| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | English |
| What age group | Adult courses |
| What topic | English |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To foster a comfortable environment, promote conversation, and spark interest in language and storytelling through a personal and relatable topic.
Set the Scene (5 minutes): Begin the lesson by welcoming the students warmly. Explain that today's focus will revolve around the beauty of language and how it intertwines with our identities.
Prompt the Icebreaker (10 minutes): Hand out notecards and markers to each student. Ask them to write down their names and one interesting fact about their name. For example, this could be the origin of their name, a nickname they’ve had, or a famous person with the same name.
Encourage students to think creatively and include any aspects related to the meaning, cultural significance, or personal stories tied to their name.
Sharing Stories (15 minutes): Invite each student to share their name and the interesting fact they wrote down. If the group is large, have students form small pairs or groups to share their stories first before a larger sharing session.
As students share, write key vocabulary, expressions, or phrases on the whiteboard or flip chart that arise from the discussions. This will contribute to a live vocabulary bank that can be referenced throughout the course.
Connected Learning (5 minutes): Conclude the icebreaker by highlighting the various themes that arose during the sharing, such as cultural diversity, personal identity, and language nuances. Explain that language is not just a means of communication but also a bridge to understanding each other’s experiences.
Transition into the Lesson (5 minutes): Connect the icebreaker to the day’s lesson topic. For instance, if the lesson is about storytelling techniques, discuss how the personal stories shared can serve as inspiration for narrative styles or character development in writing.
By starting your English lesson with a personal and engaging icebreaker like “The Story Behind Your Name,” you not only create a welcoming atmosphere but also cultivate a sense of community among adult learners. This approach sets a participative tone, promotes language use right from the get-go, and effectively hooks students into the day’s learning objectives.