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ESL forum >
Teaching material > Why I work with short stories
Why I work with short stories
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libertybelle
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Why I work with short stories
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I�ve noticed that those WS with the most downloads are colorful
verbs sheets.
I love them too - but as an American teaching ESL in Europe and as an avid reader - I must say that nothing replaces the book or story.
The old art of story-telling is so important, both for language learning but also for personal growth. If our Students read many stories, AND THEN we use those stories to teach grammar - there will be a much deeper understanding of the language and I would bet my grannie�s behind - that those kids will be speaking better English than those who learn English only through grammar exercises.
I learned to speak a second language fluently by speaking, and reading lots of short stores and comic magazines. The grammar came later.
I would love to see more WS here with short stories before the grammar.
When I went through the reading category, many of the WS were reading material about grammar!!!
So people, let�s share stories - ones the kids can read and have read to them.
( I have one today - oops! Shame on me!)
(just to give you an example of what I mean)
I hope more of you do the same - it would be great with lots of reading materials!
Hugs
L
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10 Jan 2009
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JUANBEGI
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I agree with you; it�s a nice idea. I will try to send some stories. As for speaking, I cannot use this skill with my pupils in the classroom. It�s a pity but the Spanish Educational system has provoked this situation. Hugs form Spain
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10 Jan 2009
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alien boy
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I agree totally with you libertybelle. Like JUANBEGI, I wish the system here would encourage this sort of thing. In Japan generally the focus is on repetition, repetition, repetition & not particularly student initiated.
Cheers.
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11 Jan 2009
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yetigumboots
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Hi Libertybelle, I just spotted your post while looking for something else.(he he) It is sooo nice to hear a comment like this. I am working with our local library at the moment and read English stories to school classes. I read a simple book and then get the children to draw a story line to the book. It is so much fun and the teachers are always impressed. I am a great believer in reading to learn. Most of the kids I teach are Kindergarten kids (so acn�t read yet) and I use a picture book in nearly every lesson depending on the theme. I am a great fan of all Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler books... Gruffalo etc...
I would love to swap ideas if you are intested, send me a private message if you have time, I am always looking for new ideas involving books. Take care and greetings from frozen Germany. Yeti xxxx |
11 Jan 2009
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alien boy
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yetigumboots - sounds like a great idea! I wonder if I could do the same at my local library. I�ll have to improve my Japanese first. I�ll file thios one away for next year. Thanks for the inspiration!
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12 Jan 2009
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