Activity Overview
Many ELL classrooms have students whose families hail from all over the world. This project gives students the chance to share important and interesting information about their country of origin. In the process, it builds classroom community, allows students to feel seen and appreciated, and also gives students the perfect opportunity to practice their English! Teachers can have students brainstorm the answers to the following prompts about their country: name, typical greeting, location, flag, capital, typical food, local customs or traditions, traditional music, popular tourist spots, and a typical farewell. Then, students will create a 10-cell narrative storyboard that includes illustrations and speech bubbles of text description that answer the prompts. The students can choose a character that looks like them, or someone imaginary, to guide the reader through learning about their country! When they're finished, students can share their storyboard with the class, or a small group!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 10-cell storyboard that answers the prompts and includes illustrations and speech bubbles to explain important facts about a country.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment"
- Using the template, answer the prompts for each cell.
- Include a character and design illustrations that include scenes and items to answer the prompt for each cell.
- Give your character speech bubbles where they explain the answers to the prompts for each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
1. country name
2. typical greeting
3. location
4. flag
5. capital
6. typical food
7. local customs or traditions
8. traditional music
9. popular tourist spots
10. typical farewell
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing and Grammar usage | All of the descriptions are detailed and complete. They answer the prompts accurately and are grammatically correct. | Most of the descriptions are detailed and complete. They answer most of the prompts accurately with only a few grammatical errors. | Only some of the descriptions are detailed and complete and there are many grammatical errors. |
| Illustrations | All of the illustrations clearly depict the written descriptions using appropriate characters, scenes and items. | Most of the illustrations depict the written descriptions using appropriate characters, scenes and items. Some are unclear or unfinished. | Only a few of the illustrations depict the written descriptions using appropriate characters, scenes and items. Most are unclear or unfinished. |
| Effort | All of the work is complete, thorough, and neat. It is evident student put forth a lot of effort | Most of the work is complete, thorough, and neat. It is evident student put forth some effort. | Only some of the work is complete, thorough, and neat. It is evident student did not put forth adequate effort. |
How to Integrate Storyboards to Teach Cultural Festivals in ESL Settings
Introduction to Cultural Festivals
Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of cultural festivals. Introduce students to various festivals from around the world, highlighting their significance, traditions, and customs. Use photos or videos of festivals to make the introduction engaging and informative.
Research on a Specific Cultural Festival
Assign each student or group of students a specific cultural festival to research. Provide guidance on what aspects to focus on, such as the history of the festival, how it is celebrated, traditional foods, costumes, music, dances, and any unique rituals associated with it. Encourage students to use ESL resources to aid their research.
Creating Storyboards for the Chosen Festival
Instruct students to create a 10-cell narrative storyboard depicting the festival they researched. Each cell should represent a different aspect of the festival, with illustrations and brief text descriptions in English. Encourage students to include speech bubbles or short dialogues in some cells to bring the scenes to life. This step allows students to creatively express their understanding of the festival while practicing their English language skills.
Presentation and Discussion
Have students present their storyboards to the class. Encourage them to explain each cell in English, highlighting what they learned about the festival. After presentations, facilitate a class discussion on the similarities and differences between the festivals studied, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cultural Connections
Why is Cultural Understanding Important in Language Education?
Cultural understanding is a vital component of language education because it enriches the learning process and enhances communication skills. Learning a language is not just about mastering grammar and vocabulary; it's also about understanding the context in which the language is used. Cultural knowledge provides insights into the customs, values, and social norms of native speakers, which is essential for effective and nuanced communication. It helps students comprehend idiomatic expressions, humor, and references that are culturally specific. Furthermore, cultural understanding fosters empathy and respect for diversity, preparing students for real-world interactions in a globalized environment where cross-cultural communication is increasingly common.
What Are Some Effective Cultural Connection Activities for the Classroom?
Incorporating cultural connection activities into the classroom can be both engaging and educational. Effective activities include cultural presentations where students share information about their own culture or a culture they've researched, facilitating a mutual learning experience. Role-playing exercises that simulate social situations or customs from different cultures can provide practical insights. Using authentic materials like films, music, literature, and news articles from various cultures exposes students to language in its cultural context. Discussions on cultural practices, festivals, and traditions can also be enlightening. These activities encourage students to explore and respect cultural differences, enhancing their understanding of the language and its speakers.
What Challenges Might Arise When Teaching Cultural Aspects in Language Classes?
However, teaching cultural aspects in language classes can present several challenges. One of the main challenges is ensuring cultural sensitivity and avoiding stereotypes. Teachers need to present cultures accurately and respectfully, considering the diverse backgrounds of students in the classroom. Another challenge is managing differing viewpoints and potential misunderstandings that might arise during discussions of cultural topics. It requires skill to facilitate these discussions in a way that is inclusive and respectful of all opinions. Additionally, there is the challenge of staying current and relevant, as cultures are dynamic and constantly evolving. Teachers must continually update their knowledge and teaching materials to reflect these changes accurately. Addressing these challenges is crucial for creating an inclusive, respectful, and effective language learning environment.
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