Discussions and Exciting Mysteries Relieve Stress at Learning English with Laughter
Times are difficult and the future of the world’s economies is unknown. Everyone is affected by this ongoing job uncertainty. It doesn’t matter whether someone is running a big business, working at a low paying job or living on a pension. The changes that are occurring in most countries of the world will affect all of us in one way or another. At Learning English with Laughter we have some thoughts that might lighten your students’ worries, if only for a brief period of time.
The high unemployment rate in many countries is a worry that we all share. It affects not only those who are unemployed and those who have insufficient work, but also large and small companies whose sales are down because so many people can’t afford to buy. A short discussion of this worldwide situation might help your ESL students to become aware that they are not alone, that millions of people are dealing with the same problem.
You might talk to them about the situation in their country. The class could brainstorm for information about how some people are dealing with the problem. Even one or two ideas offered by class members or yourself could spark new ideas and expand the discussion. We realize from experience that as a teacher you risk getting no ideas at all. If that happens tell the students to think about it for the next class. It is worth the risk if even one student is helped by an idea. Another approach would be to try some conversational activities.
Let’s look at another approach to relieving the stress.
Mysterious Mysteries
Everyone loves a mystery! There are ESL mysteries available that allow the students to take the roles of the police, the detectives, the people associated with the crime scene and the guilty individuals. The text of the roles for each character is supplied, the mystery is ready for you to print and distribute to your students. We suggest that you choose a strong student for lead roles such as those of a thief, a detective or a murderer. Such mysteries are great fun! For a time your students will shed some of their worries and go home laughing.
When you offer stimulating activities to your classes the effects can be wide-ranging. They drop their language inhibitions and start thinking and speaking in English. They enjoy a time that removes their minds from the problems of the real world, and who knows, you might inspire someone to become a detective or a police officer! At Learning English with Laughter we work hard to fulfill the promise of our name and get your students laughing.
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