How are you feeling today?
March 9, 2009
The following adjective pictures by artist Jim Borgman are great to start out ESOL class each day. I’ve used this diagram of pictures for 5 years of teaching ESOL. A teacher can adapt pictures to each level of ESOL. For example, in ESOL 1 class, students drew different pictures with adjectives/feelings that were more simple (i.e. so-so, tired, happy).
The activity goes something like this:
Miss T: “How are you feeling today Kevin?”
Kevin: “I’m feeling frustrated.”
Miss T: “I’m sorry to hear that! Why are you feeling frustrated?”
After this conversation, I have Kevin turn to someone else in the class -or throw a ball- and continue by asking the question “How are you feeling?”
I have found this approach of starting class has been extremely effective. It is supported by research when it comes to learning a second language. It’s called the Affective Filter hypothesis, and embodies Krashen’s view that a number of variables affect second language acquisition. These things include: motivation, self-confidence and anxiety. According to Krashen’s hypothesis, learners with high motivation, self-confidence, a good self-image, and a low level of anxiety have a better chance for success in second language acquisition. On the contrary, low motivation, low self-esteem, and anxiety can ‘raise’ the affective filter and form a ‘mental block’ that keeps comprehensible input from being used for language learning (Schütz, 1). Read more about this at Ricardo Schütz’ website entitled “Steven Krashen’s Theory of Second Language Learning.”
This poster is a great way to start out a class because it lowers the affective filter and raises the “positive affect” for ESOL students. It makes a great start to the day and opens the door to successful language learning.
Entry Filed under: Classroom Experiences, Lesson Ideas, For Teachers; Professional Development Information. .