Eliciting Techniques: How to Use in the ESL Classroom – TPR Teaching

In the world of English as a Second Language (ESL) education, eliciting techniques play a crucial role in fostering student engagement and comprehension. One effective method within this framework is Total Physical Response (TPR), which combines language learning with physical activity to enhance retention and understanding.

In a typical TPR session, the teacher first models an action associated with a new vocabulary word or phrase. For instance, if introducing the verb "jump," the teacher demonstrates the action while saying the word aloud. Students are then encouraged to mimic the action, creating a lively and interactive environment. This approach not only caters to kinesthetic learners but also builds a bridge between comprehension and speech, allowing students to internalise the language more naturally.

Eliciting doesn’t stop at actions; it can also involve using visuals or realia to prompt responses from learners. For example, showing a picture of an apple can encourage students to recall and articulate relevant vocabulary, such as "fruit," "red," or "crunchy." By tapping into their previous knowledge and experiences, teachers can stimulate discussion and foster a deeper understanding of language in context.

Incorporating eliciting techniques like TPR, along with visual aids, not only makes lessons more dynamic but also empowers students, giving them the confidence to participate actively in their learning journey.

Using ClassDojo in Your Classroom: Mrs. Jones' Creation Station

ClassDojo is a fantastic tool for fostering a positive classroom environment and enhancing communication between teachers, students, and parents. Here’s how to effectively implement ClassDojo in your classroom:

1. Set Up Your Class: Begin by creating your ClassDojo account and setting up your class. Personalise your class theme and add your students. Each student will have their own avatar, making it a fun and engaging experience.

2. Define Behaviour Expectations: Clearly outline the behaviours you want to encourage. You might choose to highlight positive actions such as teamwork, effort, or kindness. Establish a visual display in your classroom that reflects these expectations, making them easily accessible for students.

3. Daily Check-ins: Use ClassDojo to give instant feedback. At the end of each lesson, take a moment to award points for positive behaviours or address areas for improvement. This not only helps reinforce good habits but also keeps students motivated.

4. Engage Parents: ClassDojo allows for parent communication through messages and updates. Share classroom happenings and individual student highlights. This connection fosters a sense of community and keeps parents involved in their child's learning journey.

5. Encourage Student Ownership: Give students a say in how they can earn points. This could involve them suggesting new behaviours or rewards, thus promoting responsibility and accountability for their actions.

6. Gamify Learning: Utilize ClassDojo to create a more interactive classroom experience. Consider setting up challenges or goals for your class. Celebrate achievements together, whether big or small, to maintain high spirits and enthusiasm.

7. Regular Reflections: Incorporate regular opportunities for students to reflect on their behaviour and progress through the app. This self-assessment encourages critical thinking and personal growth.

By integrating ClassDojo into your teaching practice, you can create a vibrant, interactive, and supportive classroom where students thrive and feel valued. So why not give it a go in Mrs. Jones' Creation Station? Your students will thank you for it!

5 Super Fun Games for Reading that Create Instant Engagement

1. Story Cubes: Gather a set of dice, each adorned with vivid images. Players roll the dice and must weave a tale using the pictures displayed. This not only sparks imagination but also encourages narrative skills and vocabulary development. It’s a fantastic way to make reading lively and interactive!

2. Book Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of specific items or themes found within a selection of books. Players must scour their chosen texts to find and mark off the items. This game promotes close reading and comprehension, while the thrill of the hunt fuels excitement about stories.

3. Literary Charades: A twist on the classic party game, participants act out scenes from their favourite books without speaking while others guess the title or characters. This activity fosters both creativity and a deeper understanding of plot and character development, making it a lively way to engage with literature.

4. Reading Relay: Organise a team relay where players take turns reading aloud a passage. Each reader adds their own flair, be it voice modulation or gestures. This creates a shared experience and enhances fluency, while the cooperative spirit builds camaraderie among peers.

5. Character Hot Seat: One player sits in the “hot seat” as a character from a book, while others ask questions to guess who they are. This game encourages critical thinking and deeper analysis of characters, helping players connect more intimately with the stories they read.

Incorporating these games into reading sessions can transform ordinary literary experiences into dynamic engagements, making the joy of reading not just enjoyable, but unforgettable!