BÜMED MEÇ Schools Foreign Languages Coordinator Berna Özerdem recommended games and activities to families to support and motivate children's language learning during the distance education period.
Boğaziçi University Alumni Association Wondering Children Schools (BÜMED MEÇ) continues its English and Turkish program with two class teachers, one in Turkish and one in English, with the same educational approach throughout the year. BÜMED MEÇ Schools Foreign Languages Coordinator Berna Özerdem, who aims to raise students who learn English fondly, who are confident in using written and spoken ways, who know and understand different cultures and lifestyles and gain the skills to compare their own cultural characteristics with different cultures, said, “During the epidemic we live, Even in this uncertain time, our children are learning, growing and developing ”, recommends that families take some steps to support and motivate their children's language learning during the distance education period.
“All children love to play and these play times are very precious times when learning is the most fun and permanent. The games offer our children a fun-filled, relaxed environment where they can practice using new words and express themselves freely. Participating in entertainment activities is an effective method that improves language and communication skills, gains self-confidence and strengthens friendships. Some games and activities that integrate language learning with entertainment can help us parents in this sense, ”says Berna Özerdem, and also suggests families not to be oppressive in this regard. Referring to the importance of not creating a sense of anxiety in children, Berna Özerdem makes the following suggestion: “We parents should not forget that our children need a certain amount of time to absorb a foreign language. We should remind themselves of the benefits of using language from time to time, without pressure, without a feeling of anxiety, and by making them feel a need. We must be patient and take into account that each child will complete their English language learning according to their own development process. "
Games and Activities that Integrate Language Learning with Entertainment
Word games: With word games, you can expand your children's vocabulary, help them focus on sounds and letters, and develop the skills they need for reading, writing and spelling. Here are some word games that can support this:
- Guess the animal: Give the kids a word and have them guess an animal that rhymes with that word. Like "Mat-bat, dig-pig, box-fox…".
- I spy: It is a very simple and fun game that is played very often in teaching words. Name the first letter of an object near you and ask them to guess what that object might be.
- Generate a word: (Make a word): If you have plastic letters, magnet letters or letter blocks, you can play this game easily. It can also be played mentally with older children or with paper and pen. Give your child a few letters and ask them to make words out of those letters.
- Unscramble the words (Unscramble the words): A simple word game for kids that will make them really think. Write a list of words on a piece of paper, but mix the order of letters as you write. Ask your child to look at the letters and guess what the word is. Although it is a highly competitive word game, it will keep your child's mind busy.
- Categorization (Scattergories): This is a game that children love very much. Draw a table on plain paper and write some categories (eg "plant-plant", "name-name", "animal-animal", "food-food") on one side of the table and write alphabet letters on the top. The alphabet does not have to be the whole. The goal is to try to think of a word for each letter and category.
Stories: Children love books with bright colors and pictures that interest them. Say the words by looking at the pictures together. After a while, "What is this?" encourage them to say the words. Listening to stories is just as effective as reading. In this way, they reinforce English sounds and rhythms.
Reading books with older children sohbet can be a great way to do. You can ask them to describe their favorite characters, give reasons why they enjoyed the story, and summarize the story. Keeping a reading diary in which children record the books they have read improves their writing skills while at the same time giving them a sense of accomplishment in how many books they have read in English.
Songs (Songs): Songs are one of the best ways for your kids to improve their English. You can support children's English more comfortably because they are relaxing and fun. The songs also play an active role in improving English comprehension and fluency. They are a great way to hear words spoken in an American or British accent because they are rich in vocabulary. Memorable songs will increase your child's language fluency and help them memorize words and phrases more easily.
Rhymes (Tongue twisters): Nursery rhymes are another fun way to teach your kids the correct pronunciation of words. Start with the simple ones and work your way towards the hard ones.
Be the first to comment