Friday, April 9, 2010
Unexpected Reversal
Singing in a grade 9 applied French class is not that cool. But I'm doing it anyway. My reason? I believe students can be swayed to do something new and "uncool" when it appeals to different learning styles. Its like drawing out a dormant part of their being. I applied for a grant to get some help from a guest musician and songwriter. Today, he brought in a track based on the theme of Endangered Species we had worked out a few weeks ago. A student named James ( not his real name ) sat in the back corner. He participated only when he could make loud noises and otherwise seemed detached from the song-making process. Then Jim ( the musician ) promised to hand out a rhythm instrument to the student who could say his/ her lines in time and clearly audible. James came through and got to beat cowbell in perfect time throughout the whole rehearsal! Sometimes trying a completely different type of activity apeals to a whole new set of intelligences ( musical, kinesthetic, for example). It can bring out a level of performance not previously noticed. In terms of the course requirements targeting reading and writing, James performs at a passing grade level only....
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I think that is a great idea! Learning a language should be fun, creative, interactive, and dynamic and students should develop a passion for French as a Second Language. Grammar books are essential, for the basics, but students are bored with filling in the blanks. Those students who understand can complete the grammar worksheets but the rest copy from their peers. I remember having an incredible French teacher that made French learning fun by letting us write skits and then having us perform in a group, in front of the class. This helped us improve our confidence, prepared us for public speaking and for someone like me, who was shy, it allowed me to come out of my shell and comfort zone. Grade 9 Applied is such a challenging age to teach because students highly regard their peers’ opinions and always want to be accepted in a group. Often if a leader decides not to do something, others follow. Remembering that there are different types of learners and it is our responsibility to reach out to as many as we can, in every way possible. I once worked with a group of four students in Grade 7 French, on "Chicken Little" as a play. The students were not keen on it and some did not cooperate. I continued, role modelling, repeating the skit, using the different voices to portray the characters and incorporated actions. They laughed and thought I was silly but then finally joined me, after I scaffolded, prompted and encouraged them. That is the joy of teaching, sharing in students’ achievements, one line, one word, one phrase and one step at a time.
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