When you are teaching ESL skills, particularly to beginners, it is important to use a lot of hand gestures such as pointing as you review “I” and “you.” Using modeling and visual aids can also be a big help during ESL tutoring.

Try the following exercises, filling in the proper names as you go through the exercises. Use your name and your tutee’s name respectively. Where the word is shown as all caps, emphasize that word.

For He, She exercises, use the attached cards.

Part I:

Tutor: “Hi, I am _____________.” (Point at yourself)

Tutor: Point to your tutee and have him or her repeat 'I am...', filling in with his or her own name.

Part II:

Tutor: I am _____________. YOU are ______________ (use your tutee’s name).

Repeat once, then point at your tutee.

Tutor: Who are you?

Tutee, at this point, should answer “I am _____________.”

Part III:

Tutor: I am _____________. (pointing at the picture of Jack) HE is Jack.

Have your tutee repeat, pointing at the picture.

Tutor: I am ________________. (pointing at the picture of Sally) SHE is Sally.

Have your tutee repeat, pointing at the picture.

Repeat using each of the attached cards until all of the names have been used.

Part IV:

Tutor: I am _________________. WE (pointing at both yourself and the tutee) are ______________ and _______________ (filling in with your name and the name of your tutee).
Repeat once, then ask your tutee to repeat.

Part V:

Tutor: I am ______________. Is He Alex? (point to the picture of Mike) No, He is Mike. (Use modeling and ask yourself the questions)

Tutor: Is he Mike? Yes, He is Mike.

Now ask your tutee various questions using the attached cards, Is she Sally?, Is he Jack, Is she Marie?, etc.

Part VI:

Have your tutee ask you questions about the pictures.

Tutee: Is she Marie?, Is he Alex?, etc.