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As teachers, we each have unique styles, whether energetic or calm. However, we can all use gestures and movements to teach English effectively. Children love to move and explore, and they enjoy imitating gestures and expressions. This natural tendency can be harnessed to make learning more interactive and engaging.
Why Use Body Movements in English Classes?
Using gestures and movements enhances verbal communication, aids memory, boosts energy levels, and develops motor skills. Here’s how you can incorporate these techniques:
Simple Commands
Enhance basic classroom commands with gestures to help children remember phrases and reduce the need for constant translation. Here are some examples:
Open the books: Hands open gesture
Page … (number): Show the number with fingers
Listen: Touch the ear
Look: Gesture around the eyes
Let’s write: Pretend to write in the air
Let’s draw: Mimic drawing
Let’s color: Dynamic hand movements as if coloring
Let’s match: Connect points in the air with finger
Tick, circle, cross: Draw in the air or on a whiteboard
Let’s number: Count on fingers
Let’s trace the words: Slowly write in the air
Stand up: Open hands moving up
Sit down: Open hands moving down
Homework: Form a roof with hands
These gestures help convey instructions clearly and engage children with real objects like books, pencils, and crayons.
Grammar
Incorporate body movements into grammar lessons, especially for prepositions and tenses. Use toys or change your position to demonstrate prepositions like “behind,” “under,” or “beside.” For tenses, use gestures to show time and action, making complex concepts more accessible and fun.
Vocabulary, Songs, and Stories
Gestures are perfect for teaching new vocabulary. Children remember words better when paired with movements. Encourage students to create their own gestures, and reinforce learning through songs and stories. This deep learning method enhances long-term memory and makes the class lively and interactive.
Conclusion
Using gestures, movements, and mime in English classes boosts interactivity, enhances learning, and keeps children engaged. Incorporating these techniques makes lessons more dynamic and effective.
Our ENmaven English Worksheets and Lesson Plans for Teachers integrate these methods, demonstrating our commitment to effective learning. Try our resources to experience the benefits firsthand. Happy teaching!