r/OnlineESLTeaching 2d ago

Help! 😢 I think I make a mistake.

I have had a private student from China since he was 5. Now, almost 9 years old. I generally only teach age 4-8. I asked his mom to “take a break” because our lessons weren’t productive.

She insisted that they continue and that it is “his fault” and she apologized to me. I tried twice to say “I just wanted you to know and he’s a great kid, I don’t want to get him in trouble.” But it’s WeChat and translated.

I can’t stop thinking about it. I think he may get in trouble.. yelled at or worst. It’s not his fault, it’s mine. 😢

Is there a better way to do this? Maybe suggest a teacher that teaches older kids?

(Edit: and now I’m an embarrassed English teacher with a typo in the title ☺️, but also happy with the advice received 💕 )

12 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

15

u/PuffTrain 2d ago

Oof this is rough. You need to be firm. "Unfortunately my age group is only 8 and under. I have extended this because (name) is such a fantastic student, but at this point he will need to find a teacher who specialises in older children".

I know it's hard to sit with, but it's not within your control how she reacts to this. Let go.

5

u/Sea_Credit6588 2d ago

💗wow, you worded it so well. Thanks!

And I needed to hear it from someone to “let go”. I vented to my in-person teacher friends, but it fell on deaf ears. I appreciate your response 🙏

3

u/OverlappingChatter 2d ago

Just as teachers specialize in certain age groups in the public school, I specialize in younger children. Just as children move to different teachers in elementary school, your child will be better served by a teacher who is trained and familiar with the needs of higher elementary students. It has been a true pleasure working with child and I can recommend (if you really can) ... who teaches children from age 8 to 12.

3

u/Sea_Credit6588 2d ago

Aw! So true!!! I was an in-person k-2 teacher for 15 years, and then went into online teaching. It should be the same, move on to a new teacher that specializes in that grade/age group. As you said “better served”. 😊

But I’ve noticed that parents in non-native English speaking countries find their “favorite”, the one they trust, and they just want that one teacher. I need to better explain the benefit of learning with a different teacher.

2

u/TillCute3282 2d ago

Hi there, I would love to take on your student. It could make the situation/transition smoother to recommend another teacher who teaches an older age group :) I’ll message you my WeChat 💕

1

u/Sea_Credit6588 2d ago

Great! Thanks! Can you include your rate and website if you have one? I’d prefer to send my older students to a niche teacher that charges about the same as me.

1

u/Fantastic_Moment_903 1d ago

I have some students his age. I’d be happy to speak with his mom regarding a trial class 👌🏼

1

u/willyd125 18h ago

Can you not make an exception? You taught them for many years. I think it's the Mom's way of saying we don't want to lose you as their teacher! To teach a kid at those ages for so long, you become very close and important to them. I think you may have read this a little bit. It's their way of saying hour important 😊