2022 Meridian English Awards: we are proud of our students

Posted on December 21, 2022January 23, 2023 by admin

2022 Meridian English Awards: we are proud of our students

Author: Anna Steindel

Date: 23/12/2022

Author: Anna Steindel

Date: 23/12/2022

We are about to end the year 2022. For us, at Meridian English, this is a great opportunity to reward our students for their work in our online English classes during the whole year. All of our students deserve to be congratulated for their hard work and dedication in their courses. However, our teachers want to recognize the particular progress in some specific aspects. In today’s article, we will present you with 5 categories and their winners.

The idea of rewarding students

We have often mentioned that rewards play an important role in the educational process. Rewards motivate learners and inspires them to study, and appreciating effort and results reinforces for kids that hard work pays off. Thanks to this kids feel proud of the fact that they work hard to achieve their set goals.

Rewarding has a positive impact on the educational process

Congratulations, appreciation or praise gives instant results. Thanks to this, toddlers’ behavior can change quickly and effectively. Children will respond from an early age and they will build good habits – more about motivation. You can read about this here. For all these reasons, we want to say goodbye to the year by introducing you to the children who have excelled the most in our online English classes during this year 2022. Read on to discover the Meridian English award categories.

Meridian English Attendance Award

Are you wondering what is behind this award? Attendance Award – it is above all regular presence and correct use of our own developed Student Portal. We are pleased to be able to nominate such an award, especially since regular attendance at classes brings long-lasting effects and allows for effective repetition of material. This, in turn, allows you to quickly become confident and proficient in English – take a look at our methodology.

The 2022 Attendance Award goes to ShiHang Zhou (Zoe) from China

Our 6-year-old student, Zoe, was present in all her 2022 classes, during the course at Meridian School of English. She was able to achieve a 100% attendance in 2022. But they have not been the only one, we also want to highlight other students who have excelled in this category by being present for more than the 90% of their online English classes. These are Liu Luoqi (Lokey) from China, Nicole Da Silva from Italy, Mingze Qin (Charles) from China, Alice Lisco from Italy and Evrim Gençel from Turkey. For all these students, regular attendance has meant being able to learn English in a much easier and more effective way.

Meridian English Kindness Award

We think that one of the keys to effective learning is a healthy and productive learning environment. How can we achieve this? Being for ourselves polite and forgiving during class. The nominees for the Meridian English Kindness Award are Xiaoxi Xin (Cici), Junxi Chen (Ethan) and Ruoyi Xi (Grace) from China and Nicole Da Silva from Italy. But since we can only pick one winner…

The 2022 Kindness Award goes to Nicole Da Silva from Italy

You want to know why Nicole is the best in this category. Well, this is what your English teacher told us: “Nicole listens intently to others and smiles encouragingly when they answer. She is very friendly and welcoming to all new members of class”. Having such students at Meridian English is a pure pleasure for us!

Meridian English Confidence Award

Our next award is related to courage and gaining confidence. With this title, we want to promote faith in yourself which we believe is really important for students, particularly for children. It is not without reason that our motto is “from beginner to confident English speaker”. We care not only about the development of language skills but also about the self-improvement of our students. Our teachers have nominated the following students in this category: Davide Russo from Italy, Evrim Gençel from Turkey, Yicheng Zhang (Dora) and Chenyi Zhang (James) and Keira Zhang (Keira) from China, and Carla Rodríguez from Spain.

The 2022 Confidence Award goes to Evrim Gençel from Turkey

“Evrim has grown in confidence exceptionally over the course of a few months. She always says hello and tries to speak with other members of the class before class has started. She always asks to read and reads loudly, confidentially and clearly” this is why Evrim Gençel has made us fall in love during our online English classes with the rest of the Meridian English classmates.

Meridian English Attitude Award

The Attitude Award is an award that aims to promote a positive attitude and positive learning habits in our students. This is a reward for someone who is constantly contributing a positive attitude to our activities and cares about a good atmosphere during the online English course. There is no shortage of such students in our school, and among the nominees were: Gloria Arnone from Italy, Jiabao Wei (YiYi), Keira Zhang (Keira) and Yang Cui (Crystal) from China, Mehmet Tuna Gönül from Turkey and Danica Mitic from Sweden.

The 2022 Attitude Award goes to Jiabao Wei (YiYi) - China

Here is the reason, why YiYi has been awarded in this category: “She has come to class eager to learn and participate every class since I started teaching her in March. She has never shown disinterest or impolite behavior, and is a pleasure to teach her”. It is spectacular to have students who are capable of this behavior in our online English classes for children.

Meridian English Tech-wizard Award

The final category is the Tech-wizard Award. As we are an online English school for children and we care a lot about technology education during our classes – something we have also championed through our social media, we want to promote the use of technology during our classes. Our teachers have chosen three students who are great with technology: Shijia Chen (Cindy) and Zixuan Cong (Leo) from China and Emil Vichev from Bulgaria.

The 2022 Tech-wizard Award goes to Emil Vichev - Bulgaria

According to our teachers, the title of Tech-wizard is given to Emil. Why? Because “he shows great ability at using his device, always has his camera on and is in good view, and has learned to always turn off his mic if there is background noise”. This 8-year-old has learned to use technology not only for his own good but also for more effective learning for his peers.

Here are the nominees and winners of our 2022 Meridian English Awards. As we have often mentioned, we are very proud of all our students. Therefore congratulations to all! What is certain is that from the beginning of 2023, at Meridian English we will improve children skills and help them to learn English together with pleasure. We also take advantage of this article to wish all the students of our online English classes for children and their families, Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023.

TOP 5 Christmas English movies for kids

Posted on December 19, 2022January 23, 2023 by admin

TOP 5 Christmas English movies for kids

Author: Anna Steindel

Date: 20/12/2022

Author: Anna Steindel

Date: 20/12/2022

Christmas is the perfect opportunity to spend time together. At Meridian English, we know the importance of regularity in learning – as we have already mentioned on our blog. In addition to regular classes, it is worth helping students with creative, pleasant solutions that can be used during the Christmas break. Our educational method is based on fun and the interests of children for effective learning. That is why, we really recommend you watch films as a compliment to English classes. Therefore, we encourage children to watch movies in English.

Playing games, reading books or just watching movies in English is the perfect way to promote English repetition during the Christmas holidays. Here are our 5 favourite Christmas movies for children to learn English. Thanks to them, your children will repeat the knowledge gained during our online English classes and… maybe they will also learn some new English vocabulary.

Why watch movies in English with children?

For the young learners, entertainment is a great opportunity and at the same time a proven way to learn English. There are studies that suggest, that watching movies help to learn language and new vocabulary and we also certainly agree with the statement that dialogues heard in specific film situations are natural.

By watching movies in English, children learn many words and expressions

Christmas is a time to relax and spend time with your family, but what about fun moments spent together? Have a film evening, during which you will watch an English-language film together. We are sure that you will love this form of spending time. But what to choose? This is where we can help. Here are 5 of our favourite titles with fun and interesting plots that are worth watching at Christmas.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie. Classic Christmas Story

Do you know Rudolph? This adventure animated musical is about Santa’s reindeer. When Rudolf is born, it turns out that he has an unprecedented red nose that shines. The film talks about the interesting adventure of a small reindeer, who at first is not confident enough but finally fulfils a dream and leads Santa’s team. Upon his return, he is given the title of the hero who saved Christmas – by distributing gifts.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a film that is full of interesting, English dialogues that children will understand but also beautiful songs that will capture the imagination and allow you to learn new vocabulary in English. During this session, you will certainly not be bored, and together with Rudolf, you will spend a wonderful evening together.

The Flight Before the Christmas, the animation full of emotions

Reindeer are the nicest creatures that we associate with Christmas. After all, they are special helpers of Santa Claus. They have a lot of work to do in December. We are sure that together you and your child will love the story of the little reindeer Niko. It’s a movie about Santa and his little helpers, who overcome difficulties to make Christmas successful and magical for everyone.

Here, your little one will not only hear natural English dialogues that children will understand but will see how Niko finds strength and courage, despite his small size, and overcomes his fears. This beautiful animation will allow you to visit the North Pole (at least for a while). Vocabulary, plot and attractive film animations, certainly make it one of the best animated Christmas movies.

Shrek The Halls – perfect short comedy

“This is the part when you run away” of course that’s Shrek’s opinion, not ours. This is probably one of the most popular issues of this green ogre. But stay with us until the end of the article, and we will also give you other suggestions, from which you will choose something suitable for yourself and your children for a Christmas movie night.

You may know about this proposal from our social media. At the beginning of December, we recommended it because it’s full of funny dialogue and English vocabulary. This time, Shrek and his family will spend their first Christmas in the swamp. The problem is, the ogres don’t celebrate anything, and he doesn’t know how to celebrate. Therefore, he buys a textbook in which there are tips and explanations: on how to prepare for a holiday. And do you already know what Christmas looks like for Shrek, Fiona, their little ones and their friends? See for yourself.

The search of Santa Paws – a film about true friendship

If our previous proposals were animations, this time we present you with a movie that even the youngest will love. Santa Claus also needs help this time. During a Christmas trip to New York, he suddenly loses his memory. Who comes to help him? His most faithful friends, elves and … children.

This is an extraordinary film in that children will be interested in dialogues with talking dogs, headed by Santa Paw (the main dog character). This a touching love story. History is full of fun and adventure, but also laughter. It will delight not only the youngest but the whole family.

Home Alone, the ultimate Christmas comedy

Full of humour, resourcefulness, excitement… The story of the McCallister family, who decide to go to Paris for a trip at Christmas. However, in their haste, they forget about Kevin and almost miss their flight. Burglars are interested in the McCallister house, where Kevin is alone and preparing for Christmas. How will an eight-year-old boy cope with the burglars?

An interesting, funny story about how a young man on Christmas Day confronts two burglars. During this movie, you will have lots of fun and laughter. Although this film was made in 1990, it never gets boring, and always provides plenty of entertainment. And your kids will learn a lot of new English vocabulary.

These are just some of our Christmas recommendations. We tried to combine modern productions with classics, especially for you. We know that December’s proposals are much more than these 5 titles. One of the best ways to learn a language is to watch movies in English, from an early age. Then both girls and boys are more interested in language. And the holidays are a great opportunity to watch an interesting movie together, so why not combine education with entertainment? These videos presented on the Meridian School of English blog show everyday situations and language solutions that can be freely used during our online English classes. In this way, we can help children learn English while having fun.

Which movie will you be watching during the Christmas break? Let us know in the comments. Do you have any favourite movies that you can’t do without for Christmas? We will be happy to read your suggestions and maybe see them for ourselves at Christmas. And if you have any questions, write to us at hello@meridianenglish.com and we will be happy to help you.

5 tips to get the most out of your children’s online English classes

Posted on December 14, 2022January 23, 2023 by admin

5 tips to get the most out of your children’s online English classes

Author: Anna Steindel

Date: 14/12/2022

Author: Anna Steindel

Date: 14/12/2022

Learning and memory processes are influenced by class behaviour. At Meridian English, we want the classroom to be a healthy and productive learning environment. We want every child in our group to feel good and happy to come to class.

That’s why it’s so important to engage your children in the classroom, to learn in a quiet surrounding, and monitoring their behaviour is crucial. Prepare your toddler for online English classes by reading about the best recommendations so that all students can enjoy a satisfactory and effective online English class.

How to behave during online classes

On the internet, there is a so-called netiquette or internet label. What is it? It’s just appropriate behavior and good manners in our online classroom. Use the right language and let us be kind and patient to our classmates or teachers. After all, other students take part in Meridian English courses, which is why we care so much about common respect for ourselves. Respect breeds respect.

Respect other opinions and participation times

English classes in groups are the best option for learning language – we already mentioned it there therefore, at Meridian English, students learn in groups of up to 6 people, where they can communicate more easily. That is why it is so important for us that our students treat each other with respect and kindness and do not interrupt each other when speaking.

Appropriate clothing for online English classes

Importantly, they also do not require you to dress in special uniforms. We just want comfort to accompany them during classes, which will allow effective participation and focus during learning.

Comfort during lessons makes learning more effective

It is important only that your child’s clothes were comfortable and not restricted to their movements. Remember that it is not pyjamas, which although comfortable, is not appropriate clothing for class time. You can dress your child in pants and a blouse, sweater or T-shirt. You know best what will be good for your child. At Meridian School of English, we take safeguarding very seriously, so it is important that our students are dress appropriately for class.

Find the proper place for online English classes

We want your child to fully focus on the lessons and acquire new knowledge. A quiet and peaceful room will facilitate the work not only for your child but also for their peers or teachers from Meridian School of English. Have you had a chance to read about them? You can do it here. Provide a quiet and comfortable place for example, at the desk or at the table.

Avoid distractions or toys around your child during lessons

In addition to a peaceful environment, we want your child comfort to have at hand everything that they may need during the course. We suggest that may be useful: a notebook, pen and pencils – for younger for drawing and for making extra notes for the older ones. All that may be needed during our lessons. At Meridian English, the materials we use are online and interactive and they come from Oxford University Press.

Put technology at the service of your children's English classes

Make sure that everything which might be needed during the lesson, is available. We have already mentioned school supplies. It’s time to introduce you to our technological requirements. A stable internet connection, headphones, microphone, computer or iPad – this is all you need to be able to take a Meridian English course.

Stable internet connection and computer or iPad – that's all you need during our English course

Enable Microsoft Teams and just make sure that the hardware works properly and the internet connection is stable during a video call. Just check before the lesson that everything works properly. Learning English has never been so easy. Have you seen the only requirements your child needs for attending our classes? Take a look at our social media.

What if the behavior is inappropriate

It’s important to listen patiently to your peers during the classes. At Meridian English, we want all children to be able to take advantage enjoy and learn in our online English classes. For this reason, when inappropriate behaviors happen, for example too noisy background, the teachers will ask the students to leave the classes until they solve those issue.

We want all children to be able to take advantage, enjoy and learn in our online English classes

We want your child to make the most of our online English classes, which is why we encourage all students to be in a quiet place and with everything they need for class development without interruptions. Thus, all children in the class will be able to learn English quickly and effectively, while having fun. We know that if everyone follows the class rules, your child will look forward to the next session to continue learning English with us.

The right learning environment and preparation for classes affects children’s effective learning of a foreign language. If you want to know the rules that students must follow in our classes so that your child can learn effectively, we recommend you take a look at our pictorial code of conduct. Do you still have any questions? Feel free to contact us at: hello@meridianenglish.com. We will be happy to answer your questions.

How to motivate children to learn English

Posted on December 7, 2022January 23, 2023 by admin

How to motivate children to learn English

Author: Anna Steindel

Date: 07/12/2022

Author: Anna Steindel

Date: 07/12/2022

Motivation is the most important factor that affects the effective learning of English, especially for children. That is why it is so important that teaching methods are attractive. When we properly encourage and motivate a child, they will get real pleasure from learning a new language.

How can we motivate children to learn? Check out our tips, read our article and get inspired by Meridian School of English.

What motivates children to learn a language?

First of all, discuss topics in which children are interested. During classes at Meridian English, our teachers use materials from Oxford University Press. These materials are connected to various topics that interest and attract the attention of children. Through an interesting topic, children acquire a good attitude that makes them willing to make more effort and continue learning. Internal motivation is key, besides it is the most effective form of motivation.

When learning is interesting and fun, motivation increases

Like all of us, children want to be good at what they do, but they also want to be appreciated and praised. Praise, encouragement or kind words will motivate children to learn. It is worth telling children that we are proud of them so that they have a sense of success, which is progress in learning English. As a result, their motivation will be greater, their learning more effective, and their self-confidence will increase.

How can parents influence their child’s motivation?

As a parent, you can instill in your children a passion for learning English. How do we do that? Let’s show them a pleasant way, such as reading bedtime stories or books in English, if you have no idea how to start, then here are our book suggestions.

Another interesting way will be watching movies and cartoons in English – have you seen our recommendation? And if your child can already read, then it’s a great idea to sing songs in English – turn on the song, display the lyrics to it and have fun together to the rhythm of popular English songs. If your child cannot read yet – then do not worry, nothing is lost. Include a song such as The wheels on the bus and we are sure that the little ones will be delighted.

If you are passionate about learning English, so is your child

Even if you don’t speak English, nothing is stopping your children from learning the language. Currently, many opportunities make it easier and help children learn a foreign language. Our online English classes are conducted under the watchful eye of experienced teachers. They are British experts, who will lead your child to succeed in learning a new language. Just find an offer tailored to the needs of the child. Check out our offer of online English courses for children.

Use online materials and create a digital experience

Children are happy to use modern technologies, which greatly contributes to their development. Using the internet allows them to learn different skills and develops cognitive and social spheres. We are talking here, not only about online games, but also about various methods of distance learning.

Technology improves language skills

The use of modern technologies not only affects children’s development but also deepens their self-confidence and strengthens motivation. And all this makes children want further success and new achievements. Together with Meridian English, your child will improve not only their English but of course their technological skills.

Activities to make your child enjoy learning English

Children like to have fun while learning, so why not combine learning with games and play? Games are the best way for children to learn English because they stimulate their imagination. The appropriate game makes sense and allows students to practice all vocabulary, grammar and communication skills.

Learning is a piece of cake when students are motivated

Are you wondering which games will be appropriate? It all depends on the level of advancement of the child. Our experience says that children like to play “Simon says…”. If your child is just learning colours, use colours, if something else – just adjust the level of difficulty to the age. There are many possibilities, we have written about them as well here.

How your children will enjoy learning English with us?

The answer to this question is very simple. They will have fun during our classes. How do we know that? Firstly, our teachers are well-educated – they are Cambridge University or Trinity College London qualified. In addition, they are very creative and combine different methods during their lessons. And secondly, we know this thanks to the opinions of the parents of our students, which you can see on our site. Here is one of them:

My children attended an online course with Meridian English. They were always looking forward to their English classes and enjoying each session. The most important outcome for me – now they take the initiative of learning English, I don't have to push them. (Tiantian He, China)

In addition, during the online classes at the Meridian School of English, children are combined into internationality groups, up to 6 people – read more about our methodology. Despite this, our teachers focus on the individual needs of each boy and girl. Studying with peers of other nationalities contributes to a pleasant atmosphere and motivates them even more.

A good English course will motivate your children to learn the language accordingly. It will also use a variety of methods to help train children’s new-found language skills. If you want your child to enjoy learning a foreign language – you are well placed. Do you have more questions? Write to us at hello@meridianenglish.com.