteboard feature.

4. Real Objects (Realia) – Bringing Lessons to Life

Real objects, also called "realia," help students connect words with real things. This makes learning more practical and memorable.

How to Use Real Objects in One-on-One Classes:

• Show objects like fruits, toys, or clothes and ask, "What is this?"

• Teach prepositions by placing objects in different positions (e.g., "The cup is ON the table").

• Let students describe an object by talking about its color, shape, and size.

• Play a "What's in the Bag?" game—put an object in a bag, give hints, and let the student guess.

Pro Tip: If teaching online, hold objects close to the camera so students can see them clearly.

5. Phonics Props – Helping Kids with Pronunciation

Phonics props help kids pronounce words correctly and learn letter sounds easily. They are great for improving reading and speaking skills.

How to Use Phonics Props in One-on-One Classes:

• Use letter magnets or cards to teach phonics blending (e.g., M + A + T = mat).

• Show a mini mirror and ask students to watch how their mouth moves when pronouncing words.

• Use rubber bands to demonstrate syllables—stretch the band for long vowel sounds.

Pro Tip: Always exaggerate your mouth movements when saying sounds so kids can copy you.

6. Digital Props and Virtual Effects – Adding Fun to Online Lessons

Online teachers can use digital props to make lessons interactive and fun. They are great alternatives if you don’t have physical English lesson props.

How to Use Digital Props in One-on-One Classes:

• Use Canva or Google Slides to create colorful lesson materials.

• Try virtual backgrounds related to the lesson (e.g., a beach background for ocean-related words).

• Show GIFs and emojis to help explain emotions or actions.

Pro Tip: Zoom and ManyCam offer fun filters and effects that can make lessons even more exciting.

7. Reward Systems – Motivating Young Learners

Young learners love rewards! They make students more excited to learn and help them stay focused.

How to Use a Reward System in One-on-One Classes:

• Give digital stickers or stars as a reward for good performance.

• Create a reward chart where students earn points for completing tasks.

• Use a spin-the-wheel game to give random prizes like a fun song or a dance break.

• Praise students with virtual high-fives or claps.

Pro Tip: Ask students about their favorite characters or themes (e.g., dinosaurs, princesses) and personalize their rewards.

Which Props Are You Using for Teaching English?

Using English lesson props in one-on-one classes makes learning fun, interactive, and effective. Whether you use flashcards, puppets, whiteboards, or digital tools, these props help English teachers keep students engaged and motivated.

At EDGE Tutor, we believe that teaching English should be enjoyable for both teachers and students. Try using these props in your classes and see how they can improve your lessons!

Want more teaching tips? Join EDGE Tutor today and explore more free training resources for online tutors!

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