Lektor Ilona Roberts

  I always start my English lessons by reading to my pupils from the many picture books my own kids have acquired throughout the years. It is fun, and I manage to capture the attention of every kid in the class. Well, not every time. But for the most part. Who doesn't like listening to a good story?  The brilliant thing about these picture books is that they hide "big words" under the cloak of whimsical and humorous stories. For instance, an all-time-favourite in my classroom is Click, Clack, Moo. Cows that Type , a series of surreal and hilarious events in a farmer's life. His cows demand electric blankets , because it is too cold in the barn, but he refuses - so the cows go on strike and issue an ultimatum . I won't give away the whole story, but you can guess what I mean by big words . Not to mention the anachronistic delights when the sight of a typewriter brought up a whole discussion about obsolete objects; and a philosophical debate about the animals'

Not sure how to get the conversation started in the English language classes after the summer break? Here are a few tips for you! By using a couple of games inspired by contemporary celebrities, throw in a bit of pop culture there too – my sources are Dakota Johnson (actress), Stephen Colbert (comedian, political commentator, television host), and – well, the American people. I naturally gave all these a twist to make them more suitable for usage in the classrooms. Enjoy!  The Acting Game  This is inspired by an interview I saw with Dakota Johnson on Jimmy Fallon’s television show; see the video below:   First present the game and give instructions to the whole class. Best not to show the video, but maybe act it out yourself, with the help of a volunteer.  INSTRUCTIONS:  We are going to play a game called “The acting game”. You will be working in pairs. You take turns picking a card and reading different scenarios. Your classmate must then act out how he or she would react to this part

Are your kids at school wondering why English is spoken everywhere? And do you assume that they know the reason(s) why? Think again.  Colonialism as a concept seems to be absent from primary education, which is problematic in itself. But learning a bit of history is the key to understanding the many varieties of English, its status as an official language in no less than 56 countries, and the cultural consequences of colonialism. I am never hesitant to speak about history in my classes: social sciences, languages, even science cannot be taught without the historical background. The look of wonder on the faces of some of my pupils originally from South Asia when they understood, for example, why cricket is so popular in their country of origin or why most people in Pakistan and India seem to speak English, was very rewarding.  Here is a simple, yet effective method to teach pupils about the rise of English as a global language.  Competence aims : explore and use pronunciation patterns

I am partial to the idea of working with literature in all academic subjects. In language classes, reading is naturally a must; reading literature is for me a priority.  I have many pupils who are reluctant to read in English. Getting them to read literary texts is my Everest - and I am starting at the bottom of the mountain. My goal is to get the pupils involved, to make them fall in love with big words, and get them to understand just how much fun it is to get lost in the world of literary characters.  If you are reading this I am guessing that you agree with me. You are probably also wondering what the plan is or where the bottom of the mountain is situated, so to speak.  I have concocted a formula for two-to-four lessons which I have used in the 5th grade. It has been an absolute pleasure for both me and the kids, and therefore I have decided to share it with you.  Step 1:  Tell the pupils... You are going to read three picture books. Some of you will read Dr. Xargel's Book of

Back to school and struggling to find ideas to revise vocabulary with your pupils?  Take advantage of the fine weather and start with an interactive trail quiz. My go-to topic to get things rolling at the start of the school year is food and shopping . The kids usually enjoy endlessly talking about food, and it is a subject that can easily be connected to culture and everyday life too. Cooking is all the rage among pre-teens and teenagers, they all watch the televised "master chef" type competitions. Additionally, the possibilities for follow-up exercises and writing assignments are endless. I shall give you a few examples below.  The trail quiz and subsequent exercises were tailored for the 5th grade, but keep in mind that most of my students are quite advanced for their age group, so it could easily be used for the sixth and even seventh grade (as a revision, for instance).  Duration : approximately two-three lessons, homework included.  Make sure you state the purpose of