TOPIC: RESIDENCE - LESSON 1

Window swap
(1 x 45 min)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 


1) to encourage a reflection on students' surroundings 


2) to practice speaking and effective communication


3) to raise awareness of new virtual resources

WARM-UP: YOUR WINDOW

Think of your favorite window view from your home. It

could be from your bedroom, kitchen, living room, hall or attic. Or maybe you prefer the view from your front or back door? 

Please don't go to look at this view now, even if you're at home. Just close your eyes and try to recall as many details of your chosen view as possible. 



Classroom work:

     Work in pairs. Describe the view to your partner in as many details as possible. Your partner's role is to draw it. Take turns, compare the pictures, and give each other feedback. 

Remember! It's not a drawing competition, so be kind and forgiving. Focus on the composition, not your classmate's drawing skills.


OPTIONAL: EXTRA INTERCULTURAL MILE: If you're collaborating with a partner from another class/school or country, you can complete this task ASYNCHRONOUSLY on a shared google doc, but you can also TRY to connect SYNCHRONOUSLY on a video app of your choice and conduct the exercise LIVE. TIP: Remember to check the time zones! 


Individual work:

     Without looking at the view, try to draw it from memory with as many details as possible. Describe the picture in English. Compare it with the real view. Are you happy with your picture? If this brought you joy, repeat the activity with a view from another window. Try to include even more details this time.

WINDOW SWAP



Visit the website Window Swap. Click the button and explore window views from all around the world!


You can also watch a video with a compilation of 50 window views from 30 countries. 


GUIDING QUESTIONS



Classroom work

Work in small groups, arrange a discussion (you can use the guiding questions above and add your own, too) and share your findings during the open class feedback session at the end of the lesson.


Individual work

Write a short blog article (200 - 400 words) for your school website about the Window Swap as a new Internet tool you've recently discovered. Use the guiding questions from this activity. 

POSSIBLE EXTENSION: YOUR MOVE! 


If you liked the idea of Window Swap, record a 5-10-minute video and upload it to the website. Allow people from all around the world to enjoy the view from your window!


If your classmates liked the idea too, you or your teacher can create a Padlet and share all of the class videos on a Padlet board.

TIP: To learn how to use Padlet, check  the Tech Tool Page

TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS


4. Communication


7. Technology literacy


8. Flexibility


12. Social skills

COMMUNICATION

Students present ideas to others through conversations and discussions in offline F2F settings

TIP: It is possible to complete this task by setting up cross-school pairs and synchronously connecting online via tech tool like Zoom, Whatsapp, Messenger, FaceTime or another one. 

COLLABORATION

OPTIONAL EXTRA INTERCULTURAL MILE: Synchronous collaboration on the task via chosen video app. Coordination of time zones.

METACOGNITION

Questions for students: