Learning English Through Crafts, Anthony Davidson

LEARNING ENGLISH THROUGH CRAFT MAKING

ANTHONY DAVIDSON, JUNIOR SCHOOL EAL TEACHER

For the young English language learners I work with, it is not simply a matter of an English lesson with a worksheet and IWB at the ready. It is also about collaboration, about speaking and listening in a creative, challenging context that supports these skills. An understanding of what Jim Cummins has established as the building blocks of language acquisition - Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills - has led me to believe that language development through craft making, often using recyclable materials, is an effective way to promote learning.

Three students in Grade 2 at different stages of English language acquisition were given the same materials - egg cartons, pipe cleaners, paint - and given the opportunity to create something. The only teaching directive was that it should have some connection with the sea. This would link it to a book we were reading.

As you can see the results were colorful and imaginatively designed. Crucially too, the language used, the phrases modelled and the Q and A aspects involved, all supported language learning in a less academic but no less effective way. It was fun too.