Incorporating Storybird into lessonsThe Storybird website enables learners to create their own image-based stories or poetry, and also offers an assignment tool for teachers to track and assess homework tasks. Both methods are featured in learner activities section of this site, and an example lesson plan for use with Storybird is given below. |
Lesson Plan |
Click here to download a section of my lesson plan on emotional vocabulary, using a Storybird activity. The Storybird stage is highlighted in green. You might wish to add a longer Storybird homework task at the end of this lesson, where learners are asked to write a short story picture-book to solidify the vocabulary learned in the lesson and encourage learner autonomy. These activities can be submitted online and feedback given prior to the next class (see the Learner Activities page for further info).
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Learner Aims |
The main lesson aims are for pre-intermediate students to practice talking about themselves and to learn new emotional vocabulary. The Storybird element specifically aims to allow free and creative practice of newly learned vocabulary in a safe and innovative environment. The use of artwork encourages learners to use their own unique style and personality to express themselves, whilst also empowering those who may be prone to quietness in the physical classroom to articulate their ideas confidently. "Students who are shy in a real life classroom can suddenly feel confident enough to contribute in this new 'space'" (Walker & White, 2013, p141). It also acts as a lead-in to a speaking task on the same topic.
References: Walker, A. & White, G. (2013) Technology Enhanced Language Learning, Oxford: Oxford University Press. |