How can families support a child learning English when private tutoring isn't an option? In this episode of Intent on Purpose, host Laura Hansen Breksa speaks with Catherine Wilkinson, a qualified teacher with over 10 years of experience. Catherine discusses the transition from 1-on-1 tutoring to creating The Online English Teacher (OETI), a project where she develops affordable resources for young learners.

Catherine shares her philosophy of steering away from traditional textbooks in favor of play-based learning for children aged 3–8. She explains how she uses digital tools to create printable games and crafts, and why she provides free videos on YouTube to ensure English learning is available to families regardless of their financial situation.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Reframing language learning as a bonding experience between parent and child.
• Practical ways to use simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe for vocabulary building.
• Catherine’s outreach to small nonprofit refugee schools.
• Overcoming the internal fear of "failing" when you aren't a native speaker yourself.

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Get to know Catherine:

Catherine is a qualified teacher, home-educating mum, and online ESL educator with 10+ years’ experience. She advocates for accessible, affordable learning, supporting families teaching English at home and mums building flexible work-from-home careers through online ESL teaching.

00:00 – Meeting Catherine Wilkinson and the start of OETI

01:19 – Transitioning from 1-on-1 tutoring to printable resources

04:10 – Managing OETI as a "one-man band" with digital tools

07:43 – The philosophy of play-based learning vs. traditional textbooks

09:40 – Using simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe to teach

12:31 – Advice for parents who are not fluent in English

16:40 – Reaching refugee schools through nonprofit outreach

22:54 – Why the only true failure is giving up on your passion

Explore Catherine’s Resources:

https://theoet.com/

#ESL #LanguageLearning #IntentOnPurpose #CatherineWilkinson #EarlyEducation