1. Can teachers show pets during their lessons? 

• As long as it is relevant to the lesson (topic on pets, animals, etc), it's alright to BRIEFLY show a pet. This should not cause any distraction to the student or the lesson. Pets that can be shown are those that are domestic. DO NOT SHOW EXOTIC ANIMALS such as snakes, spiders, etc. regardless if these are part of the lesson material.

2. Can teachers use Disney characters as teaching aids, puppets, headgear?

• Teachers may use Disney characters as teaching aids, puppet, headgear as long as they are not the scary kind (monsters, vampires, skeletons, etc.). These are banned in China:

Shining Star Spongebob Squarepants

Scooby Doo Death note (manga)

Winnie the Pooh South Park

The Little Mermaid Mickey Mouse

Pokemon Peppa Pig

Attack on Titan Bojack Horseman

Despicable Me 2 Detective Conan

Doraemon Sailor Moon

One Piece Naruto

3. Can teachers ask students to add them in their favorite list?

• It is okay to ask students to add teachers on their favorite list, but this must be done sensitively. Mention it once as a form of soft sell but DO NOT PESTER the student. This can be a part of your wrap-up spiel: "Did you have fun today? If you did, please add me to your favorites so we can study again, okay?"

4. Can teachers skip pages in the lesson if the student is late or if the teacher had to spend more time in some pages because the student cannot understand readily?

• For the sake of time management, teachers can skip teaching an activity page or two but the teacher must tell the student that those pages will be for the practice and review of the student after the class. Teachers MUST NOT DIRECTLY SKIP pages. Teachers should explain why the activity will be not be done during the class: "Anna, this activity will be for your practice and review after the class. Now, let's go to the next page."

5. Can teachers accommodate students' request for them to study something else? Prepare for exam, practice for school event, etc.

• We discourage accommodating requests such as these. Should the student make this request, politely redirect by saying, "We have to learn our lesson material so you can continue improving your English."

6. How to deal with multiple students in a 1v1 lesson?

• Focus on the real student. Teachers may accommodate the other students (friend/s, cousin, sibling,etc) but make sure that the focus is on the real student. If this occurs regularly, please report to the Support Team.

7. How to deal with person taking the class of the original student? (older sister taking the younger brother's lesson because the younger brother does not want to study)

• Proceed with the lesson and adjust to the level of the student. If the student's level is higher than the booked material, try different extension activities and other strategies to adjust the level to suit the student.

8. What to do if a 51Talk Course Consultant sends a private message?

• Do not accept the contact request. Ignore the message and report to the Support Team.

9. What kinds of reward system shall I use?

• Use kid-friendly and colorful rewards such as toys, candies and stars. We highly discourage the use of money as a reward system. Don’t use money as teaching aids and don’t encourage students to use money as well. Don’t use money as expansion topic if it’s not material or learning subject related.

*Money: cash, coins, screenshots of any type of currency

10. What if the topic of the lesson is money? Can teachers use money as realia?

• Circle the pictures in the lesson material to show the meaning of money. There's no need to show/use money as realia. Use what's in the lesson material.

Positivity is the key! Be guided on how you can showcase your positive attitude in class.

Maintaining composure and professionalism even during difficult situations is a mark of a good teacher. Let us always be careful with our words and actions at all times, especially during classes to maintain a professional and friendly atmosphere.

1. Be Patient

• Always keep your composure, show calmness, and observe professionalism at all times.

• Demonstrate patience in gestures and in words throughout the lesson to avoid complaints and bad feedback.

• Becoming hostile in words, in action and raising your voice to the student are unacceptable.

2. Have an effective interaction

• Establish good rapport with your students.

• Maintain a good vibe until the end of the lesson for a better class flow.

• Show empathy and make sure the students feel comfortable in class.

• Allow the students to express themselves and get involved in the discussion.

3. Encourage

• Boost your student's confidence.

• Genuinely praise and commend your student's efforts in class.

• Encourage your students to talk more so they can improve their speaking skills.

• Challenge your students to ask questions when they don't understand.

4. Stay focused

• Maintaining eye contact creates a bond between you and your students.

• Avoid unnecessary gestures/movements that will distract your students from being focused.

• Listening, understanding, and reacting promptly will avoid dead air in class.

• Always give your 100% attention to your student throughout the lesson.

5. Express

• Maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout the lesson.

• Make the lesson lively and interactive by using TPRS, animated gestures and facial cues.

• Maintain eye contact and energetic voice to engage attention.

• Make your students smile and have fun in class.

Categories:

• Equipment

• Teaching skills

• Surroundings

• Attitude

• Lesson memo

• Pronunciation

• High level

* The sanction progresses if the next offense committed is within the same category and 90 days from the previous offense.