I was a shy student, never answering the teachers’ questions in class, even when I knew the answers. I was always afraid of speaking up, fearing that students would mock me for mispronouncing a word. However, hearing, telling, reading, and writing stories always made me enthusiastic about learning and studying. I believe that this feeling is universal for everyone. My ESL teaching method – The Sally’s Valley – is based on narratives, which integrate all four language skills. The Valley is a place for creativity and imagination. When stories are told or read, everyone is drawn to them because the listeners usually have no prior knowledge of the stories. They do not (often) interrupt to correct mistakes. Moreover, from my teaching experience, I noticed that stories attract children and adults alike, and they look forward to learning through narratives. It is for these reasons that a teacher should adopt this new teaching method.
To create an environment conducive to effective storytelling, it is important for students to feel at ease when participating in activities such as sharing, reading, or writing stories. To facilitate this, I plan to have classical music playing softly in the background, drawing inspiration from the Desuggestopedia method. This music will help to break down any psychological barriers that learners may have, allowing them to feel more comfortable and expressive. In addition, I will use picture prompts to start discussion and critical thinking about the characters and plots of the stories. These visual aids will encourage students to engage in conversations and analyze the narrative from different perspectives. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to practice their speaking skills by expressing and discussing their personal opinions about the stories and characters. This approach will not only enhance their storytelling abilities but also encourage critical thinking and analytical skills. The students are to read or listen to stories about different cultures and celebrate the heritage months, such as Hispanic Heritage in November, Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May, or Black History in February. As the Audio-Lingual Method emphasizes culture's importance, it is also essential in Sally’s Valley that “Language cannot be separated from culture. Culture is not only literature and the arts but also the everyday behavior of the people who use the target language. One of the teacher’s responsibilities is to present information about that culture” (p.44)
An essential aspect of the Sally’s Valley Method is formal writing assignments. However, students are more likely to engage in writing if they are interested in their essay topics. Most students dislike writing arguments or research essays. Writing a narrative, either personal or fictional, will always motivate students to learn. Everything is a story; even writing an essay is a story connected to real life. Every story, including academic writing, has a connection to reality. Grammar is also essential to help students write stories. Hence, it is introduced through examples in reading. As in Desuggestopedia, the teacher should present and explain the grammar and vocabulary but not dwell on them. Dramatization and role-playing are encouraged, as “fantasy reduces barriers to learning.” (77)
Technology is necessary to create a more dynamic and stimulating environment. Additionally, such tools can be extremely useful in teaching narratives with the Sally’s Valley Method. Videos, PowerPoint presentations, and smartboards are examples of effective technological tools. Young students can watch Vooks, an online read-aloud animated book that can inspire them to choose alternative endings or tell their own stories. The students will use online platforms or blogs like Boomwriter or Google Docs for group writing activities. They can collaborate on essay or narrative writing and share their work. This allows for real-time feedback, peer editing, and a more interactive learning experience. Then, they will have the choice to either work individually or do digital collaborative work for their final project.
In conclusion, the Sally’s Valley method brings a fresh perspective to language learning by focusing on storytelling and creativity. By using music, picture prompts, cultural stories, and technology, this approach makes learning engaging and enjoyable. It helps students feel comfortable, boosts their confidence, and improves their language skills through interactive and meaningful experiences. Embracing this method can transform language education, making it more effective and inspiring for students.
List of 16 Ideas
1. Music is played in the background throughout class time.
2. Cultural content is part of the syllabus. Students’ voices must be heard, and cultural knowledge should be shared to promote diversity and an inclusive classroom environment.
3. Technology integration enhances learning. The teacher uses videos, PowerPoint presentations, or other interactive tools.
4. Collaborative learning is essential, which includes group activities like role-play, games, and discussions.
5. Digital Collaboration: Teams work on projects using digital tools like Google Docs, Google Slides, Boomwriter, or other online platforms.
6. Students listen to digital storytelling tools like Vooks, Epic, or YouTube videos.
7. Reading short stories in literature is highly recommended.
8. As in the Direct Method, vocabulary is emphasized over grammar. Grammar is introduced inductively through examples without focusing on rules.
9. Class presentations: Students share their written narratives with the class. They do not need to stand and present if it makes them nervous; presentations can be shared and viewed on the smartboard.
10. The classroom can be either student-centered or teacher-centered.
11. The teacher and/or peers provide feedback. The teacher monitors all class assignments and activities.
12. The teacher allows time for multiple edits, revisions, and, most importantly, reflection.
13. Picture prompts are used to create engaging discussions in the classroom and improve students' speaking skills.
14. The teacher encourages critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills by presenting students with images or real-life narratives. Students will also use their analytical skills and connect their learning to real-world problems.
15. Imagination is a powerful tool. Creativity in writing is encouraged. Not all assignments are connected to real life.
16. Project-based learning at the end of the semester: Students will work on projects that require research, collaboration, and application of their narrative skills.
References
Larsen-Freeman, D., & Anderson, M. (2018). Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching. Oxford University Press.