What is the Young Learner Starter Kit?

This course offers a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of teaching English to young learners.
Through live online workshops, peer teaching and tutor feedback, participants build confidence, practical skills and a bank of ready-to-use activities for children aged 6–11.

Detailed programme

Day 1
• Session 1: Teaching Young Learners – what’s it all about?
• Session 2: Classroom Management 1

Day 2
• Session 3: Puzzles and Patterns – making grammar fun
• Session 4: Songs and Chants – learning through music and movement

Day 3
• Session 5: Activity Bank – build up your bank of classroom activities
• Session 6: Using Online Resources with Young Learners

Day 4
• Session 7: Classroom Management 2
• Session 8: Lesson Planning Workshop

Day 5 – Peer Teaching & Feedback
Participants will carry out online teaching practice, delivering a short lesson to their peers.
This component is essential for applying new skills, receiving personalised feedback and building confidence when teaching children.

No written assignments or coursework are required.

Who is it for?

The Starter Kit is ideal for teachers who want to move into Young Learner teaching — whether you already hold an initial teaching qualification (such as CELTA or equivalent) or you are currently teaching adults and wish to expand into teaching children.
No previous experience with children is required; what matters is a good command of English (minimum C1) and a willingness to start teaching young learners.

What will you learn – Course aims

You will learn how to:

• Plan engaging lessons for children aged 6–11
• Use games, songs, stories, movement and digital resources to stimulate learning
• Manage a class of young learners effectively and dynamically
• Introduce grammar and vocabulary through play and communicative activities
• Create coherent and motivating lesson plans
• Deliver short lessons with confidence and reflect on your teaching practice

Admission requirements

• Minimum English level: C1
• An initial teaching qualification (e.g. CELTA or equivalent)
• Previous teaching experience (not necessarily with children)
• No prior experience with Young Learners is required

Why choose this course?

The Young Learner Starter Kit provides a practical, compact and efficient introduction to teaching English to children — ideal if you want to gain confidence, build a resource bank and start teaching quickly.
Delivered by experienced Young Learner trainers from International House Milano | San Donato, the course offers flexible online delivery and a set of ready-to-use materials you can apply immediately in class.

What participants say about the course

“I would like to highlight that the positive outcome of the course was made possible thanks to the tutors, who delivered it with such seriousness, dedication and professionalism, while also creating a warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere.”
— YL Starter Kit Trainee

“I now fully realise that a Young Learner teacher is a highly skilled professional who must balance the sensitivities of teaching children with the demands of language teaching.”
— YL Starter Kit Trainee

“This course was great. My head was spinning a little at the beginning because many of the concepts were new to me — but that was exactly the point. Kate did an excellent job. What I appreciated the most was the hands-on approach, which gave the course real pace and practicality.”
— YL Starter Kit Trainee

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course a TEFL or CELTA Young Learners qualification?

No. The Young Learner Starter Kit is not a TEFL or CELTA qualification.
It is a short, practical professional development course that introduces teachers to the essentials of teaching English to children aged 6–11.
It is ideal for teachers who want a focused, hands-on start before considering more advanced qualifications such as the IHCYLT.

Who is the Young Learner Starter Kit for?

The course is designed for teachers who want to begin or strengthen their experience with Young Learners.
It is suitable if you:
• hold a teaching qualification (e.g. CELTA or equivalent)
• have a C1 level of English
• teach adults and want to move into YL
• have little or no experience with children but want to acquire practical, ready-to-use classroom skills.

Do I need previous Young Learner teaching experience?

No. The course is specifically designed for teachers who are new to Young Learners and want a clear, structured starting point.

How is the course delivered?

The programme is 100% live online on Zoom and includes:
• 8 interactive workshops
• demonstrations
• micro-teaching
• shared resources
• a peer teaching session
• an individual tutorial with your trainer

What will I be able to do after the course?

You will be able to:
• plan lessons for children aged 6–11
• use games, songs, stories and movement effectively
• manage a Young Learner classroom
• build a practical activity bank
• deliver short lessons confidently
• apply new ideas immediately in your classes

Do I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who attend the required sessions and complete the teaching practice receive an IH Milano | San Donato certificate of attendance.

Are there written assignments?

No. The course is entirely practical and does not include written assignments or assessed coursework.

How much does the course cost?

The fee is €250 + €2 stamp duty.
You can also pay in instalments (interest-free) through our online shop.
Buono Scuola is accepted.

What can I do after the Young Learner Starter Kit?

Many teachers decide to continue their development with the IH Certificate in Young Learner Teaching (IHCYLT) or IHVYL, which offer a deeper methodology and extended practice.

How do I apply?

Applications can be completed online.
Simply select the course date and follow the steps on our website.
For questions about requirements or availability, you can contact our Teacher Training team directly.

Next steps & further training

The Starter Kit is an excellent first step into Young Learner teaching.
After completing it, you may continue your development with IH’s more in-depth Teacher Training programmes, such as IHCYLT or IHVYL, designed for teachers who want to deepen their Young Learner methodology.