Using Stories, Readers, Handouts, Drama & Arts/Crafts in EFL
Why Use Stories and Readers in the EFL Classroom?
What Can Stories and Readers Offer?
They provide an ideal introduction to foreign language learning in a familiar and engaging context. Stories are:
- Motivating and Fun: They foster a positive attitude towards the foreign language.
- Imagination-Boosting: They encourage learners to exercise their imagination.
How Can Students Be Personally Involved in a Story?
Students can:
- Identify with characters
- Interpret the narrative
- Interpret the illustrations
How Can Stories and Readers Encourage Creativity and Inventiveness?
They connect with the child’s real world and spark their imagination.
What Does Reading and Listening to Stories in Class Offer?
It’s a shared social experience that:
- Helps build up the child’s confidence
- Encourages social and emotional development
- Reinforces language acquisition through repetition (Kids love listening to stories again and again!)
Benefits for Teachers:
Listening to stories allows teachers to:
- Introduce and Revise Vocabulary: Exposing children to the language in context.
- Develop Listening and Concentration Skills:
- Utilizing visual clues
- Drawing on prior knowledge
- Listening for the main idea or plot without needing to understand every single word
- Practicing and reinforcing lexis and structures
- Develop Conceptual Skills:
- Prediction
- Guessing meaning from context
- Training memory
Readers and the Curriculum:
Readers contribute significantly to the whole school curriculum by:
- Reinforcing Conceptual Development: (Color, Size, Shape, Time)
- Developing Learning to Learn Skills
- Reinforcing Thinking Strategies: (Comparing, Classifying, Predicting, Problem-solving)
- Developing Strategies for Learning a Second Language:
- Guessing the meaning of new words
- Training memory
- Self-testing
- Developing Study Skills:
- Making and interpreting charts, graphs, and surveys
- Making and learning to use dictionaries
- Organizing work
- Supporting Other Subjects: (Maths, Science, History, Geography, Environment, Arts and Craft, Music and Drama, Cultural Studies)
Choosing a Reader: Factors to Consider
- Age
- Level of learner
- Needs
- Previous language experience
- Language level
- Interests
- Degree of difficulty
Handouts in the Classroom
What is a Handout?
A handout is a piece of paper with printed information, given to people in a class. It’s an effective teaching tool that can be professional and simple, and can be any size depending on its purpose.
When are Handouts Most Effective?
When they are organized according to a planned learning outcome.
What is an Outcome?
An outcome is the final result of a process.
What Does a Handout Do?
- Clarifies the topic
- Prevents student distractions (less note-taking)
- Saves time (less writing on the board)
- Reduces errors in note-taking
- Provides a reliable reference
- Frees up time for learning activities
Drama Techniques for Teaching English
Benefits of Using Drama:
Using drama to teach English promotes real communication, involving ideas, emotions, feelings, appropriateness, and adaptability. It provides opportunities for language use that are often absent in conventional language classes.
Drama helps learners gain confidence in using the language, moving beyond simple written answers and grammatically correct but isolated sentences. It provides context for listening and meaningful language production, enhancing linguistic abilities.
Drama is also beneficial for:
- Reading and writing practice
- Analyzing literary texts (plot, character, style)
- Engaging learners more positively and actively with the text
The Need for One-off, Stand-alone Drama Activities:
While drama’s effectiveness is undeniable, teachers new to drama may hesitate due to various constraints like time, space, resources, or colleagues’ skepticism. Even experienced teachers might find full-fledged performances challenging.
However, these concerns shouldn’t prevent teachers from incorporating drama into their teaching. One-off activities can be a great starting point.
A Warm-up Game: Charades
Games like charades are excellent for gauging students’ interest and talent in drama. Divide the class into teams and have them act out titles of books or films. This encourages non-verbal communication and teamwork.
Arts and Crafts in English Language Learning
Why Use Arts and Crafts?
- Suitable for Mixed-Level Classes: Supplements course books and caters to diverse learning needs.
- Promotes Collaboration: Encourages group work with students of different levels.
- Cross-Curricular Activities: Integrates other subjects like drama, geography, and computer skills.
- Motivates Learners: Appeals to kinaesthetic and visual/spatial learners.
- Recycles Language: Provides opportunities for vocabulary revision and practice.
Considerations for Using Arts and Crafts:
- Show an Example: Provide a clear visual of the final product.
- Test the Activity: Ensure it’s not too complex or time-consuming.
- Pre-teach Vocabulary: Introduce and practice language needed for the activity.
- Monitor and Prompt: Circulate and provide support during the activity.
- Encourage Language Use: Facilitate pair/group work using the finished product.
- Prepare for Early Finishers: Provide additional tasks or activities.
- Include a Round-up: Encourage feedback and reflection.
Conclusion:
Arts and crafts offer a wide range of possibilities in the EFL classroom, from simple posters to more elaborate projects. Careful planning, clear instructions, and a focus on language use will ensure a successful and engaging learning experience.