USING TIMETOAST AS A TOOL TO PREPARE TIME LINES

 

Using Timetoast as a tool with very young learners, age four and five is an interesting experience. Of course, they need help using the Internet because they are not able to read. And I have to face the activity using a different perspective. We decided to work a didactic unit related to the cinema. Therefore, I ask my students and their families to investigate, to look for Walt Disney films and characters on the Internet and bring the information to the class in order to share it and to elaborate the Time Line.

We share the information in class, little by little, each one of my students, with the help of a picture, presented the film. It was mesmerizing to see my pupils willing to present their information regarding Walt Disney’s films. Some of them didn’t know old characters such as Lady and the Tramp and I was the one who didn’t know the recent ones such as, Raya and the Last Dragon. We also discovered that there were two different versions of some films. For instance, Dumbo or The Jungle Book. Then, we selected the data and finally, I prepared the Time Line myself typing in front of them, I was adding the events and the pictures so they could see the process in the interactive whiteboard.

They were really excited to realize how the names and the pictures appeared gradually on the Time Line. I wanted them to understand how working in group would help doing a common task and also that everyone matters to finish our project.

Now is time to show the results.

Walt Disney's Films 

USING PICTURE BOOKS AND BIG BOOKS TO MOTIVATE VERY YOUNG LEARNERS READING

                                    https://images.app.goo.gl/Y8uW2ANCQZHDYSeMA

 

As an English teacher in nursery and first years of Primary education I use a lot of Picture books and big books in my lessons.

I don’t know who enjoys the most if it is me or my pupils.

To begin with, in the process of creating reading habits whilst learning a new language, I always try to look for nice colourful books with interesting contents for very young learners: birthdays, animals, family and so on. Thousand of topics to be chosen. First, I try to get information on recommended books for children, then I try to look for the book on the Internet. Finally I buy the book for myself. I love picture books and big books.

Once I have decided which book I am going to use for my lesson I try to growth my students expectations. Sometimes I bring a big box, others a bag or a suitcase. I normally ask what they think is inside, I open it little by little and I let them discover the cover, or a picture… the idea is for them to be part of the reading by willing to read the book even on I have been the one who has chosen it.

In my personal experience, with very young learners is quite easy because just making faces and changing voices you will get their attention. Even though, I recognise, certain teachers might consider it really difficult.

Then I read the book, sometimes I change the words because I want to use a different vocabulary adapted to their level. The point is to use the big book, the picture book or the big cards and enjoy the experience of reading them.

We normally finish the reading with drawing something related to the book.

I love their drawings, it is incredible how children get the most of the stories just looking at the pictures and imaging the rest. They use their previous experiences and apply them to their lives.

There are a lot of hours of previous work, but the results are amazing and worthy. The best thing is that I can use the same book again next year.

READING IS FOR...?

When I reflect on how people read I realise that not everyone enjoys this activity.

Reading just for pleasure is hard to achieve and as far as I am concerned finding enough time for reading or just the time for reading is not always as easy as we would like it. Personally, I have always tried to delight myself in reading no matter what… even those compulsory Classical books that we had to read at high school, University level or even my washing machine instructions. This thought bring my attention to something someone mentioned once while doing a training course:

“No matter what your students read as long as they are reading and they are willing to read”

It might be a book, a comic, a picture book, a magazine, a sports newspaper, instructions for their new TV… The important thing is to plant a seed in order to create the attitude and the fun of the reading action. For instance, I just remembered this student who didn’t like reading until I discovered he loved Holy Week. I brought a few magazines related to the subject and I could say that he started reading at that moment.

The key factor for reading is to look for what you enjoy it.

What is Think English think Big for?

Learning another language it might be difficult. It is always difficult unless you find the best resources. This blog pretends to help those who are looking for information, web pages or tools to improve their skills.

TEACHING EXPERIENCES

While working as a teacher I have used songs and TPR activities to help students learn the new language. Songs are highly motivating for all the students.It is not important knowing the lyrics, the main thing is to make students believe they are able to sing in English and not to be afraid of using the foreign language.

One of our last experiences at school was to sing All together by The Beatles. This video from Youtube is a good tool with the song All together