Hi, all! I'm new to the world of teaching middle school in Korea (taught elementary last year, and college freshmen before that).

I have some very (very) low level middle school grade one kids, and they desperately need help with stuff like phonics and reading. With my elementary school kids, it wasn't a big deal, as most of them are OK with songs and silly stuff like that, but what might be the best way for me to go about teaching my middle school kids phonics without it being too childish? I've taught phonics to adults and to children, but middle school students are an entirely different breed. I want to keep them engaged and teach them something without making them feel stupid or bored - which, isn't that all what we're looking to do, in essence? 

I've been thinking of games and some other ideas, but if anyone has experience or knowledge or ideas to share, I would really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!