How to Teach an ESL Class About Signs & Symbols
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) classes about signs and symbols is very important. Students need to be able to identify and understand various signs and symbols that they see in their environment in the classroom and in public. With limited supplies and funds, you can easily teach an ESL class about common signs and symbols.
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Things You'll Need
- Camera
- Printer
- Several pieces of poster board or cardboard
- Markers
- 3-by-5 or other size index cards
Instructions
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Make a list of the signs and symbols that the students need to learn. This list will differ depending on the age of the students and the learning objectives of your class. For example, if you are teaching signs and symbols to elementary school children, your list of signs and symbols may include stop signs, hazardous warning symbols, and street crossing signs.
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If possible, use a digital camera to take pictures of the signs and symbols as they will appear to the students in real life. If this is not possible, use Google images to find the correct pictures and print them. If you do not have access to a color printer or digital camera, use poster board or cardboard and markers to draw the signs and symbols by hand.
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Write labels for the images using the 3-by-5 index cards. Write in large, block letters that are easy to read.
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Review the pictures with the ESL class. For example, tape all the pictures onto a board or wall. Read the cards and tape the cards underneath the correct picture. Use hand gestures (stop, tall, big, wide) to help you explain each symbol or sign.
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Invite students to play matching or memory games with the picture cards. Take the pictures and labels down from the wall or board. Divide students into small groups of two or three people and give each group pictures and labels. Instruct students to turn all of the pictures face down and flip them over one by one, saying the name and meaning of the symbol or sign.
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Test the students to see how well they have learned the signs and symbols. To test their knowledge, give the students printed copies of the picture cards. Ask each student to write the title of the sign or symbol and provide a description of what it means and where they may see the sign or symbol in their environment.
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Instruct students to find similar signs in their native language. For example, the English "stop" road sign is "alto" in Spanish. This activity will help students make stronger connections between the meanings of signs or symbols in English.
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Tips & Warnings
Invite students to play the matching or memory games several times. Give students plenty of time to practice and learn signs and symbols. Have the picture cards and labels available for use at all times.
Do not give students more than five symbols or signs to learn at a time.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
