Even when we are actively using our eyes they are deciphering so much information at once that a lot of the information gets weeded out in order to make room for the continuous influx of new information.
The way we teach English and the materials we use are all geared towards our eyes and it is no wonder that as a result the other senses discussed over the last few weeks are often neglected. It is simply too easy to put a work book in front of your students and press play on the CD player as is the case with text books like All Aboard.
That is not to say that activities for sight are not important. There is usually no escaping the exercises involved with sight and in saying so charts with pictures of the things being discussed in class is always advantageous. I myself had several posters of the alphabet for instance with animals and food beginning with the letters of the alphabet. I also had a poster of animals with both English and Korean names.
Possible Activities
Indeed the activities outlined through out the last few weeks may be repetitive if for no other reason than to show you the teacher how to incorporate all five senses in helping your students learn English, especially abstract ideas. Also it serves to help your students learn these ideas in a productive manner that allows them to learn in such a way other than through memorization and tests.
Another activity that is unique to sight and that is a great way to get your students involved is playing a game known as Simon Says. Many of you will already know this game as it is a time honoured tradition in most North American pre-school and elementary schools. However for those of you who may not have heard of it before it involves you, the English Teacher, to stand directly in front of your class.
Instructions for Simon Says:
Make sure your smiling and encourage your students to stand as well while facing you otherwise your students may just think your getting up to leave!
Once you have their attention begin by saying ‘Simon Says’ added by the movement you want to make; i.e. touch your nose, scratch your head.
Encourage your students to mimic your movement after you have said ‘Simon Says.’
Follow the same instruction for number 2 but these times do not say ‘Simon Says!' For instance randomly tell your students to do something without first saying the key words; i.e. touch your head, jump up and down.
If any of your students follow your command despite your not having said ‘Simon Says’ they are out of the game and must sit down!
The last person (or two) that are standing win the game!
Once your turn as leader is over let the winner start a new game. This helps improve their oral skills as well as their listening skills and is a great way of including everyone ion class.
However you approach teaching English as a second language keeping in mind that even using the simplistic of tools like Q-Cards can become a fun activity by adding to them specific actions and behaviour that help to engage in your students other four senses. By challenging yourself to find creative ways to teach you will in turn challenge your students to become better speakers of English!
If you can think of another example of how to use ‘sight’ as a way of learning let us know by starting a discussion on this topic!
