Do you sometimes ask yourself how to improve English speaking skills with your ELLS? English Language Learners may sometimes be hesitant to speak. Similarly they may be shy or may feel they will say something wrong in English. This ELL speaking strategy is fun and will motivate them to practice speaking. In addition it can be used with all content based instruction. Your students will love it!
Secret Envelope
Purpose: To practice speaking skills and to hold each student accountable for information in which the group is working. (Uses element of surprise)
Activity
• Prepare a set of questions for the group to share. It can be in any subject. The possiblities are endless!
Sample questions: What is the single most important word in this chapter? What is the central theme of this passage/chapter/book? Why did we read this book?
• Type or write the questions on little slips of paper.
• Hand each group a “mystery envelope” with the set of questions in them.
• Taking turns, every member of the group pulls a question from the envelope and reads it to the group.
• Everyone in the group has an opportunity to answer the question.
• Each group will share their group responses with the entire class.
Just remember to keep your ELLS speaking in fun ways so they feel confident and assured! Likewise give them many opportunities throughout the day to speak with their peers. All students love sharing and talking about themselves. In fact that is a great way to start. Secret Envelope can be used with questions about themselves as a begining of the year activity.
Most importantly, you will find this fun for your English Language Learners! SO now if your colleagues ask you, “How to Improve English speaking skills?” you will have some fun strategies to share!
Also I have created a quick reminder of ELL strategies to keep handy if you are interested.
Thank You! This will be very useful.
You are welcome!