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Many English students complain that they understand English, but don't feel confident enough to join a conversation. There are a number of reasons for this including:
- Students are trying to translate from their native language into English.
- Production "blocking" is occurring due to nervousness, lack of confidence, etc.
- The speaker is looking for a specific word, rather than using simple language to describe what is meant.
- There aren't enough conversation opportunities in or outside of class.
- Students aren't able to speak to peers (for example: mixed classes of adults and teenagers).
- Exam preparation focuses on grammar, vocabulary, etc. and leaves little time for active use.
Here are a number of resources, lesson plans, suggestion pages and more which will help you and your students improve English speaking skills in and outside of class.
Speaking Strategies
English language learners (ELL) may find speaking the hardest part of learning English. Classroom instruction heavily favors reading, writing and listening skills, but speaking skills should be an integral part of English learning. For strategies for improving speaking skills, the ELL classroom should provide variety in practical speaking situations and use role-playing and presentations to boost student confidence.
- Group Interaction
- To help your English language learning classroom enjoy practicing speaking in English, use interactive strategies to help them build fluency when speaking. Spend time talking about favorite music groups and song titles and bring that music and lyrics of their favorite songs to class. Bring a copy of each song's lyrics for each student to read over. Listen to the song carefully, and then lead your ELL class into chanting the lyrics. Music and poetry contain a cadence that lends itself to speaking fluently. Practice as a group so your class feels the beat more. Lead a discussion on favorite movies or books familiar to everyone. Give every student the chance to retell the story in his own words. They may need time to organize their thoughts and check pronunciations of uncommon words, but the story-telling should be easy with familiar tales and plots. Use stories you read aloud in your ELL classroom as a jumping off point for personal story-telling. For instance, if you read a story about a scared little boy, ask someone to share a scare time she remembers.
- Role Playing
- Many ELL students need practice in using everyday phrases and courtesies to speak confidently in English. Provide opportunities for your students to engage in role-playing to improve their speaking skills. Remind students to think in English with the phrases they know would be polite in a situation. For example, set up a mock restaurant with a table and chair and practice ordering in English, or set up a mock store to practice buying something. Doing a reader's theater in the ELL classroom where everyone reads a part in a drama can help your students improve speaking with emotion. Give your class the script ahead of time so they can familiarize themselves with any tricky words. Act out certain universal stories such as "Little Red Riding Hood" to bring the emphasis away from speaking and more onto acting and thinking in English, which will help their English become more natural.
- Presentations
- Give your students opportunities to present information in class. Hold an informal show and tell day where everyone brings something from home to share with the class. Give your ELL class notice so they can prepare and practice ahead of time. Offer class time to let them ask you questions on any particular words they need. Model for them how and what you want them to do. Bringing something from your home can make them feel comfortable doing their presentation. Do not make shy students stand in front of the classroom if they can adequately share from their desks.
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