[eso34]

I totally hear you! I went from teaching adults and youth-age children to 1st grade! It's quite a shock to the system at first, but it's doable. You just need lots of patience.

Start with TPR (google it if you're not sure what it is). It's extremely helpful when teaching commands and everyday things like sit down, stand up, put your bag down, get in line, wash your hands, walk, run, etc. Do not be afraid to make TPR a natural way to teach (I use my hands and body more now that I'm teaching ESL than I ever did before). Young children learn best by observing and repeating, so as you do the TPR say everything you're doing - i.e. if you sit down, say "Sit down". Repeat this over and over and over and over. Their young brains will absorb it, some quicker than others.

I know you've gotten lists for each week, which is great and extremely helpful, but do supplement it with simple things like ABC's and 123's. Once you've laid that basic foundation, it's amazing what you can build on from there. Something that helps me is to think, "What does my culture (American in this case) start teaching children in pre-K and Kindergarten? What is important for their foundational learning?" and then go from there.

The internet is a wealth of ideas and help. I have spent more time googling ideas and games to play in my classroom settings since I too do not have a lot of toys and other resources available to me where I teach. A little imagination, a little time and google can be your best friend while teaching.

I hope that helps. Hang in there. It's always hardest the first year but it gets easier!