Task #1
Task #1
-What do you understand by affective language learning?
R/To my understanding, affective language learning is all about making it a student-centered learning environment. Not only in making them speak and use the language, but also in making them the decision-makers regarding almost all aspects in class. It is a very empowering environment for learners. It makes them the whole focus of the class. And all of this is done while maintaining a positive ambiance where students feel loved and accepted and encouraged.
All in all it sounds like the best learning environment. I quite hope I can learn to provide it for my students.
-What are some ways that you can foster it next week?
R/All of the ideas in the video are so great! However, I do believe that I can't put them all in practice at once; thus, I am going to implement 4 new things and see how that goes.
1.The first thing that I plan to include next class in circle time. I want to allow them to have a place to express their thoughts and feel welcome. I want to have a place where they can feel accepted.
2. I want to display their works of art. Last class we painted this little scenery and I want them to have it there the second they get to class. I want them to feel that the classroom is theirs.
3. As part of circle time, I want to do compliments. I want to have them greet and compliment each other, to find something positive to say to each other.
4. Lastly, I want to try to have a place to display their birthdays. I want them to see how much I care.
-What do you understand by affective language learning?
R/To my understanding, affective language learning is all about making it a student-centered learning environment. Not only in making them speak and use the language, but also in making them the decision-makers regarding almost all aspects in class. It is a very empowering environment for learners. It makes them the whole focus of the class. And all of this is done while maintaining a positive ambiance where students feel loved and accepted and encouraged.
All in all it sounds like the best learning environment. I quite hope I can learn to provide it for my students.
-What are some ways that you can foster it next week?
R/All of the ideas in the video are so great! However, I do believe that I can't put them all in practice at once; thus, I am going to implement 4 new things and see how that goes.
1.The first thing that I plan to include next class in circle time. I want to allow them to have a place to express their thoughts and feel welcome. I want to have a place where they can feel accepted.
2. I want to display their works of art. Last class we painted this little scenery and I want them to have it there the second they get to class. I want them to feel that the classroom is theirs.
3. As part of circle time, I want to do compliments. I want to have them greet and compliment each other, to find something positive to say to each other.
4. Lastly, I want to try to have a place to display their birthdays. I want them to see how much I care.
I really love circle time. Even very young learners can express themselves during this moment. I remember what Juan said last Sunday: "Children have a lot to say, they just lack the words." I have always thought about how difficult it is to use Dogme with kids, for example. Then I realized that we can start building real language with them even when they are little kids. I use circle time to do that. I start with simple questions such as "how are you today?". They can show me faces related to their feelings, for instance. I really loved the idea of complimenting them and asking them to compliment each other. I will use that with my kids too. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCarolina, it is a great idea to go slowly by choosing some practices you want to implement in your classes. Circle time will allow you to connect a lot with your class and to learn about their lives using English as a real means of communication. Here you can let them say things in their native language and you comment using their language in English.
ReplyDeleteOne nice thing that Núria pointed out is to have them talking to each other in the group and not only to you. Giving them the language to make questions and compliment each other gives them not only English, but also conversation skills for life.
Let me know next week how circle time has been happening and which changes you have noticed in your group.
I could not find the comment box in your circle time post, so I will comment here.
ReplyDeleteI am curious to know how your class has happened this Saturday, Carolina.
A way of limiting students is having a "talking stick" which signals who can talk. Other ways include having a timer that gives every person some time or even having a bell that you ring gently to show it is the next person's turn.
I invite you to explore circle time in different interaction patterns (individual sharing, pairs, small groups) as well as doing it on the floor, sitting, or even standing up.
Share your findings with us in our circle time!
I usually tell students that there are rules for the circle time:
ReplyDelete1. It has to be about you
This first rule avoids that circle time becomes gossip time
2. It has to be positive
This rule helps to build a nice atmosphere in the class
3. You can only say one piece of news. It cannot be a story.
This third rule keeps the pace brisk and helps also with those who want to be the center of attention. If they say that have two pieces of good news, tell them to select one and keep the other for the next class.
Finally, I don't know if everybody agrees, but if they can't do it in English, allow this moment in L1. It's a moment to create sense of belonging to the group and establish good rapport. It's not necessarily a moment to learn, but it will for sure help them to be engaged throughout the rest of the lesson.
Juan Uribe Hi! Thank you so much for your encouragement! Today was my first day trying out circle time. I only teach kids on Saturdays after 1pm; so, I am just now getting to reply and comment on the experience.
ReplyDeleteI was really excited about the idea and about how it was going to happen. However, it did not turn out as well. Some kids were really reckless and one minute into circle time there was water all over the floor. I am frustrated but still hopefull. Every Saturday is a lot about trial and error for me, but circle time is still something I am very willing to continue doing. I did what Daniela mentioned here and allowed them to speak a bit in their L1 as well. So we had a bit on Spanish and a bit of English. At the end of the class, 1 st approached me and mentioned how he was sad that he had to wait a whole week to be back because he loved it there. Now that I think about that, at least I reached one.
I am sure I have to do it more than once to prove its effectiveness, so I am not giving up yet!