Our senses play a crucial role in how we experience and interact with the world around us. From the scent of freshly baked bread to the vibrant colors of a sunset, our senses provide us with a wealth of sensory information that shapes our perceptions, emotions, and memories. Engaging the senses is not only a powerful tool for enhancing our experiences but also a valuable approach to teaching and writing in English.
Read MoreAs English Language Teaching (ELT) has become more globalized, the demand for high-quality educational content has increased exponentially. Typically, textbooks and academic journals have served as the main sources of inspiration of new ideas in the classroom. But for some time now, ELT professionals have taken to blogging to provide valuable insights, tips, and resources to fellow teachers.
Read MoreAs English language teachers, we know that writing is a critical skill that requires continuous practice to develop proficiency. We also understand the importance of specialized writing, where specific knowledge and terminology are required to communicate effectively within a particular field or industry. In today's digital age, blogging can be an effective tool to advance specialized writing competence in the English language.
Read MoreLooking Back
So far we have completed some really great writing activities this year starting with journaling back in January as a way to reflect on what we achieved, where we want to go, and, most importantly, how we are going to get there. I prepared some writing prompts for teachers to use with their students and even some prompts for teachers to reflect on their own personal and professional situation and development. Find time to check them out.
Read MoreCreativity - Where Are You?
I would usually describe myself as a ‘creative’ person. But, currently, I am feeling somewhat stuck, somewhat lacking in ideas. So, it got my thinking - where does creativity come from?
Read MoreThe What: Digital Storytelling
At this point, the case has been made for developing Creative Fluency through critical reading and creative writing. And more specifically, we have even touched on the importance of English Language Teachers (ELTs) writing and sharing their own stories in the classroom. But if we really drill down, writing a story or speaking/telling a story are not the only options for expressing ourselves in a creative way. There is a third way. And that way is Digital Storytelling - a technique that combines storytelling with multimedia elements such as images, videos, and sounds.
Read MoreSimple Activity to Get Your Learners Writing Creatively
This activity is a great way to weave creative writing into your lesson. It does not require a lot of prep and you can control the amount of time it takes by setting a limit.
Here are some web links to pictures that may be suitable as prompts for lower level, intermediate level and advanced level users of the English language.
Read MoreBenefits of Telling Your Story
It is important for English language teachers to write and share their own personal stories in the classroom for many reasons.
Read MoreThe Benefits of Short Stories in the English Language Classroom
Without doubt, short stories can be an effective tool for English language learning and teaching. They offer a manageable amount of text for students to read, understand, and discuss, making them ideal for language learners at various levels of proficiency. Following on, reading short stories can also help improve vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills, as well as develop critical thinking and analysis skills. Additionally, short stories can provide a window into different cultures, helping learners expand their cultural knowledge and appreciation for diverse perspectives. For teachers, using short stories in the classroom can be a dynamic way to engage students, enhance language development, and bring literature to life.
Read MoreTime to Reflect
With a heavy workload and myriad of online distractions, it’s important to reduce time scrolling our mobile phones and reflect on personal and professional developments. Here are some self-reflection prompts to get you started:
Read MoreJournal It
At the beginning of the new year, we are actively looking to start something new. Motivation is high, the goal is ambitious, and we may have made a good plan. But how likely are we to stick to the plan? Maybe 50 per cent? I don’t know. But I do know when we also include a way to hold ourselves accountable, the success rate sky rockets. Hence, I would like to suggest some journaling activities that you can run to support your learners develop and maintain a new writing habit.
Read MoreThe Value of Journaling
It is very common at this time of year, to start reflecting on what has gone before and look toward what is to come. It is a time to take stock, consider what went well, what didn't and what changes can be made in the immediate future to achieve a form of contentment and well-being going forward. Now is the perfect moment to start journaling and use this powerful tool to uncover your authentic self and ensure that you are living in alignment with your values and priorities.
Read MoreCreative Writing Challenge - October 2022
An online event for English Language Teachers to find their voice, build a writing habit and gain inspiration for writing lessons, materials, blogs and more.
Join us and take your first steps towards Creative Fluency.
Read MoreAre you an English language teacher looking to advance your language skills AND boost your creativity in the classroom? Working towards Creative Fluency can help you achieve this goal!
Through a series of interactive workshops and exercises, you will acquire the tools and techniques you need to bring new ideas and fresh approaches to your teaching. You'll learn how to tap into your own creative potential, as well as how to encourage and nurture creativity in your students.
Read MoreLearn English Together 2022
23-25 June 2022
An online event for English learners, organised by English teachers.
The mission/theme of the event is 'Discover your path to English fluency'.
Read MoreAbout the Club
The aim is to build confidence around reading and writing in English, and a sense of community among the Club members. The focus is on developing analytical skills through reading and discussing short stories, and practising creative writing skills by mirroring the structures we encounter.
Read MoreFairy Tales
We all read fairy tales as children. Or at least they were read to us. Like all stories they are a form of escape and excitement. They are enduring because they represent the most common events in our daily lives, such as love, regret, adversity, and so on. But what stands out is the moral lessons that are embedded in the narratives. Not just entertainment, but a sort of Life Skills 101 - don’t go with strangers and definitely don’t let strangers climb up your hair. ;)
Read MoreDigital tools for creativity
So many tech tools out there, so little time to explore them. I’ve done the hard work for you so you can just sit back, read, enjoy and hopefully be inspired to try out these digi-tools that can push your creative reading, creative writing and creative thinking to the next level.
Read MoreAbout the Club
The aim is to build confidence around reading and writing in English, and a sense of community among the Club members. The focus is on developing analytical skills through reading and discussing short stories, and practising creative writing skills by mirroring the structures we encounter. By deconstructing the creative process we carve out space for inspiration, to generate ideas and tease those ideas into something truly wonderful. If you are feeling ready to share, there is an open invitation to read your writing to the group or bring a piece of writing you admire for us to enjoy.
Read MoreAbout the Creative Practice Series
As you know, we are an international group of teachers with a passion for creativity who love learning with and from each other. As such, one of the main aims of this community is to spotlight and give a platform to our members. So that's where the idea of the Creative Practice series has come from - and that’s why I invited SYSWC member Charlynne to share her creative practice with you.
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