Teaching English to Adults vs Children: Methods, Pay & Which Is Right for You
Choosing to teach English as a foreign language is an exciting step toward a more flexible, global, and fulfilling career. But once you’ve decided to pursue TEFL, a new question quickly arises: should you teach adults or children?
It might seem like a simple choice, but the reality is that these two teaching paths offer very different day-to-day experiences, teaching styles, and even income opportunities. Whether you picture yourself leading business English classes with professionals or singing vocabulary songs with young learners, your decision will shape your TEFL journey in a meaningful way.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between teaching adults and children, including methods, salary expectations, real experiences from Premier TEFL teachers, and how to decide which path is right for you.
Understanding the Core Difference
At its core, the difference between teaching adults and children comes down to why they are learning English.
Adult learners are usually driven by clear, practical goals. They may need English for work, travel, exams, or relocation. Their motivation tends to be strong and focused, which can make lessons more structured and outcome-driven.
Children, on the other hand, are often learning English because it is part of their school curriculum or encouraged by parents. Their motivation is less about necessity and more about engagement. That means your role as a teacher shifts—you’re not just educating, you’re entertaining and inspiring.
This contrast perfectly captures the diversity of TEFL teaching—and why choosing your preferred student type matters.
Teaching English to Adults
A More Structured Learning Environment
Teaching adults often feels closer to traditional education or professional training. Lessons are typically more structured, with clear objectives and measurable outcomes. Students expect value from each session, and they are often quick to notice whether a lesson is useful or not.
Unlike children, adult learners bring life experience into the classroom. They have opinions, stories, and insights, which makes discussions richer and more engaging. However, it also means they may question your teaching methods or expect deeper explanations.
Adult learners are usually highly aware of their progress. They want to know why something is correct, not just repeat it.
Teaching Methods for Adults
When teaching adults, your approach shifts toward practical communication and real-world application.
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is one of the most effective methods. Instead of focusing heavily on grammar drills, you encourage students to speak, interact, and use English in realistic situations. For example, you might simulate a job interview, a business meeting, or a travel scenario.
Task-based learning is also widely used. This involves setting meaningful tasks—such as writing emails, giving presentations, or solving problems in English—that mirror real-life use of the language.
For those teaching professionals, Business English becomes particularly relevant. Lessons may include industry-specific vocabulary, formal communication skills, and presentation techniques.
Real Experience from Premier TEFL Teachers
Premier TEFL teachers like Will, often highlight how rewarding adult teaching can be:
“Peak learning hours for adults will be later… many still get up at 6am.”
This insight reflects a key reality—adult learners are committed. They are often balancing work, family, and studies, yet still show up ready to learn.
Advantages of Teaching Adults
One of the biggest advantages is the level of engagement. Conversations can go beyond simple topics and explore culture, business, travel, and current events. This creates a more intellectually stimulating teaching environment.
There is also strong earning potential. Business English and corporate training roles often offer higher hourly rates, particularly for experienced teachers.
Additionally, classroom management is usually less demanding. Adults are generally respectful and self-disciplined, which allows you to focus more on teaching and less on behaviour.
Challenges to Consider
Teaching adults is not without its challenges. Because students are paying for results, expectations can be high. You may need to explain grammar rules clearly and adapt quickly to different learning styles.
Lessons can also feel more formal, especially compared to the energy of teaching children. If you thrive on creativity and spontaneity, adult teaching may feel slightly restrictive at times.
Teaching English to Children
A High-Energy, Creative Environment
Teaching children is often described as fun, unpredictable, and incredibly rewarding. However, it also requires a completely different skill set.
Young learners typically have shorter attention spans and need constant engagement. This means your lessons must be dynamic, interactive, and visually stimulating.
Teaching Methods for Children
When teaching children, traditional lecture-style methods simply don’t work. Instead, you rely on techniques that make learning feel like play.
Total Physical Response (TPR) is widely used. This involves using physical movement to reinforce language learning—such as acting out verbs or responding to commands with actions.
Game-based learning is another essential approach. Games help reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation while keeping students engaged.
Visual aids also play a huge role. Flashcards, props, songs, and animations make lessons more memorable and help children associate words with meaning.
Real Experience from Premier TEFL Teachers
Premier TEFL teachers frequently emphasise the importance of enthusiasm:
“Use plenty of body language… you need to be captivating and enthusiastic.”
This highlights a key truth—when teaching children, your energy sets the tone for the entire lesson.
Advantages of Teaching Children
Teaching children can be incredibly fun and fulfilling. Lessons are lively, and progress can be surprisingly fast, especially in immersive environments.
There is also a high global demand for teachers who specialise in young learners, particularly in online teaching. This makes it easier to find consistent work.
Emotionally, teaching children can be very rewarding. Watching a shy student gain confidence or say their first full sentence in English is a powerful experience.
Challenges to Consider
The biggest challenge is classroom management. Keeping children focused, engaged, and well-behaved requires patience and strong teaching strategies.
Lessons also require more preparation. You’ll need to plan activities, create materials, and think creatively to keep students interested.
Additionally, teaching children can be physically and mentally exhausting due to the high energy required.
Salary and Job Opportunities
One of the most common questions new TEFL teachers ask is: which pays more?
The answer depends on several factors, including experience, location, and specialisation.
Teaching adults—particularly in Business English or corporate settings—often offers higher hourly rates. Professionals are willing to pay more for lessons that directly impact their careers.
Teaching children, however, offers consistency. There is a steady demand for young learner teachers worldwide, especially in countries where English is part of the school system.
Many teachers find that combining both types of students provides the best balance of income and variety.
Work Schedules and Lifestyle
Your choice will also affect your daily routine.
Adult classes are often scheduled in the evenings or early mornings to accommodate work schedules. This can provide flexibility during the day but may impact your social life.
Children’s classes typically take place in the afternoons or after school hours. If you work in a school, you may have a more structured schedule with regular hours.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Deciding between teaching adults and children ultimately comes down to your personality, teaching style, and career goals.
If you enjoy structured lessons, meaningful conversations, and professional environments, teaching adults may be the better fit. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more focused and goal-oriented approach.
If you are energetic, creative, and enjoy working in lively environments, teaching children could be the perfect match. It suits those who don’t mind a bit of chaos and love making learning fun.
Can You Teach Both?
Absolutely—and many TEFL teachers do.
In fact, combining both can be one of the most rewarding approaches. It allows you to diversify your skills, increase your earning potential, and keep your teaching experience fresh and exciting.
Getting Started with Premier TEFL
No matter which path you choose, the first step is getting TEFL qualified.
Premier TEFL offers a wide range of accredited courses designed to prepare you for teaching both adults and children.
👉 Explore your options here:
https://premiertefl.com/tefl-courses/
If you’re interested in teaching younger students, you can also specialise with courses like:
👉 Teaching Young Learners:
https://premiertefl.com/tefl-courses/teaching-young-learners/
Teaching English to adults and children offers two very different—but equally rewarding—career paths.
Adults bring focus, depth, and professional growth opportunities, while children bring energy, creativity, and joy. Neither is better than the other—it simply depends on what suits you.
The good news is that with Premier TEFL, you’re not limited to one path. You can explore both, gain experience, and shape your teaching career in a way that fits your lifestyle and ambitions.
Whether you’re dreaming of teaching in classrooms abroad, working online from anywhere, or building a flexible freelance career, TEFL opens the door.
And the first step? Choosing the students who inspire you the most
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