How to Use CLT (Communicative Language Teaching) in Kindergarten

When I first started teaching English, I focused on drills, vocabulary sheets, and isolated grammar. It worked — kind of.

But when I switched to CLT — Communicative Language Teaching — everything changed. Kids became more confident. Classrooms got louder (in a good way). And most importantly, students started to use English to communicate, not just pass tests.

So what is CLT?

It’s a method where students learn language by using it in real situations — asking questions, solving problems, sharing ideas.

Why CLT Works:

• It mirrors how children naturally acquire language — through talking, listening, and playing

• It focuses on function (what language does), not just form (grammar)

• It builds real confidence and fluency

CLT Activities for Kindergarten (Ages 3–6):

• Role-play market: “I want apples.” “How much?” (using real or toy food)

• Find someone who…: simple yes/no questions to walk around and match

• TPR games: “Touch your nose.” “Jump to the red circle.”

• Classroom helpers: have students use English to ask/offer: “Can I help you?” “Pass me the glue.”

These get even shy kids speaking. And they associate English with play, not pressure.

CLT Activities for Primary School (Ages 7–12):

• Information gap: One student has a picture, the other asks questions to describe it.

• Story building: Each child adds a line to a silly story using new vocabulary.

• Class surveys: “Do you like pizza?” “How often do you play football?” → then present results.

• Real-life tasks: Plan a birthday party, pack a suitcase, order food — using English as a tool.

Students stop seeing English as “the subject” and start seeing it as a way to interact with the world.

CLT Activities for High School (Ages 13–18):

• Debates: “Should schools ban homework?” with prep and rebuttals

• Interview projects: Interview a family member or teacher and present findings

• Problem-solving tasks: Plan a trip abroad on a set budget

• Discussion circles: Talk about social media, peer pressure, music — all in English

In high school, CLT helps connect English with identity and real-life expression.

My Personal Take:

I’ve implemented CLT in kindergartens, language centers, and bilingual schools. It’s not about making every class noisy — it’s about making every class real.

When a 4-year-old says “I need scissors” without prompting, or a 10-year-old explains “why I like pandas” to their friend, I know it’s working.

CLT isn’t just a method — it’s a mindset: language is for living.

Want help training your team to use CLT effectively? Let’s talk.

#AgnovaEducation #CLTmethod #communicativeteaching #ESLconfidence #engagedlearning