3-2-1 TUESDAYS WITH MS NIV

Issue #229, 26th November 2024

If I want to learn a new language, here are some ways I will supplement my classroom learning as a student. Let me know what you currently use. Are you using any of these mentioned here? Which ones work best for you? Here are my top 3 ways that have worked for my students to learn English as a language as non native English speakers.

1. Language Learning Apps

• Download free apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise
• Advantages:
  • Self-paced learning
  • Interactive lessons
  • Available anytime on your smartphone
  • Many offer free basic courses
  • Track your progress easily
• Practice daily for 15-30 minutes
• Focus on vocabulary, basic grammar, and pronunciation

2. Watch English-language media with Subtitles

• Start with:
  • YouTube videos
  • Netflix shows
  • English-language movies
  • Animated content (easier to understand)
• Learning techniques:
  • Use English subtitles first
  • Start with content you enjoy
  • Pause and repeat phrases
  • Write down new vocabulary
  • Try to mimic pronunciation
• Gradually reduce subtitle dependency as you improve

3. Theater and Performance Techniques:

1. Language Learning through Acting

• Participate in English language theater groups
• Watch plays and theater performances online
• Practice script reading
• Do improvisation exercises

2. Specific Theater Exercises

• Read scripts out loud
• Practice different character voices
• Memorize and perform monologues
• Record yourself performing
• Watch performances with subtitles
• Analyze character dialogues
• Practice emotional expression

3. Complementary Activities

• Watch movie adaptations of plays
• Listen to radio plays/podcasts
• Use theater games for language practice
• Join conversation clubs
• Attend storytelling events
• Use drama techniques for pronunciation

Recommended Resources:

• Shakespeare Made Easy series
• YouTube channels with theater performances
• Language learning theater websites
• Local community theater groups
• Online drama workshops

Bonus Tip: Consistency is key. Choose methods you enjoy and make learning fun!

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Three images of the week

Two Thoughts of the Week

The English language is so elastic that you can find another word to say the same thing. — Mahatma Gandhi. 

The limits of my language are the limits of my world. ‒ Ludwig Wittgenstein.   

One Video of the Week

Polyglot and linguist Matthew Youlden explains easy steps to learning a new language and debunks popular myths about language learning. Languages have shaped Matthew’s entire life, from learning languages as a child with his twin brother (www.superpolyglotbros.com) to later being Babbel’s Language Ambassador and working as a lecturer. Having already studied over 20 languages, Matthew’s mission is to share his joy of languages. He truly believes that with the right tools and a healthy dose of fun, anyone can easily learn a new language.

Reading with Ms. Meenu: Tip of the week

Presenting Book Choices with Book Talks:

Sometimes students choose books that just don’t seem to fit them at all, at least from a teacher’s perspective. That’s when you need to pull the student aside and confer privately. Often the kids will surprise you with specific reasons for the choice and prove that they know more about themselves as readers than you do. 

Other times the student may have gotten the titles confused and really meant to pick a different one. We’ve also found it valuable to emphasize how long and thick a book is. Some students do make it a point to turn that longer books are great reads. On the other hand, it is always useful to make kids well aware that a book’s length doesn’t make it a great book or a boring choice. You should focus on the content or the topic of the book. 

Next step is to reflect on that book. It’s an important step to do it initially, especially when junior grades are getting into the habit of reading chapter books. Have the kids read for about twenty minutes and then write dialogue journals with a partner who is reading the same book. They should rank those books and provide their recommendations as well. It’s interesting for other students to revisit that initial feedback and see how their initial expectation matched what the book had to offer.

Happy Reading!
Meenu Gera

Consulting home and school librarian and reading guide.

Career assessment, guidance, and placement strategies:

United Way Bengaluru is one of India’s leading NGOs, focusing on seven impact areas, including education. In 2018, they approached us to deliver career planning training for their scholarship students and first-generation learners.  400 students from small districts in and around Bangalore were to be educated on the importance and methods of career planning. 

Some of the  modules covered included:

• Career Planning & Self Awareness
• Career Planning & Decision Making
• 100+ Career Options across Sciences, Humanities, and Commerce. 

Fermata’s career experts customized the training to suit the student’s learning styles, incorporating a blend of vernacular languages and English. This approach enhanced the effectiveness and ensured the learning outcomes were achieved. Our engagement with United Way Bengaluru continues to this day,  creating a lasting impact in the lives of first-generation learners. 

Case study provided by: Team Fermata, www.fermataco.com

Showcase of the week:

• Competency-Based learning at https://capstonehigh.com/

Grade : 8, Subject: Mathematics, Topic: Rational Numbers. Learning Outcome – Learners will be able to design the face of the clock. They will use their understanding of rational numbers.

By Aarav Shekar Grade 8

• Making of a Sports Day https://www.almamater.education/

And Finally…

Dear reader,
I work with the school leadership team as an advisor, collaborate with teachers as a pedagogical trainer, assist parents as a parenting counselor, and engage one-on-one with students as a personal guide and mentor. This weekly newsletter shares what I read, learn, and experience.

3-2-1 Tuesdays with Ms. Niv is a newsletter you can subscribe to and enjoy your learning journey with me.

From the archives

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Here is the link for – issue#005

https://wordpress.com/post/niveditamukerjee.com/3029

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