aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English as second
What age group	Adult courses
What topic	My class
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

A Creative Beginning for an English as a Second Language Lesson: "My Class"

Purpose

To engage adult learners in the topic of "My Class" while encouraging them to think creatively and use their English language skills in a supportive environment.

Activity: "The Class Gallery Walk"

Objective

To introduce learners to vocabulary related to classroom settings, roles, and expectations while fostering interaction and discussion.

Materials Needed

• Large sheets of paper or whiteboards
• Markers and pens
• Post-it notes
• A timer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Setting the Scene (5 minutes)
   Begin the lesson by welcoming all students. You might say,
   “Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today, we're going to explore our own unique classroom experience. To kick things off, let’s think about what makes our class special! Are you ready?”

2. Gallery Walk Setup (10 minutes)

   • Distribute large sheets of paper around the room, each with a different topic related to "My Class" such as:

     • What do you love about being in this class?
     • What would you like to change?
     • Describe your ideal classroom.
     • Who inspires you in this learning environment?

   • Encourage students to walk around the room and write their thoughts and ideas on the corresponding sheets.

   • Allow 10 minutes for this activity, encouraging contributions without worry about grammar or structure.

3. Group Discussion (15 minutes)
   After the Gallery Walk, gather the class together. Ask the students:

   • What common themes did you notice?
   • Which idea do you find most inspiring, and why?
   • Did anyone’s comment resonate with you or encourage you to think differently?

   Facilitate an open discussion, prompting them to use English as they explain their thoughts. This stage is perfect for encouraging speaking and listening skills!

4. Reflective Journaling (10 minutes)
   Now, ask students to write a short reflection based on what they discussed during the Gallery Walk. Prompts could include:

   • What is one thing you will take away from today’s class?
   • How do you feel about the contributions you made?
   • What is one goal you have for improving our class environment?

5. Sharing Your Reflection (10 minutes)
   Invite students to share their reflections with a partner or, if comfortable, with the whole class.

6. Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
   Conclude with a brief summary of the day’s discussions. Thank the students for their contributions and express the excitement for what’s to come in future lessons.

Final Thoughts

This activity not only introduces the topic of "My Class," but it also fosters a sense of community among adult learners. By giving everyone a voice and promoting interaction, you set a positive tone for an engaging and productive learning environment.