Dear Colleagues,
It has been a pleasure to participate in TeachinEnglish - an outstanding publication where we, ELT professionals, can have our say on different topics of our interest and concern about this wonderful and challenging profession!
While reading Jane Willis's blog and other dedicated professionals', we've learned from their views/experience and thought we would certainly keep improving about features related to Teaching English language and culture.
We would be delighted if Jane Willis could share with us some suggestions on teaching poetry in the classroom(at secondary level).Jane must be returning, I think, from her holiday break in Scotland. By the way, that is a fascinating country providing plenty of inspiration(from the lochs and castles to local people and their Festival tradition). Maybe one day we can share on the blog some lines we have written about Scotland.
Best wishes,
Mª do Céu Costa
Comments
mceupc
We think "warmers" can be very resourceful to keep the class motivated for a positive interaction, ending up in an effective learning atmosphere. They can be carefully prepared while being part of the lesson plan or they can be the product of the teacher's insight and creativity at the moment s/he is facing the class, being able to catch some particular reaction, mood or action by the learners and trying to talk to them, showing confidence and being wise.
The more you get to know your students' likes, dislikes, interests, expectations, the more successful you are at devising the type of "warmers" that might be appropriate to the class.
Taking into account the learners' area of studies also helps with the choice of "warmers" and the type of activities.
We can remember that it has worked out perfectly with a Humanities-class the "Poem of the Day", chosen from amongst other learners' production or from our choice of British poets. With students of Science-classes we have also used "Quotes" by famous scientists. It has been an enjoyable time, actually.
Good luck to you all!
Mª do Céu Costa