Pass your Mock Class with VIPKID for Levels 4 & 5
Hey there teaching friends! Wondering how to get certified for the upper level classes with VIPKID during the application process? Well you have found the right blog post! Today I want to walk you through all the slides with tips and tricks on how to successfully pass your mock class for levels 4 & 5.
I would first suggest you check out this post for passing levels 2 & 3 first. In it, I talk about tips, expectations, and lesson formats that will also apply to the upper level classes as well. Plus I'm super lazy and I don't want to retype the fantastic advice I already gave you. Go check it out!
Another great resource for passing these levels are these amazing videos from Nancy (shown below this paragraph). She shows you how she would teach the material and also tells you why she uses certain techniques to help the student. I would recommend printing out the slides for your lessons and taking notes while you watch the videos and read this post. I know that this is a lot of information but it will help you so much to be over prepared for these mock classes so you can move on quickly and get teaching! And if you don't pass the first time, try again my friend. Don't fret, you get unlimited attempts here.
Mock Class 4 My Country, My Culture
Mock Class 5 Our Earth, Pollution
Here are a few more tips for levels 4 & 5 that will help you out:
-The mentor will be watching for ways you adjust to the student's learning, ability, and interests. VIPKID doesn't want you to read an awesome blog post or watch an amazing YouTube video (ahem, both of those are found here), copy exactly what that person does, and then have no idea how to teach in the real classroom. Each mentor will be a little different and wants you to be able to react and adjust to the student. Prepare your lesson and then be ready to TEACH not RECITE.
- Try to have at least 5 props. Whiteboards, stuffed animals, books with applicable covers, pictures, children's toys, flashcards, etc. Try to mix in 2D and 3D props that bring the lessons to life.
-Think of connection questions. Examples might be "Have you seen this before?" "Have you visited this place?" "Do you enjoy _____?" Use these questions to build rapport with the student and to build their use of vocabulary within the lesson.
-Remember you want student output to be at 70% in the lesson. These students can answer deeper questions with full sentences. They can also read very well. Give them lots of opportunity to speak, that's what they are paying you for! Bonus, you will love getting to know them!
- Be sure to have your background up behind you. It's also a good idea to display your name if possible. I like to have a sign with "Teacher Stephanie" up for each class. I usually point to it during the introduction for any new students. Nancy mentions that she likes to type her name in the "chat-box"and that is also an option.
*Side note: be sure to practice all the functions in the classroom beforehand so you know how to use the interactive tools and the "chatbox". You have access to the practice room after booking your mock class, so use it! This is a practice classroom that you can use to practice teaching each lesson in.*
-Be sure to be wearing a professional shirt in a solid color. Orange is VIPKid's main color but isn't necessary for teaching. P.S. Pajama bottoms and slippers are totally acceptable at this job. Can I get a Hallelujah!?
- The students at these levels should have more interacting with the teacher during these lessons. They have two years of English experience to be sure to get those kiddos talking through conversation and reading. Make it fun! You want these cuties to become regulars.
-Pacing can be a little bit tricky in these levels because there is a lot more material in the lessons. Move quickly where you can and when the student understands move on to the next subject to cover all the material in the time allowed.
-Remember these students and their culture. Education is highly respected and expected in China. These young kids go to school all day, come home to do loads of homework, and end their day with an English lesson to sharpen their skills. Make your class equal parts fun and education so they can really immerse themselves into the culture and get a break from the daily grind.
Level 4: My Country, My Culture
Slide 1: Introduction slide
Make sure you greet the student. This can be confusing because there isn't any script or objectives for this slide. I had a referral skip this slide entirely and just dive into the lesson because it didn't have any teacher tips. Don't skip this slide but don't over think it! Here you have a minute to get to know the student. Ask for their name and introduce yourself. Ask some questions about the student to get them excited. You can even introduce the reward system here. Lastly, I would have the student read the title for the lesson and then ask "Are you ready?" (Yes) "Let's go!"
Slide 2: Vocabulary - Country
Here you are introducing the word: Country. Make sure you practice this word with them in isolation. A great teaching technique to use is to underline the words in red and say the word, making sure to get the correct pronunciation on the student output. The slide also asks the teacher to define country. Come up with a definition that is in line with the lesson and students ability. Its a good idea to have it typed or written on the whiteboard so the student can read it along with you. Be sure to have the student answer the question "Which country are you from?"
Slide 3: Vocabulary - Flag
Again, underline the red word, and have the student read and repeat the word a few times. You can then ask the student to read the sentences. A great prop here would be a Chinese and/or American flag. Be sure to give lots of praise and correction when appropriate. Some connection questions might include " What color is it?" "How many stars do you see?" "Where do you see this flag?" Remember to use your reward system throughout the lesson. I would plan which slides I am going to give the rewards to be extra prepared. Everyone loves being extra ;)
Slide 4: Vocabulary - Represent
Underline, repeat, and define. You will need to come up with a good definition to make sure they understand this word. It's a simple formula and the student will catch on quickly to the pattern you have set up in these first few slides. Listen to the student read and fix any mistakes. A good trick is to underline any words they struggle on and then when they are finished reading, go back and correctly read the words again with some help. End this slide with asking "What does this flag represent?" (This flag represents China).
Slide 5: Vocabulary - Capital
By now you have set up a system for the student so when you underline the red words they should know to repeat those words with you first and then read the statement. A great teaching technique to correct mispronunciation is to clap the syllables as you say the vocabulary word. Cap-i-tal Extension questions might be "Have you been to the capital?" "What is the American Capital?" You could even show some pictures of Washington D.C. from your phone.
Slide 6: Explore - My City
Teach the word landmark. Have the student read the statement to define landmarks, using positive correction to fix any mistakes. Ask the student what they see in the picture. Make a connection by asking them if they have been there before? At the end of this slide teach the student how to role play. Circle Mike and say "You will be Mike" and circle Meg saying "I will be Meg." Have the student read their part and read yours in turn. My students love reading in high and low voices for each part. This a great way to laugh and smile with the student. If time allows switch roles so the student understand the question and the answer.
Slide 7: Let's Read
This slide is all about reading, comprehension, fluency and pronunciation. Let that student show you what they got and listen carefully. Praise the student for their accomplishments and be sure to correct any mistakes. Ask the student some follow up questions about the pictures "What country is it?" "What city is it". Remember, to teach the student to speak in full sentences.
Slide 8: Explore - I need a tour guide
Here the student is going to be learning about using these vocabulary words and phrases in conversation. Circle your character and read the statements taking turns with the student. Be sure to praise, assist with props and give a reward. Remember you can do silly voices for the student to add some fun to the lesson and make them laugh.
Slide 9:Grammar - Aren't and Don't
Here you want to show the student how you can combine are + not = aren't. Nancy does a great job of explaining this by using her whiteboard with the words written out. She shows how she erases the "o" and adds the apostrophe. Have the student read the phrases and show how "are not" goes to "aren't". Repeat this with "do not". Another teaching technique is to say "are" with one hand up and then say the "not" with the other word. Then clap (showing you smushing the two words together) and say "aren't". It's a great visual for the student if you don't have a whiteboard.
Slide 10: Grammar - Explain Aren't & Don't
The student will read the statements and make the correct contractions in the blanks. Here you have a few options on how to help the student with the written form. The student can draw the letters on the screen in the blanks, they can type it in the chat-box, or they can dictate the correct letters and symbols to you while you write it on the screen or whiteboard.
Slide 11: Extend - Soft 'C'
Explain to the student that when a word has "ce" or "ci" in English it makes a "ssssss" sound. You could even write these letter combos on the whiteboard and have a snake come on the screen making the "sssss" sound. How fun! Some of my regular students know I am afraid of snakes so whenever a snake comes on the screen I make a little brain break for them by getting scared and fake running out of the classroom. They laugh and watch the screen. Try something like this in your lessons. It shows your personality and makes learning so fun for the students. I know their parents will appreciate it! I would then read the first word on each list with the student and have them read the rest independently.
Slide 12: Goodbye
If you need to add some time because you went through really fast, ask some extension questions using the vocabulary words. Or ask the student to use "aren't" or "don't" in a sentence. You can go back to certain slides to solidify material that the student struggled on or give some examples of topics in the lesson. My last slide is always super simple. I like to go over their reward for the lesson (You got 4 stars. Great job!) and tell them " I hope to see you again. Goodbye!" Just like the introduction, this is one more time to connect to the student and add your personality to the virtual classroom.
Alright! You have got level 4 down. Lets take a look at some tips for the level 5 lesson.
Level 5: Earth: Our Home - Pollution
Slide 1: Introduction
Make this slide your own. There isn't any specific technique for introductions. Get to know the student, talk a little about the lesson's topic, introduce your reward. KISS- Keep IT SIMPLE STUPID SMARTIE
Slide 2: Reward System
Feel free to use the reward system on the lesson but know that you don't have to. You are more than welcome to come up with one of your own. Nancy shows how she uses google slides in her walk-through video as a reward. I love using "Find a Star" for all levels because it's very easy to set up for multiple classes and levels. Students choose a number on my background and I reveal what is behind the number. Examples might be stars, superheros, animals, pokemon, or princesses.
See here for an example by Teacher Jennifer of Find a Star
Slide 3: Where do we live?
Ask the student about the pictures. Talk about the word environment, read the text and ask "Which is your environment?" Give lots of praise such as a thumbs up, high five or goofy dance. Let's make it our goal to get the student smiling!
Slide 4: Vocabulary - Trash
Read the text and check for fluency and correct pronunciation. Give positive correction when needed. This means you don't say "no" or "that's wrong" when the student makes a mistake. Underline the word, model the correct way to say it, and give them a chance to correct their mistake. Then give them tons of praise. Nancy uses an empty water bottle and a garbage can as props on this slide. I might even get multiple pieces of trash and throw it in the can each time they say "trash" to make a fun quick game. My lessons are basically a slap-stick comedy but it makes for great international relations.
Slide 5: Explore - Clean- Up the Neighborhood
Have the student read the text and correct the mistakes. Then ask the student the comprehension questions in the "Teacher tips" as they look at the picture.
Slide 6: Extend - Comprehension
Ask the student to read each question and answer it. Hold that student to a high standard by ensuring they answer in a complete sentence. If the student struggles to answer the questions, go back to the last slide and underline the answer. Then ask the question again and have the student say the answer.
Slide 7: Grammar - Future Tense
On this slide you are explaining verbs in future tense. Using a whiteboard with "going to" written on it would be easy and helpful for the student to visualize the words. I've also seen teachers use paper cut-out arrows to show "past" and "future" tense when the students are using the words. It is very helpful in identifying each tense for the verb.
Slide 8: Grammar - Past, Present, & Future Tense
Have the student read the sentence, underline the verb and draw a line to past, present or future. Give correction and praise when the student needs it. Remember to use your reward system throughout the lesson and watch your pacing.
Slide 9: Fill in the Blanks
Guide the student to use the correct future tense to complete the sentence. You may have to explain why the student needs to put "are" on the first sentence. Underline pollution and trash and explain that there are two things making it plural. For a plural noun you use the word "are".
Slide 10: Fun Phonics
Ask the student "What are the vowels?" You can write them on the screen, whiteboard, or chat-box. Explain that "Y" can sometimes be a vowel and sometimes a consonant. Have the student read the "y" as a vowel list and circle the y's. Then have them read the "y" as a consonant list and circle the y's. This will help the student see when the y makes a different sound in English.
Slide 11: Elaborate: What can you see in the pictures?
Ask the student about the pictures. Use humor to lead the conversation about the parks. Make the lesson fun and engaging through your questions. This slide is all about having the students thinking creatively so use your questions to guide the conversation about each picture.
Slide 12: Goodbye
Make the end of the lesson a positive wrap-up of the lesson with a review of the rewards, promise of a continued relationship, and a warm conclusion. Make them feel wonderful as you bring the lesson to a close.
Are you still reading this? Holy Moley these mock class posts are doosey's but I hope you find them helpful. I really tried to mentor you through each slide with tips from Nancy and myself. If you have any questions, please ask in the comment section and I'd be happy to help you. Good luck passing your mock class! I am rooting for you each step of the way!
