Teach English Online to Kids With These Companies

Teaching English online to young learners is one of the most popular and rewarding ways to earn as an ESL teacher. Children make up a massive portion of the global English learning market, especially in regions like China, South Korea, Japan, and parts of Europe and Latin America. With high demand, structured lessons, and enthusiastic students, teaching kids online can offer stability, fun, and consistent bookings — even for newer teachers.

Many platforms provide everything you need to succeed: pre-made lessons, built-in scheduling tools, and training on how to work with young learners. You’ll find a range of roles, from 1-on-1 tutoring to small group sessions, with flexible hours and international reach. Whether you're looking for a part-time job from home or a stepping stone into long-term teaching, this path is both accessible and impactful.

The key is choosing the right platform — one that fits your background, schedule, and teaching style. Some are ideal for beginners, others for certified professionals; some accept non-native speakers, while others require specific citizenship. By knowing your options and what each company offers, you’ll be able to start strong and grow fast.

Let’s dive into what makes teaching kids online so popular — and which platforms are worth your time.

✅ Why Teach Kids Online?

There’s a reason so many English teachers — both new and experienced — start out teaching kids online. The demand is massive. In countries like China, Vietnam, South Korea, Poland, and Brazil, parents are investing heavily in English education for their children, often from as young as four years old. This demand translates into thousands of job openings and steady income opportunities for online teachers.

One of the biggest advantages of teaching kids is consistency. Young learners tend to stick with the same teacher once a bond is formed, meaning you’ll see regular bookings, long-term students, and predictable schedules. Many platforms even guarantee minimum hours or give preference to teachers with high parent ratings.

Another perk? Most companies provide structured, ready-to-use lessons, so you don’t need to build your own curriculum. That frees you up to focus on classroom management, creativity, and engaging the child — not scrambling to design lesson plans. You’ll also have access to teacher support, onboarding resources, and guidance on how to handle common situations with young learners.

For new teachers, it’s an ideal way to build experience and confidence. The format is typically low-stakes (especially with 1-on-1 lessons), and companies often offer training to help you get comfortable. Over time, many teachers move on to teach adults or specialize in areas like phonics or test prep, but teaching kids remains one of the most consistent and beginner-friendly ways to get started in online ESL.

🎓 What Qualifications Do You Need?

Teaching English to kids online doesn’t always require years of experience, but most reputable companies do expect a few core qualifications. The most important is a 120-hour TEFL certificate, ideally from an accredited provider. This shows you understand classroom management, lesson structure, and age-appropriate teaching strategies — all of which are especially important when working with young learners.

A bachelor’s degree is required by many companies, although a few platforms are more flexible and may allow students or non-degree holders, especially in freelance marketplaces. If you don’t yet have a degree, you’ll still find some options (especially if you hold a strong TEFL and demonstrate solid teaching ability in your application).

Experience with children is a big bonus — whether it’s tutoring, babysitting, camp counseling, or classroom teaching. If you’ve worked with kids in any capacity, highlight it on your application. That said, many companies provide training and will still consider enthusiastic new teachers without a formal background.

Native English speakers tend to get preference, but several platforms accept non-native teachers with strong fluency (C1/C2 level), especially those with a neutral accent, good communication skills, and a confident presence on camera. Some platforms even structure their pay scale based on fluency level, not nationality.

In short: if you’re fluent, certified, and good with kids, there’s a place for you in the online teaching world — even without years of experience.

🧑‍🏫 What Teaching Kids Online is Really Like

Teaching English to children online is high-energy, fast-paced, and surprisingly fun — especially once you find your rhythm. Most classes fall into two main formats: 1-on-1 lessons or small group sessions (usually 2–6 students). One-on-one lessons allow for personalized instruction and help you build a stronger rapport with each child. Group classes, on the other hand, can be more dynamic and social, but they require sharper classroom management skills.

Lessons are typically short — 25 to 50 minutes is the norm. Younger kids (ages 4–7) often have 25-minute classes, while older learners may do full 45–50 minute sessions. This shorter format means more focused teaching, but also quicker transitions and higher energy. You’ll need to be animated, engaging, and responsive — especially for younger learners who get distracted easily.

Most platforms provide structured materials that align with their curriculum, which is great for beginners. You won’t need to create your own lessons, though you should still prepare by reviewing slides and adding your own energy, props, or examples. Some platforms (especially marketplaces) may ask you to design your own content — this gives you more creative freedom but also adds prep time.

One of the biggest adjustments is the time zone factor. Many platforms cater to students in Asia, so if you’re teaching from outside the region, expect peak hours in the early mornings or evenings. For example, 6–9 PM Beijing time translates to early morning in Europe and late night in the Americas. Other markets like Latin America or Europe may align better with Western schedules, but they often have fewer platforms focused on kids.

Overall, teaching kids online is a rewarding challenge. It’s a great fit for teachers who are patient, playful, and ready to bring positive energy to the screen.

✨ Key Skills for Teaching Children

Teaching English to kids online requires more than just knowing grammar rules — it’s about showing up with the right energy, creativity, and mindset. Young learners need to feel engaged and encouraged, especially when learning a new language through a screen.

One of the most important traits is high energy. This doesn’t mean you need to be bouncing off the walls, but you should be lively, expressive, and animated. Kids feed off your enthusiasm, and your tone, facial expressions, and body language go a long way in holding their attention. Smiling, using big gestures, and celebrating even small achievements helps keep the class positive and productive.

Props and TPR (Total Physical Response) are essential tools in your online classroom. Props can be anything from flashcards and puppets to real-world objects like fruit or toys. TPR means using hand gestures and body movement to reinforce language — for example, miming “run” or “sleep” when teaching verbs. This multisensory approach helps children understand and remember words better, especially those who are visual or kinesthetic learners.

Patience is a must. Kids may get distracted, repeat mistakes, or freeze up — and that's okay. Your job is to gently guide them forward without frustration. Good classroom management, even online, means setting clear expectations, using visual timers or rewards, and knowing when to steer a distracted student back on track.

Finally, one of the most underrated but powerful skills is your ability to build rapport quickly. Many platforms assign students to you regularly based on parent feedback, so forming a warm, trusting connection fast is crucial. A cheerful greeting, remembering their interests, or a few moments of friendly small talk can go a long way.

If you can balance warmth with structure and make learning genuinely fun, you’ll not only succeed as a teacher — your students will keep coming back for more.

💼 Top Platforms for Teaching Kids Online

Not all online teaching jobs are created equal. Some platforms focus almost exclusively on children and offer structured lessons, regular bookings, and lots of support — making them great for both beginners and experienced teachers. These major platforms typically serve learners in Asia and Europe, with peak hours aligned accordingly.

Major Kids-Focused Platforms

These companies are built specifically for teaching children, usually aged 4 to 12. They typically offer structured lessons, fixed class lengths (25–30 minutes), and ongoing student assignments — making them ideal for teachers who prefer predictable routines and a focused teaching environment. Most students are based in Asia or Europe, so expect early morning or evening hours depending on your time zone. These platforms tend to offer better support and higher booking rates than general marketplaces, but may have stricter requirements like a degree or TEFL.

VIPKid

• Pay: $14–$22/hr
• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, TEFL, 2 years experience
• Students: 1-on-1 with Chinese young learners
• Best for: U.S./Canada-based teachers who want flexible hours and a proven system
  Apply here

Qkids

• Pay: $16–$20/hr
• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (TEFL preferred)
• Students: 1–4 students, Chinese learners aged 5–12
• Best for: Teachers in the U.S./Canada looking for group class experience
  Apply here

Magic Ears

• Pay: $18–$26/hr
• Requirements: TEFL, U.S./Canada citizenship
• Students: Group classes with Chinese students (ages 4–12)
• Best for: Energetic teachers who love group interaction and lively classes
  Apply here

ZebraEnglish

• Pay: $16–$24/hr
• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, TEFL, 1 year teaching experience
• Students: 1-on-1, Chinese young learners
• Best for: Teachers who want predictable schedules and steady student relationships
  Apply here

BlingABC

• Pay: $20–$27/hr
• Requirements: Degree, TEFL, 1+ year experience
• Students: Small groups (2–4), ages 5–12, China-based
• Best for: Experienced teachers comfortable with stricter curriculum and peak China hours
  Apply here

Novakid

• Pay: ~$16/hr
• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, TEFL, 1+ year experience
• Students: 1-on-1 classes with European kids (ages 4–12)
• Best for: Teachers seeking stability with a European student base
  Apply here

51Talk

• Pay: $18–$22/hr
• Requirements: Degree, TEFL, some experience
• Students: 1-on-1 lessons with Filipino and Chinese children
• Best for: Non-native and native teachers looking for reliable work
  Apply here

Palfish

• Pay: $18–$22/hr
• Requirements: TEFL required, degree not necessary
• Students: Young learners via mobile app (China-based)
• Best for: Teachers who enjoy flexible mobile teaching and casual interaction
  Apply here

All Right

• Pay: $8–$12/hr
• Requirements: TEFL, some experience, weekend availability
• Students: Ages 4–12, mostly in Europe
• Best for: Teachers looking for weekend hours and supportive training
  Apply here

Mixed-Age Platforms (With Strong Demand for Kids)

These platforms aren’t exclusively focused on children, but they still see strong demand for young learner classes — especially from parents booking private tutors. Many let you set up a child-specific profile or highlight your experience with kids. If you’re flexible, self-motivated, and ready to market yourself a bit, these platforms offer freedom and potential for high earnings.

iTutorGroup

• Pay: $18–$25/hr
• Requirements: Degree, TEFL, 1 year of experience
• Students: All ages, with many young learners in East Asia
• Best for: Teachers seeking regular bookings and working with both kids and adults
  Apply here

LatinHire

• Pay: $7–$13/hr
• Requirements: TEFL preferred, basic Spanish or Portuguese a plus
• Students: All ages, primarily Latin America
• Best for: Multilingual teachers or those looking to teach in Latin time zones
  Apply here

Engoo

• Pay: $2.80–$10/hr
• Requirements: No degree required; TEFL preferred
• Students: Children and adults from East Asia and Europe
• Best for: Beginners looking for flexible hours and consistent traffic
  Apply here

Fluentbe

• Pay: $10–$12/hr
• Requirements: Degree, TEFL, 1+ year experience
• Students: All ages, with a good share of young learners
• Best for: Teachers based in Europe or with availability in CET hours
  Apply here

Classgap

• Pay: Set your own rate
• Requirements: TEFL preferred
• Students: Mostly teens and children in Europe and Latin America
• Best for: Independent teachers who want to build their own client base
  Apply here

SuperProf

• Pay: Set your own rate ($5–$50+/hr)
• Requirements: No formal qualifications required
• Students: All ages — you define your niche
• Best for: Entrepreneurial teachers who want total control and don’t mind doing their own marketing
  Apply here

Preply

• Pay: $10–$45+/hr
• Requirements: TEFL preferred
• Students: Kids, teens, and adults worldwide
• Best for: Teachers who want to specialize in a niche (like young learners) and grow long-term
  Apply here

italki

• Pay: $10–$25+/hr
• Requirements: TEFL preferred
• Students: All ages — many parents book for kids
• Best for: Independent teachers with great video intros and self-marketing skills
  Apply here

AmazingTalker

• Pay: $16–$100/hr
• Requirements: 1 year teaching experience preferred
• Students: All ages, including strong demand for kids in Asia
• Best for: Confident self-starters who want high earning potential and global reach
  Apply here

📊 Comparison Table

📘 Tips for Success With Young Learners

Teaching kids online is equal parts performance and pedagogy. While some adults will forgive a flat lesson, children need energy, engagement, and a clear sense of progress to stay motivated. These tips will help you thrive in a virtual classroom full of little learners:

🎭 Keep It Engaging

Kids respond best to energy, so don’t be afraid to exaggerate your expressions, vary your tone, and celebrate small wins. Use colorful props, puppets, and digital effects to hold attention — especially with younger children who can’t read yet.

🎵 Use Songs and Routines

Songs, chants, and repetition work wonders for language retention. Start classes with a welcome song, and use transition phrases to signal what’s coming next. Repetition helps reinforce vocabulary, and routines help kids feel comfortable.

🎯 Simplify and Structure

Break instructions into simple steps. Avoid long explanations — instead, show, gesture, and repeat. Visual aids and realia (real-life objects) can make abstract ideas concrete. Younger learners especially benefit from clear visuals and predictable lesson flow.

🙋 Manage Behavior Gently

Shy students may need extra encouragement and wait time. Disruptive kids often just need clearer boundaries or more engaging material. Use positive reinforcement, short breaks, and fun transitions to regain focus.

🧠 Adapt to Different Ages and Learning Styles

Teaching a 4-year-old is very different from teaching a 10-year-old. Younger learners need more movement, songs, and routine. Older kids can handle basic grammar and structured dialogue. Some learners thrive visually, while others need more verbal interaction — observe and adjust as needed.

If you can make English class feel like playtime with purpose, you’re on the right track.

🚀 Growing Your Career in Kids ESL

Once you’ve gained confidence teaching kids online, there’s plenty of room to grow beyond entry-level classes. Working with young learners can open the door to higher-paying roles, private clients, and even your own teaching brand — especially if you specialize and play to your strengths.

🎯 Find Your Niche

Many teachers eventually specialize in areas like phonics, reading fluency, or early childhood development. Others focus on specific age groups (e.g., preschoolers or pre-teens) or test prep for exams like Cambridge YLE or TOEFL Primary. This makes you more valuable to parents and platforms alike — and gives you a competitive edge.

👪 Build a Private Client Base

Some teachers use platforms as a launchpad and gradually attract repeat students outside of them. Parents talk — and if you’re effective, fun, and reliable, you may be asked to tutor siblings, friends, or classmates. Word-of-mouth referrals can quickly lead to a steady private schedule with higher pay and more freedom.

🧠 Branch Out Into Curriculum or Course Design

With experience, you might start designing your own lessons or even full mini-courses tailored to children. This can evolve into selling educational content, developing your own online program, or creating printable materials for other teachers.

🌍 Specialize by Region or Culture

If you enjoy working with a specific type of student — say, Chinese kindergartners or Polish primary schoolers — lean into it. Learning the educational expectations, cultural norms, and language habits of that group can make you a trusted expert in their market.

Teaching English to kids can be more than a flexible side gig — with the right strategy, it can grow into a full-fledged career.

📌 Final Thoughts

Teaching kids online isn’t always easy — it takes energy, patience, and the ability to keep young learners engaged across a screen. But for many teachers, it’s also the most rewarding kind of ESL work out there. Kids show progress quickly, they bring joy to each class, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

Whether you’re brand new to teaching or looking for something more fulfilling than adult conversation classes, working with children is a path worth exploring. The structure, consistent demand, and long-term growth opportunities make it one of the most stable and satisfying corners of the online teaching world.

Give it a try — and don’t be surprised if your students become the best part of your day.

👉 Learn More About Teaching English Online