Students' ability to learn English should not be limited to what is written in textbooks. Allowing them to experience real-life scenarios and apply what they've learned beyond the classroom will expand their knowledge and help them gain new insights from the people they encounter.
As a teacher, I believe English is not just a subject to take or a course to pass; it is a means for our students to communicate outside of their comfort zones. My goal as their teacher is to make them understand that English is a valuable tool they will need in the future.
OPENING REMARKS
Pu Yan Junior High School English Camp started with an opening remarks by our very own principal, Tsai Chun-Hsu. This camp wouldn't be possible without his support in any ways he can.
The activities were the following:
Cheer Me Up. Participants will be asked to create a unique name team and a short “cheer” for their team for ten minutes.
Pick the Picture. For this activity, the teacher will stand at the middle in front of the teams holding a handkerchief. For example, teacher says speaker, the first team who gets the handkerchief will have the chance to answer by picking the correct picture on the board.
Look for It. The teacher will give each group a list of school things to find around the school campus. (Hallway, auditorium, old playground, basketball court).
Spell it Right. Each group will fall in line. The teacher will then say a word that the students learn from their previous activity. The participant whose 1st on the line will do it first. Each group will have 5 cups with water in it. On the 1st cup, there is a ping pong ball. They need to blow the ping pong ball until it reaches the last cup without falling. Then, if the participant does it successfully s/he can post the correct spelling using the cut letters.
Perfect Match Game. Each team will be given 5 minutes to do the task. Picture of Jobs and printed words will be pasted around the classroom. Participants should match the picture (jobs) with its printed word.
Popped and Name It Game. Each team will fall in line and will be given 3 minutes to do the task. Participants need to pop one balloon at a time. Inside the balloon is a picture of a job. They should name it correctly. If the participant is done, next will pop another balloon and do the same thing until it reaches the time allotted.
Principal Tsai Chun-Hsu warmly welcomed our participants from different grade levels of Puyan Junior High School. The school also opened the camp to some elementary students who wanted to join.