Laurie FM
"Three little pigs" activity (ESL classroom)
In my ESL classroom, I constantly seek creative and engaging ways to help my students practice English. One particularly successful activity was re-enacting the classic tale of "The Three Little Pigs" using a printable version of the story. This activity not only captured the students' attention but also provided a fun and interactive way to practice vocabulary and language skills.
Setting the Stage
Before diving into the re-enactment, I introduced the story of "The Three Little Pigs" to my students. We began with a reading session where I narrated the tale, showing them colorful illustrations to keep them engaged. I made sure to emphasize key vocabulary words, such as "straw," "sticks," "bricks," "wolf," "blow," and "house," explaining their meanings and using them in sentences. This initial reading helped set the foundation for the activity and familiarized the students with the story's plot and characters.
Preparing the Printables
I provided each student with a set of printables that included character masks, house cut-outs, and other essential props from the story. The students colored and cut out the characters of the three pigs and the big bad wolf. They also prepared miniature houses made of straw, sticks, and bricks. This hands-on preparation was not only enjoyable but also reinforced the vocabulary words associated with the materials and characters.
Assigning Roles and Practicing
Once the props were ready, I assigned roles to the students. Some students played the three little pigs, while others took on the role of the big bad wolf or served as narrators. We practiced the story a few times, with me guiding the students through their lines and actions. This practice allowed the students to become comfortable with their roles and understand the flow of the story.
During the practice sessions, I encouraged the students to use the new vocabulary words in their dialogues. For instance, the pigs would say, "My house is made of straw," or "The wolf will blow my house down!" The wolf would respond with, "I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house down!" This repetition helped reinforce the vocabulary and gave the students the confidence to use the words correctly.
The Re-Enactment
Finally, it was time for the big performance. The students were excited to show off their acting skills and put their English to use. We set up a small stage area in the classroom, and the students donned their character masks and held their props. As the narrators began telling the story, the students acted out their parts with enthusiasm.
The re-enactment was a huge success. The students eagerly participated, using their vocabulary words with confidence. They mimicked the actions of building houses, blowing them down, and running to safety. The activity was filled with laughter and excitement, creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
Reflecting on the Activity
After the performance, we gathered as a class to reflect on the experience. I asked the students how they felt about the activity and what they learned. Many of them expressed that they enjoyed the opportunity to act out the story and found it helpful for practicing new vocabulary. They appreciated the hands-on approach and felt more confident using English in a fun and engaging context.
Conclusion
Re-enacting "The Three Little Pigs" using printables was an excellent way to make learning English enjoyable and effective for my ESL students. The activity provided them with a memorable experience that reinforced their vocabulary and language skills. By incorporating storytelling, role-playing, and hands-on activities, I was able to create an immersive learning environment that motivated the students to practice English enthusiastically.
Incorporating classic tales like "The Three Little Pigs" into the ESL classroom not only enhances language learning but also fosters creativity and collaboration among students. I look forward to using more stories and re-enactments in the future to continue making English learning an exciting adventure for my students.
