Little boy smiling and holding Timmy puppet.

What to expect from your course

Welcome (back) to the British Council!

Here is some important information to talk through with your child before they start their first class. It will help them understand what is expected of them and reassure them that they will enjoy the course.

On your course you will:

  • have fun!
  • do lots activities, songs, stories and games in English.
  • meet the Timmy Time family and follow their adventures.
  • be supported by your teacher.

The expectations of the classroom are that you will:

  • participate in class.
  • be nice to your classmates and your teachers.
  • put your hand up to speak.
  • try to speak with your classmates and teachers in English.
  • ask your teachers if you don't understand or don't know something in English.
  • not shout or run in class.
  • not eat or drink in class (a bottle of water is ok) except at breaktime.
  • talk to your teacher if you have a problem of any kind.

The structure of the class may go something like this:

  • circle time to sing the hello song, greet each other and Timmy and say how you are feeling.
  • review rules of the classroom.
  • check homework and/or review language learnt in a previous class through a game or song.
  • learn a new letter of the alphabet and practise saying and writing it. 
  • learn some new language to help you understand the Timmy episode for this week.
  • watch the Timmy episode. Your teacher will ask you questions about what you can see in the video and what is happening.
  • practise language that was introduced in the Timmy episode through games or songs.
  • complete a worksheet or a craft/art activity related to the language or theme of the Timmy episode, or read a story related to the theme.
  • sing a goodbye song and then go home.

There will be two 15-minute breaks when you can eat your snack, go to the bathroom, and play with your friends. 

To practise English at home try:

     - Did you play a game?

     - Did you sing a song?

     - Did you read a story?

     - What was your favourite activity in the class?

  • telling a member of your family what you practised in class. 

     - Did you practise any words? What words do you remember?

     - Did you practise a question? Ask your family the question!

     - Did you do a new song or story? Show a family member the movements to the song or tell them what the story was about!

What do you do if there's a fire alarm?

  • Stay calm - your teachers will look after you.
  • Listen to your teacher’s instructions.
  • Follow your teacher.
  • Walk, don’t run.
  • Don't take your bag or jacket.
  • Remain at the meeting point until your teacher says so.