Communicative Language Learning: Designing A New School Space

Communicative Language Activities: Designing A New School Space

 Here are some ideas on how to use these handy resources!

Design the space

• Divide students into groups.
• Explain that they will be designing a new school space.
• Give each group a large piece of paper and set a fixed time for them to brainstorm, research, and design the space. You can let them use the internet to look for ideas on modern education architecture.
• Ask the groups to present their design to the class. You can ask the groups to have one assigned presenter or divide the project into parts so that each team member has a part to present and talk about. Invite the class to give suggestions and opinions on their classmates’ presentations.

 Debate your classmate

• Follow the steps above or distribute the cards and skip the design part.
• Ask students to hold a debate where they present arguments in favour of their group’s upgrade to the school premises.
• Hold a class vote but remember to mention students cannot vote for their own team’s design
• Announce the winners!

Fast filler version

If you want to use this worksheet for a fast warmer or filler activity, follow these steps:

• Divide students into groups.
• Explain that they will have 5 to 10 minutes to brainstorm 5 changes to the school space assigned to their group.
• Give each group the card and start the timer.
• Hold a quick class feedback.

Follow-up

If you want to expand this to whole class, follow the first two activities suggested above and end the lesson with a discussion on what improvements students would like to be made to their school. As homework, tell them to make a proposal for such changes that outlines the alterations and gives arguments for making them.