Some new elements for Unit 3 (Part I)

For unit 3 "Misunderstandings," I added some new elements.

The first one is the artistic element based on the multiple intelligences theory. I found an activity called "Misprints" from a book and borrowed some ideas. Then, I asked some students to draw cartoons to go with the contents secretly. The students, who didn't have any idea why I wanted them to draw, happily accepted my requests and worked on the drawing over the weekend.

On Monday (2/28), I collected the cartoons. Hedy helped to scan the pictures and complete the handout I started. Then, on 3/1, in the first class of the new unit (unit 3), I used the handout as a warm-up activity, which worked as an example of how misunderstandings might happen. The activity was followed by examples of how misunderstandings are caused by similar-sounding words or misinterpretation of grammar (another handout, called "Think and Draw"). This time, students formed a group of 6 and each group was working on a very short conversation that contained a misunderstanding. They needed to figure out the meaning and draw cartoons to show it. Then, they sent representatives to draw cartoons on the blackboard. In the end, the whole class went over the six short conversations with the visual aids of the artistic drawings on the board.

Students were devoted to such creative activities as this one. Finally, those who are good at arts but not so good at English can show their talents in English classes. I could feel their pride and excitement. I think these are pretty successful activities.