Teaching English to Young Learners
Teaching English to Young Learners
Teaching English to children and teenagers requires specific knowledge, age-appropriate methodology and a practical approach that goes beyond general ELT training. At International House Milan, we offer a suite of specialised teacher-training courses for those who want to teach English to Young Learners — from preschoolers to teens.
Our programmes combine expert guidance, practical ideas and internationally recognised certification, giving teachers the confidence and skills they need to work successfully in a range of YL contexts.
Young Learner Teacher-Training Courses
IH Milan offers three complementary online courses designed for English teachers who wish to specialise in teaching young learners. Each programme focuses on a specific age range and provides practical, classroom-ready techniques.
IHVYL – Teaching Very Young Learners (ages 3–6)
The IHVYL (International House Certificate in Teaching Very Young Learners) prepares teachers to work confidently with children in preschool and kindergarten. Very young learners need highly structured routines, multi-sensory activities and a play-based approach to meeting a new language.
What you will learn:
- How children aged 3–6 develop language and how English fits into early-years learning
- How to design short, engaging lessons using play, stories, songs and movement
- Practical techniques such as TPR, games, crafts and storytelling
- Classroom management strategies suitable for early-years groups
- How to create positive learning environments and consistent routines
- How to use age-appropriate materials effectively
- Certification recognised within the International House network
Ideal for: preschool teachers, early-years educators, kindergarten English teachers, and CELTA-qualified teachers wishing to specialise in Very Young Learners.
Young Learner Starter Kit – Teaching Children (ages 6–11)
The Young Learner Starter Kit is a practical, intensive online course for teachers beginning their journey with primary-age learners. It provides essential tools, lesson structures and activity types for teaching English to children aged 6–11.
What you will learn:
- How to plan age-appropriate lessons for primary learners
- Using songs, chants, games and creative tasks to teach grammar and vocabulary
- Classroom management strategies for young learner groups
- How to develop children’s receptive and productive skills
- Ways to integrate simple projects and digital resources
- Peer-teaching practice with trainer feedback
By the end of the course, teachers have a complete “starter toolkit” for teaching English to children in schools, language centres or online.
IHCYLT – Teaching Young Learners & Teenagers (ages 6–17)
The IHCYLT (International House Certificate in Teaching Young Learners and Teenagers) provides an in-depth understanding of how to teach English to children and adolescents. It is designed for teachers seeking an internationally recognised qualification in TEYL.
What you will learn:
- Pedagogical principles for teaching English to children and teenagers
- Lesson planning frameworks for different age groups
- Methods for teaching grammar, vocabulary and skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
- How to select, adapt and evaluate teaching materials
- Strategies for teaching mixed-ability and mixed-age classes
- Classroom management techniques for older children and teens
- How to develop long-term learning progression across school years
Ideal for teachers working in primary and secondary schools, language centres or extracurricular programmes.
Why Choose IH Milan for Young Learner Training?
- Specialised TEYL focus: all courses are designed specifically for teaching English to children and teenagers.
- Expert teacher trainers with extensive experience in YL and VYL contexts.
- Live online lessons, accessible worldwide and easy to combine with teaching commitments.
- Practical approach: activities, lesson frameworks and strategies you can apply immediately.
- International certification recognised across the IH World network and valued globally.
Who Are These Courses For?
These programmes are designed for:
- English teachers wishing to specialise in Young Learners
- Preschool, kindergarten and primary teachers involved in English provision
- Teachers with a CELTA or equivalent looking to extend their qualifications
- Non-native English teachers with a B2+/C1 level aiming to develop YL methodology
- Educators preparing to work in schools, language centres or online
How to Enrol
- Choose the Young Learner course that best suits your teaching context.
- Complete the application form on the dedicated course page.
- Our team will review your application and contact you with dates and payment details.
- Once your place is confirmed, you will receive instructions for accessing the live online sessions.
If you are unsure which course to take, our trainers are happy to advise you (teachertraining@ihmilano.it).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which age groups do these teacher-training courses cover?
Each course targets a specific age range: IHVYL (3–6), Young Learner Starter Kit (6–11), and IHCYLT (6–17).
Are the courses suitable for teachers with no experience of teaching children?
Yes. IHVYL and the Starter Kit are suitable for teachers new to Young Learners, while IHCYLT is ideal for those with some experience.
Are all courses online?
Yes. All programmes are delivered live online, combining input sessions, practical demonstrations and interactive tasks.
What certificate will I receive?
Each course awards an International House certificate recognised by schools and organisations worldwide.
What level of English do I need?
We recommend a minimum of strong B2/C1 to participate fully in the sessions and discussions.
Do these courses prepare me to teach English in kindergarten or primary school?
Yes. IHVYL focuses specifically on preschool and kindergarten ages, while the Starter Kit and IHCYLT prepare you for primary and secondary contexts.
Which Young Learner Course Is Right for You?
| Course | Age range you learn to teach | Format & duration | Who it’s for | What you learn | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IHVYL – Teaching Very Young Learners | 3–6 years (preschool & kindergarten) | Live online – 10 sessions |
Preschool teachers, kindergarten English teachers, early-years educators, CELTA-qualified teachers specialising in Very Young Learners |
Play-based learning, classroom routines, stories and songs, TPR, early literacy, managing preschool groups and creating age-appropriate activities |
IH Certificate in Teaching Very Young Learners |
| Young Learner Starter Kit | 6–11 years (primary) | Live online – 12 hours across 1 week |
Teachers who are new to teaching children; CELTA-qualified teachers who want to add Young Learner methodology |
Planning engaging lessons, using games, songs and chants, teaching grammar and vocabulary to kids, managing primary-age classes, integrating simple projects and digital resources |
IH Milan Certificate of Completion |
| IHCYLT – Teaching Young Learners & Teenagers | 6–17 years (primary & teens) | Live online – modular in-service course |
Teachers with experience who want a full Young Learner & Teen teaching qualification |
Pedagogy of teaching children and teenagers, lesson planning frameworks, skills work (speaking, listening, reading, writing), adapting materials, managing mixed-ability and mixed-age classes |
IH Certificate in Teaching Young Learners & Teenagers (IHCYLT) |