This week, we had to complete readings on interaction and the use of group work in the classroom. I read the chapter from Ways of Doing, which included many sample group activities for the language learning classroom. This reading surprised me, actually, because the majority of the activities were focused on creating an environment in which all learners feel safe and encouraged to participate, and included possible variations depending on the dynamic of the class and their relationships with one another. Some were also focused on mindfulness, and becoming aware of one’s own thoughts and perceptions of one another.

I found these activities to be incredibly useful, and important to consider as a teacher. Many times, when we get really focused on the outcome or product of student work, we forget about the importance of the individual student’s well-being and sense of safety and comfort in the classroom. Students come from all walks of life and have a variety of life experiences; some have experienced trauma, that may make it difficult for them to communicate and participate when they don’t feel completely safe and supported. Some have anxiety, and need a lot of extra support in order to perform at their full potential. One element of supporting these students is getting to know them, individually, and allow their fellow students to get to know them too. One activity from the reading that I feel would help with this process is called “Biography in Pictures.” In this activity, students will interview each other about their life history (similar to our language learner histories, but in interview form), and then draw pictures of the life of the fellow student that they are interviewing. The interviewee can help with the pictures, describing people and places in more detail, and can also include words so that it becomes a sort of pictorial timeline of their life, posted on the walls of the classroom when completed. I think this is a really lovely, low pressure way to support students in building stronger bonds with one another, and creating a safer, more close-knit community in the classroom.

As teachers, we need to be patient, empathetic, and compassionate to our students; we also need to help our students develop these qualities in themselves, so that they can better support their peers. Through activities like the one above, or our language learner histories, or even just including a few minutes of mindfulness practice in the classroom so that the students can stay present and relaxed, we can do more than teach a language. We can build a community of language learners, that supports and engages all members of the group, regardless of their anxiety or trauma or social issues.