All You Need is Paper (and a little love) ESL/EFL activities

  My second and third-graders are learning how to use the prepositions in, on, under, behind, in front of and next to. First, we practiced by me showing them images of a cat, in a box, on a box and so on. Then, we made very easy paper cats which they colored and added details to. Many of the kids even named their cats. When they were all ready, I drew a box on a chalk wall in the classroom. I would say sentences like, the cat is next to the box, and they would have to place their cats in the correct place. Last, a student would say a sentence using one of the prepositions and the other students would place their cats somewhere around the box. They all really enjoyed making their cats and were excited to take them home to show their families and hopefully explain what we had done with the cats.  

  My fourth-graders have been talking and thinking about what we need to reach our goals. This hasn't been an easy topic for them to discuss so I decided to make it more hands-on. I drew some tools and wrote the driving question for us to brainstorm together. I wrote all their ideas on the board, and then they had to choose 4 words to write on their tools. I got copies of my drawing for them. Maybe if you have more time, they can draw their own tools. Next, they colored, cut out, and glued their tools in their "toolbox". Today, each student will share their work with the class.

I strongly believe a Mystery Box is an essential item for any teacher teaching kids and teens. It can probably even be used for adults. I might just try it this semester since I do have an adult group on Saturdays.  There are so many ways you can use this box that's why it's so useful. It can be used to introduce vocabulary or sentences on slips, for example, place words in the box that are connected to the unit topic, have each student come and with their eyes closed pick a word, read it aloud, and try to guess what the unit is about. You can write their guesses on the board and then see how close they got to the correct answer. You can place different objects in the box and slowly show parts of the object for students to guess. The answer to a question can be placed in the box and at the end of the class a student can read the answer to see if students answered correctly. People always love a little mystery so this box is a great way to engage students and bring an unexpected...