Mr. Andrew Moulton - TEFL/EAL Teacher
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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Learning a language is complicated.
As a teacher of the English language, I find that keen observation skills, such as the ones emphasized in Science, are invaluable in decoding the intricacies of a new language.
I began a Scientific Unit of Inquiry with the line. Nothing fancy, straight and unadorned, it’s the quickest from point A to B. The line quickly evolved into the rectangle, a yellow rectangle.
The National Geographic rectangle- representative of exploration, curiosity, persistence, observation, and accurate, and often times scientific, reporting on a whole range of topics from around the world.
I fondly remember National Geographic’s yellow rectangle, the images - beautiful, compelling, tragic, they brought the world to me, the images filled my mind, the words inspired me to a life of advocacy on the part of the planet.
Inspired once again by the yellow rectangle, I recently completed a National Geographic Educator course, which, complementary to our IPC goals, is enquiry-based, creative and collaborative, and emphasizes the importance of getting outside to understand our complex and interconnected world.
Observation and Practice
First, I set the scene with an overview. My students have previously shown an interest in drawing, this will broaden their skillset. We compare three videos detailing different scientific illustration drawing techniques. This is meant to be quick, fun, and inspirational. The three perspectives give students techniques to practice in a controlled manner in the classroom. We pick out and deconstruct the key terminology which will be helpful as they immerse themselves in the further stages of their project.
Get Outside
Language happens best when students have an experience to draw from. (Get it? We’re back to the line!) So we get outside into the nearby local park, armed with pencils, paper, clipboards, and erasers. We explore and find trees which need adopting. We give it a try. Students are given the rather challenging task of depicting their three-dimensional tree on a two-dimensional sheet of paper. This, in itself, is rather challenging, but persistence is key- try it! We then make small cuttings of each tree for further, more detailed drawings at home.
A Study in Line - An EAL Perspective of
National Geographic Resources