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Welcome back to our “Teacher Feature Series,” where we talk with educators who teach online across borders. Today we speak with Lynette, an online English teacher who runs group classes at HAWO American Academy.
Lynette, please tell us a little about your background.
I was born and raised in New York and currently live in Florida. I have been teaching online with HAWO American Academy for two years. During that time I have focused primarily on group classes and now teach trial group sessions exclusively. I was among the first teachers to offer these group lessons and helped launch the program, so I’ve seen the format evolve from the beginning.
How many students do you teach at a time?
My group classes are small by design: I teach four students at once. That size allows for balanced participation while still giving each student enough individual attention during the lesson.
How do you prepare to teach a diverse group of students?
Preparation is essential. Before every class I review the lesson plan thoroughly and prepare physical and digital props that match the lesson theme. Because the platform shows me which students will attend, I learn their names beforehand and try to personalize rewards and materials when possible. That small effort—knowing a student’s name and interests—helps me connect with them quickly and makes transitions smoother during class.
What do you like most about teaching a group of students?
Group classes are both rewarding and enjoyable. Students laugh and learn together, and that shared experience builds confidence. When children see their classmates make mistakes and keep trying, it normalizes the learning process and reduces anxiety. They feel supported, which encourages participation and risk-taking in language practice. The sense of community in a small group also motivates students to help one another and celebrate progress as a team.
Can you share three resources or tools that you find most helpful for group teaching?
1) Physical reward stickers or gold stars. I bring physical gold stars to every session and distribute them evenly. Rewards are not only about praising perfect answers; they are a form of encouragement for effort and participation. Handing out stars for trying, persistence, or good teamwork reinforces positive behavior and keeps students motivated.
2) ManyCam or similar virtual webcam software. ManyCam lets me add graphics, animations, and virtual props to the screen, which makes lessons more dynamic and visually engaging. Children respond enthusiastically to animated feedback and visual rewards, and the software helps me deliver content in a lively, interactive way that maintains focus and interest.
3) Themed physical props that align with the lesson. I collect and organize small objects that match lesson topics—flashcards, toys, or themed items for vocabulary practice. Props make abstract vocabulary concrete and offer tactile cues that support memory. Having a variety of props ready before class allows me to switch activities quickly and keep the pacing energetic.
Do you have any memorable stories from teaching group classes?
One recent lesson on food involved four energetic boys and turned into a delightful session. They were laughing while practicing vocabulary and phrases, actively using the props and cheering each other on. I particularly enjoyed how kind they were to one another; no one teased a classmate for making mistakes. Instead, they offered help, encouragement, and applause. That level of camaraderie—students supporting each other’s learning—is exactly what I hope to create in every class. Moments like that remind me why I love teaching online.
I truly enjoy what I do: designing interactive lessons, encouraging students, and watching them grow more confident with every session. Small-group online classes offer a unique mix of community, engagement, and individualized attention that supports language learning in a positive, fun environment.