Engaging Summer Activities for Students Struggling with Reading and Listening
Making Language Learning Fun and Effective During the Break
Summer break is a time for relaxation and fun, but for EFL students who struggle with reading and listening, it's also an opportunity to improve their language skills in a stress-free environment. Here are some enjoyable activities that high school students and adults can do over the summer to enhance their English proficiency without feeling like they're doing homework.
The Importance of Consistency in Language Learning
Consistency in language learning is crucial for progress. According to researcher Tony McAleavy, consistent and sustained learning practices are essential for language acquisition (McAleavy, 2020). Engaging in enjoyable language activities regularly can reinforce learning and help students improve their skills gradually.
Activity 1: Immersive English Media
Watching TV Shows and Movies:
1. Choose Series with Subtitles: Students can watch popular TV series like "Friends" or "The Office" with English subtitles. This helps them associate spoken and written language.
2. Movie Marathons: Organize themed movie marathons (e.g., all Harry Potter movies). Discuss plot and characters with friends or family in English.
3. Documentaries: Platforms like Netflix offer a range of documentaries. Students can watch these to learn new vocabulary related to their interests.
Listening to Podcasts and Audiobooks:
1. Podcasts on Hobbies: Students should find podcasts about their hobbies (e.g., cooking, sports, tech). This makes learning relevant and engaging.
2. Audiobooks: Listening to audiobooks like "Harry Potter" or "The Great Gatsby" can improve both listening skills and comprehension.
3. Language Learning Podcasts: Podcasts specifically designed for EFL learners can provide structured listening practice.
YouTube Channels:
1. Educational Channels: Channels like TED-Ed or CrashCourse offer educational content that is both informative and language-rich.
2. Vloggers: Following English-speaking vloggers who share daily life, travel, or lifestyle content can provide casual listening practice.
3. DIY and Tutorial Videos: Watching and following along with DIY projects or cooking tutorials can be both practical and language-enriching.
Activity 2: Interactive Language Apps and Games
Language Learning Apps:
1. Duolingo or Memrise: These apps turn language learning into a game, offering rewards and streaks for consistent practice.
2. Babbel: Provides structured lessons with real-life dialogues, helping improve both listening and reading skills.
3. Quizlet: Students can use or create flashcards for vocabulary building, which can include audio features for pronunciation practice.
Online Games:
1. Word Games: Games like Scrabble or Boggle can help expand vocabulary.
2. Interactive Story Games: Apps like "Episode" or "Choices" let students make decisions in English, impacting the storyline.
3. Language Exchange Games: Games like "Words with Friends" where students can play with native speakers or other learners.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Apps:
1. Mondly VR: Provides immersive language practice scenarios.
2. Google Expeditions: Students can explore English-speaking places virtually, enhancing both cultural and language understanding.
3. AR Flashcards: Augmented reality can bring vocabulary flashcards to life, making learning more interactive and memorable.
Activity 3: Real-World Practice
Language Exchange Meetups:
1. Conversation Partners: Joining language exchange meetups or online platforms like Tandem to practice speaking and listening with native speakers.
2. Local Community Events: Participating in local English-speaking community events or clubs.
3. Travel: If possible, traveling to an English-speaking country or city for immersive practice.
Writing and Reading Clubs:
1. Book Clubs: Joining or forming a book club to discuss English books or articles.
2. Online Writing Platforms: Platforms like Wattpad allow students to read stories written by others and write their own, receiving feedback from the community.
3. Blogging: Starting an English blog on a topic of interest, encouraging both reading and writing practice.
Engaging in these activities over the summer can help EFL students improve their reading and listening skills in a fun and relaxed manner. Consistency is key, as highlighted by McAleavy’s research, to ensure that learning is continuous and effective. By integrating language practice into enjoyable activities, students are more likely to stay motivated and make significant progress.
Reference:
McAleavy, T. (2020). The impact of consistent practice on language acquisition. London: Education Development Trust.