ABOUT MY CULTURE. Classroom Activities to Reinvigorate Senior High School Language Learning
ABOUT MY CULTURE
Classroom Activities to Reinvigorate Senior High School Language Learning
In the dynamic world of senior high school language teaching, keeping students engaged and motivated is often a thrilling challenge. As educators, we understand that the key to successful learning lies in creating an atmosphere where students are not just participants but active enthusiasts. Here are some classroom activities designed to ignite the language classroom, bringing energy, excitement, and enthusiasm to senior high school students. From interactive games to creative exercises, we’ll delve into ways to make language learning an enjoyable and enriching experience.
ABOUT MY CULTURE
Target Group: 3rd year
Difficulty Level: Basic Conversation
Activity Objective: To practice explaining cultural icons to English speaking foreigners
ABOUT MY CULTURE – Procedure
This activity is to teach students how to explain the significance of items that are special to a certain culture. After learning relevant vocabulary (e.g. culture, custom, luck, tradition, etc.), the class will brainstorm items/professions/people/etc. that are important to the target culture (e.g. rice, Tokyo Skytree, miko etc. for the Japanese culture) and write them on the chalkboard. Then groups of 3-4 students will choose 5 items and write them on their paper. For each item the group will write one sentence
describing why the item is important (Ex: Rice is important in Japan because we eat it every day.)
The group will then choose one item and expand the explanation to several sentences. Finally, the group will present their object (or a picture of their object) to the class and explains why it is important to the target culture.
Materials and Preparation
Worksheet with directions, example, and place to write sentences.
Realia (examples of objects that the students can describe, if needed)
Suggestions and Advice
First, know your students’ English level. If the level of English of your students is low, you can consider this lesson with your 3rd year students, but I believe that that could be done at any level if modified. If students are struggling, more examples might help. Sentence patterns are very helpful
here. If students have a known grammatical pattern to follow, they are more comfortable with the activity.
Classroom Activities to Reinvigorate Senior High School Language Learning
As we conclude this exploration of classroom activities to energize the language class for senior high school, we’ve witnessed how a well-crafted lesson plan can transform a mundane classroom into a vibrant hub of learning and creativity. These activities not only boost language skills but also foster a sense of teamwork, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation. By implementing these engaging methods, educators can ensure that their senior high school students are not just fluent in the language, but also passionately engaged in the journey of language acquisition.
So, let’s continue to infuse our classrooms with energy, enthusiasm, and a love for language, empowering our students for a brighter future.
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