Teach English in FAngdu - Huai'an Shi

It is no doubt true that the biggest goal of learning English or any languages is that the learner can apply it expertly in daily life, supporting well in their job particularly. As the ESL (English as a second language) teachers, therefore, our missions are making motivation for the learners and helping them have the ability to connect the knowledge they learned in class room with things that happened in reality. When teaching English, outdoor activities are always an effective tool for teachers to motivate their students as well as suits for teaching objectives such as reviewing a previous lesson or introducing a new concept of the next lesson… etc. Through this essay, I will present some common outdoor activities being used in most countries teaching English as well as some specific games that I believe that they can help our students to learn language in a natural, stress-free way. First of all, why saying that using outdoor activities are an efficient method for teachers when teaching English? As we know, learning four skills in language - receptive skills and productive skills - will not be achieved optimal results if they are limited, only delivered just in four walls of class-room. There have been a lot of studies as well as experts saying that learning through six senses in the real world will give not only a deep impression for us, but also help shape short-term memory into long-term one. Moreover, outdoor activities add another dimension of the world in comparison with what is taught inside the class. They will be unexpected when learning something new when enjoying the games outside. Outdoor activities suit all ages, from kids to adults always get excited when participating in activities that are planned logically and scientifically by teachers or facilitators. When teachers introduce and clarify the rules of the game, it is a chance for students to practice their listening and comprehension skills. Organized games that also will help students review vocabulary and become more confident with conversation in English. Besides that, joining outdoor activities is an occasion for improving the ability of teamwork and physical fitness, connecting with everybody and helping to know each other's personality. Furthermore, learning soft-skills or survival skills through outdoor activities is always the best and fun way all the time. With the rapid technological development as nowadays, everyone easily exposures to digital devices as well as owns them; therefore, participating in outdoor activities is even more essential for mental and physical health for ourselves. In the next part, we are going to find out some amazing ideas for outdoor lessons. In my opinion, ideal outdoor lessons should be taken place twice or three times a week in the school-yard or the campus for simple basic activities. Teachers can bring the activities organized in the classroom to outside to change the environment for the students. For examples, that are: •“Simon says” Game. We've all known for sure this game already. It's very common since it's easy to play anywhere and suits both kids and adults. Teachers totally can use this game for reviewing the vocabulary, grammar such as phrasal verbs, especially practicing the listening skill and concentration for learners. With the higher English level of students, the more difficult words and longer sentences should be delivered. Through this game, students are warmed-up and teachers can check their ability to remember old lessons. •To enhance the listening skill, teachers can arrange the activity like "overcome obstacles" such as trees, chairs, bushes, columns, etc. One team member will walk through the obstacle while blindfolded. Other team members will guide them using English words (e.g. watch out, turn right/left, stop, take one step back,); Playing guessing games (such as "I'm looking for something around here that starts with the letter… and ask the students to think of something, using their imagination, then ask up to 10 - 15 questions to guess what it is) can stimulate their curiosity and excitement. •Reading books or stories and drawing pictures are also great activities for a class outdoors, too. When changing space and atmosphere, students' creativity can be enriched and unlimited. From elementary level of English up to higher one, when learners are able to communicate on simple topics such as Asking and Giving directions, Describing weather, Grocery shopping, Traveling, etc.. Teachers can arrange activities like these below: •Visiting famous sightseeing that is not too far from residential areas or visiting museums, galleries and historical places of the town. At these places, beside introducing necessary points, teachers can give a 'guided tour' activity of the locations they are walking past in English then asking the student to do the same way in pairs or small groups. Other interesting activities can be mentioned as: •Stopping at English Talks cafe - This model is quite popular in non-English speaking countries where we can meet and talk with foreigners or native teachers to practice. Since we can only speak English when getting in there so the language level and confidence may be significantly improved. •Cinema excursion - Let's go to see a film together! We will definitely see the movie in English (with subtitles). Teachers could do a class brainstorm on it in the class before going to the cinema in order to have a look in general about the film. Students could visit the film's website, see the trailers or behind the scenes clips, read reviews of the film and information about the actors. The sentences and phrases that appear in the official film trailers should be listed so students can learn pronunciation, meaning and usage. And this activity will work best if we talk about it afterwards. Teachers could give some open questions to discuss together. Students could write down their review about the film they saw in English. •Edutainment Centers - Nowadays, in some developed countries or developing ones, there are several organizations or centers which establish form that education combined with entertainment. These are interesting places where teachers or parents can visit to help learners having an environment to play and learn. Teachers can choose activities related to physical activity, art or math etc. that are suitable for objective skills which students need to improve. Besides the locations near from school or in the local area, teachers could arrange a short field trip to a farm or a factory which allows visiting and being guided by owner or leader. To bring the best results and effective acquisition for students, teachers should translate the information they heard in English while touring around and print out question sheets/info graphics to students can easily review the knowledge they've taken. Furthermore, harvesting fruits or vegetables by themselves or making their own products will make the trip be more memorable! And there is an outdoor activity that is necessary and everyone always enjoys it is going on a picnic/camping. There are many various useful activities for ESL students that could be organized with ease while camping such as hiking, cooking, playing ''Scavenger Hunt '' game... etc. Teachers could integrate some tasks into each activity to practice four skills in English. Personally, I have an idea about an engaging activity to reference. It is called "The most favorite photos". Along the journey, every student takes a picture they loved and make a short presentation in English about that photo. Teachers will give attractive awards for the person who has been most voted with a beautiful photo and meaningful speech. This will be an unforgettable memory! In general, there are numerous types of variety outdoor activities that teachers could be creative to organize for learners and through any activities, teachers can observe and make a note of what pupils reacts best positively. From that, teachers have more experience for next times. Besides the advantages of holding outdoor activities, teacher need to notice on and follow the important points/regulations about health, safety for pupils and themselves when teaching outside the classroom. Thus both students and teachers will have a wonderful time when participating in outdoor activities!