As many teachers explore new methods of teaching and learning in response to COVID-19, I’ve decided to share some free classroom activities for English teachers that have worked in my classroom to help other educators support and engage their students.
As an educator, it’s become a challenge to meet students’ needs in a rapidly changing learning environment — finding engaging ways to teach remotely, quickly getting up to speed with new technologies, and keeping on top of shifting policies and guidelines.
To make this challenging time easier, I’ve created, adapted and modified some free classroom activities for English teachers to help those who may need them.
How to use
All resources are digital and can be used for both virtual and in person teaching. Activities can be used for grades 8-12 depending on the ability of your students.
Clicking on the links will ask you to make a copy of the activity and save to your drive. Make sure you have a Google account.
Not all the resources are 100% original and sources have been given credit where possible. If I discredited or left out a source, do reach out so I can rectify the error. Please use these to ease the burden of finding and creating resources for your English classes. DO NOT resell them for profit.
For the film study units, I recommend watching this video I created for helpful guidlines on how to execute a film study effectively. For more teaching advice, you can check out my hashtag #pandasteachingtips on Instagram.
Click on each image to lead you to the resources
Activities range from poetry writing for beginners to analytic poetry essays. Includes a collaborative class exercise.
Concepts assessed:
Speaking & Listening
Reading
Writing
Creativity
A few surveys I use to check in with my students regarding their mental health & their class expectations. Mood boosting notes are also available for days when they need an extra pick-me-up.
A bold & riveting movie, this unit focuses on relevant themes like race, empathy, identity, self awareness & stereotyping. The movie has violence and strong language so only suitable for mature students (prep them).
Skills assessed:
Comprehension
Writing
Synthesis
Creativity
A feel good film for all students. Activities cover themes like conformity, belonging, traditions, self worth and the pursuit of passions.
Skills assessed:
Comprehension
Writing
Synthesis
Creativity
Speaking & Listening
The perfect movie for teaching concepts like feminism, equality, inclusion, diversity and female liberation.
Skills assessed:
Comprehension
Writing
Synthesis
Speaking & Listening
This movie tackles issues of bullying, belonging, self doubt and examines the complexity of family relationships and friendships.
Skills assessed:
Comprehension
Speaking & Listening
Writing
Synthesis
Creativity
A resident story showing how hard work doesn’t always guarantee success. Students will be asked to ponder life lessons learnt from this movie in the activities.
Skills assessed:
Comprehension
Writing
Synthesis
Speaking & Listening
A wide variety of topics for informational essays that will appeal to students of all ages and backgrounds.
Skills assessed:
Grammar
Writing
Synthesis
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1 Comment
Thank you for the teaching tips expatpanda, any recommendations for good durable headphones that can be used for film study units? Thanks.