- Tuesday 15 August 2017
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Being a proficient communicator is an essential skill for survival, to ‘get ahead’ in a career or simply to socialise. To be proficient communicators, students need to be able to competently apply the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. To be fluent in English skills, students have to be able to respond quickly, smoothly and easily in whatever communication form is required.
How can teachers help with this? How can they prepare students for life or future employment opportunities? How can teachers prepare students so that their responses become almost automatic?
• First and foremost, teachers always lead by example. Teachers must know, understand and model correct grammar, punctuation, spoken sentence structure, appropriate conversation skills, correct written language and good listening skills. Download a free grammar poster for your classroom by clicking here.
• English skills should be practised in familiar, everyday contexts such as when holding conversations with students, giving instructions or reading books to the students.
• Repetition, repetition, repetition! This is a tried and true method of passing knowledge along (as long as it does not become boring!). Teach English skills in as many different ways as possible. Highlight grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary within relevant contexts such as an appealing text; read a variety of books with the students; play fun words games; use iPads® or technology to provide opportunities to read, speak and write; and use visual clues like posters to enhance concepts and ‘draw in’ visual learners.
• Explain why English should be spoken, read, listened to or written in a particular way. Concepts are more relevant and students have a deeper understanding if they know why things are done a certain way (and when). Rules provide a ‘crutch’ to support students.
• Teach rules for spelling, word-building, grammar, punctuation etc. so students have something to fall back on when they are unsure.
• Get parents ‘on side’ with class and homework activities. Invite them to the room so they know exactly how to support their children at home. Provide quick, relevant homework of already-taught concepts and ensure parents know how to help if they need to.
• Listen to the students as they recount their weekend or after-school activities, and respond appropriately with relevant questions or responses. Speaking skills are such an important part of daily life. Listening to gain or ensure information is imparted are just as relevant.
Whatever methods you choose to use, there is no doubt that fluency in English skills are essential life skills and students without them are at a definite disadvantage. For more information and to download a sample unit for your class to try, take a look at our English skills practice series.
