Grade 2 English as a Foreign Language Class

Today during our EFL class my Grade 2 students were discussing various art forms and how people express their perspectives through them. 

To begin with we all revised various art forms. Next we worked in 3 groups of 3 students. In each group students received cards with the art form names and their definitions. The students enthusiastically discussed the art forms sharing their own understandings of each one and matched the words and definitions. During the last unit of inquiry all second graders became more knowledgeable about how and why people create art and as a result they could confidently share their ideas and opinions. At the end of the discussion and sharing session I asked each student to draw a sketch about the art form that they worked with. Finally I chose a random student from each group of three to present their understanding of the art form to the rest of the class. For support the three presenters used their cards with words and definitions as well as their sketches while presenting.

It was challenging for some students to remain focused and listen to their peers during the sharing sessions. They enjoyed more when it was their turn to speak. With this in mind, for future activities I will have to give the students more opportunities to report what the others have said to encourage active listening. This can be done after watching videos, listening to songs or during pair share sessions.

We had a successful learning experience and an exciting class with my Grade 2 EAL learners! All of them were involved in meaningful dialogues, practiced their speaking, listening, thinking and social skills. The children asked questions, revised unit vocabulary and even had a mini presentation to finish with. All of it during one class of 45 minutes! Keep up the hard work Grade 2!

Mollymoon, Samir and Sak are in the middle of the sharing session.

Mally is matching her cards. She spoke about dancing.

Jennifer is presenting. She spoke about writing stories.