What would you like to do or learn in English class?
As a young high school English teacher, I genuinely want to understand what my students are interested in. Despite my efforts, I often hear complaints. For instance, last week, I showed a movie without any follow-up questions, yet I still got feedback that it was boring.
I’m looking for some engaging units or activities that can really captivate my high school students.
So, I’m turning to you—what would make English class more enjoyable for you?
I’m particularly seeking input for summer school, where the lessons will be casual and the schedule shorter. I’m interested in hearing your ideas from a student’s perspective rather than from fellow teachers. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
It’s great that you’re looking for student-centered approaches to make your English class more engaging! Here are some ideas that might resonate with high schoolers:
Choice Reading Projects: Let students choose their own books or genres to read. They can create projects or presentations based on what they read, which can include creative elements like videos, art, or even a podcast.
Creative Writing Workshops: Encourage students to express themselves through creative writing. You might set up poetry slams, short story contests, or collaborative writing sessions where they can brainstorm and build stories together.
Interactive Debates: Choose current events or relevant topics and have students prepare for and participate in debates. This lets them explore different perspectives and develop critical thinking skills while also keeping the energy high.
Multimedia Projects: Allow students to create projects that incorporate different media, such as podcasts, video essays, or blogs. They can explore themes from literature or their own interests while using technology creatively.
Book Clubs: Organize small book clubs where students can discuss a book they’ve all chosen to read. This fosters a sense of community and gives them a chance to share their thoughts and opinions in a more informal setting.
Gamify Learning: Introduce games and competitions related to language, vocabulary, or literature. This might include quizzes, escape rooms based on literary themes, or creative role-playing scenarios.
Real-World Connections: Bring in articles, podcasts, or films related to students’ interests. Engage them in discussions about how these materials connect to the themes you’re studying or to the world around them.
Service Projects: Incorporate a service-learning component where students can write letters or create awareness campaigns for social issues they care about, combining writing skills with real-world applications.
Visual and Performing Arts: Leverage drama, art, or music to study literature. Students can act out scenes, create visual art based on characters or themes, or write songs inspired by the texts.
Feedback Sessions: Regularly ask for student feedback on what they enjoy or what they want to learn. This can help you adjust your curriculum in real-time and make students feel heard and valued.
Remember to maintain a relaxed atmosphere during summer school; students might appreciate lighter activities that still involve critical thinking. Most importantly, let them know you’re there to support their interests and make the class enjoyable!