Using Arts and Crafts in English Lessons

In any English class it's important to vary the activity type to maintain interest. You will always be dealing with different types of learners, some prefer solving puzzles and singing songs, and some enjoy working in groups while others prefer working on their own. Here we need to use a new strategy which is offering a new insight about edutainment concept just like using art and crafts in english lessons. The aims of this activity are:
- To integrate arts and crafts in the English classroom without losing sight of a learning objective
- To cater to a range of learner styles
- To successfully give instructions for a craft activity in order to include all students

To make it works properly, look at the following tips:
1. Prepare as much as possible before the lesson without removing the creative element of the activity. Carefully consider the different stages of making the craft and decide which stages the students can do themselves, which they can't, which stages will allow them to be creative and which won't.
2. Always ensure you have sufficient tools for all the students in the class. If a child has to wait a long time for glue or scissors learning there is less time for learning and they will get bored.
3. Make your instructions as simple as possible. This should be done in English so they become part of the language learning process. The more you use simple instructions such as ‘cut, stick, fold' etc the quicker the students will pick up and retain this vocabulary. You will not be helping them by giving instructions in their first language. You should however ensure that everyone has understood what they have to do before moving on. If your instructions are too complex they will get lost and you will lose their interest.
4. Don't underestimate the value of letting a child create something that they can personalise. The moment they walk out the door carrying their English bookmark or their English pirate hat they are transferring what they've done in class to their home environment. If they leave the classroom able to enthusiastically tell someone about their object, why they made it and what they did with it they are much more likely to leave with a positive image of learning English.

Have a nice activities