…And they learned happily ever after

Shweta Bharti

play1 Being an English teacher is a blessing in disguise. Teaching English is not merely dealing with a subject that begins with rules and rote learning and ends with the dreaded marks or remarks in the report card. It goes far beyond the confines of a classroom. It tags along with you everywhere, whether you flip through the pages of a national daily, enjoy the warmth of your favourite storybook, or pass by the numerous screaming signboards and hoardings that keep mushrooming in our cities. Teaching English gives me the privilege of bringing the gift of a language to my students. Every person is defined by his thoughts but is understood through language. What could be more promising and fulfilling than helping students acquire wings to imagine, express, communicate, and think in a language that has a global status?

When the desired goal is communicative competence, the spirit of communication and interaction has to be kept alive. Providing children with opportunities to talk with one another allows them to question, elaborate, and reflect on a range of ideas. Storytelling is an art and listening to stories has been an integral part of every child’s growth. I have tried to use stories to build a wealth of activities for my classes. And I would like to share with you the ones that have really worked well.

The author runs ‘Spell & Sparkle’, English language Centre for children in Ahmedabad. She can be reached at shwetawrite@yahoo.com.

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