Teaching English to Years 7 and 8 can be both exciting and challenging. These students are transitioning from primary school into a more structured and demanding secondary education environment, and this is an ideal time to introduce creative and engaging methods that help them develop a love for English. It’s important to create an environment where students feel encouraged to explore language, express themselves, and think critically. Here are some effective and creative strategies for teaching English to younger high school students.
1. Using Multimedia to Engage Students
Incorporating multimedia into lessons is a powerful way to capture the attention of Years 7 and 8 students. Technology plays a major role in their lives, so integrating it into the classroom can make learning more relatable and enjoyable.
Example:
You can introduce a unit on storytelling by using short films, video clips, or animated versions of classic literature. Allow students to compare how stories are told visually versus in written form, fostering critical thinking and discussion about narrative techniques, characters, and themes. Apps like Flipgrid or TikTok can also be used for students to create their own video summaries or adaptations of texts they’re studying.
2. Incorporating Creative Writing Exercises
Creative writing can be a fun and powerful tool for improving students’ literacy and comprehension skills. It encourages them to use their imagination while reinforcing their understanding of language structure, grammar, and vocabulary. Giving students the freedom to express themselves through writing also helps build confidence in their ability to craft narratives.
Example:
To make creative writing more interactive, set up “writing stations” around the classroom where students rotate through various prompts. One station could focus on character development, another on setting, and another on plot twists. By the end of the class, they’ll have the framework for a short story, which they can develop further as a homework task or class project.
Alternatively, you can ask students to write a short story based on an image, a song lyric, or even a single word. This type of exercise promotes creative thinking and challenges students to stretch their imagination while practising language skills.
3. Gamifying Grammar Lessons
Grammar can sometimes feel tedious for students, especially when presented in a traditional, textbook-heavy format. To make grammar lessons more engaging, consider gamifying them through interactive activities or competitive challenges.
Example:
Introduce grammar games like “Grammar Jeopardy” or “Sentence Scramble” to make learning more dynamic. Divide the class into teams and have them compete to identify correct sentence structures, verb tenses, or punctuation rules. You can also use digital tools like Kahoot! to create grammar quizzes that students can answer in real-time, fostering a fun and competitive atmosphere.
Another idea is to incorporate escape room-style activities where students must solve grammar-related puzzles to unlock clues or achieve goals. This taps into their problem-solving skills while reinforcing their understanding of language mechanics in an entertaining way.
4. Collaborative Storytelling
Collaborative learning is a great way to engage students in Years 7 and 8. Group activities allow them to share ideas, learn from each other, and develop communication and teamwork skills. One particularly effective method is collaborative storytelling, where students work together to create and expand on narratives.
Example:
You can start a “round-robin” story where each student adds a paragraph to a shared story. You might start with a single sentence and then have students take turns building on the narrative. By the end of the class, the group will have crafted a unique story together, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Alternatively, you can introduce an online platform where students write in pairs or small groups, using Google Docs to brainstorm and draft their ideas in real time. The collaborative process can lead to surprising and creative outcomes, all while reinforcing core writing and communication skills.
5. Visual Learning with Graphic Novels
Years 7 and 8 students are often highly visual learners, and introducing graphic novels or comics as part of the English curriculum can cater to this strength. Graphic novels use imagery alongside text, which can help students comprehend complex themes or stories more easily, especially if they are struggling with traditional texts.
Example:
Instead of assigning a traditional novel, introduce students to graphic novels like Maus by Art Spiegelman or The Arrival by Shaun Tan, both of which convey deep themes through imagery and minimal text. After reading, you can ask students to write reflections on how the illustrations contribute to the narrative or even challenge them to create their own comic strip adaptation of a scene from another novel they’re studying.
This approach not only makes literature more accessible but also allows students to explore storytelling in multiple formats.
6. Encouraging Class Debates and Discussions
Oral communication is an essential part of the English curriculum, and encouraging class debates is a dynamic way to engage students in Years 7 and 8. Debating allows students to develop their speaking and listening skills while thinking critically about key issues.
Example:
After studying a novel, play, or short story, set up a debate where students argue for or against a character’s actions or discuss themes such as justice, morality, or friendship. This not only deepens their understanding of the text but also helps them develop persuasive speaking techniques and confidence in expressing their opinions.
Another variation is to hold “fishbowl” discussions, where a small group of students discusses a text or topic in the centre of the room, while the rest of the class observes. After the discussion, the class can provide feedback, ask questions, or contribute their thoughts. This method helps sharpen both critical thinking and active listening skills.
7. Connecting Literature to Real-World Issues
Years 7 and 8 students are curious about the world around them, and connecting literature to current events or real-world issues can help make learning more meaningful and relevant.
Example:
When studying dystopian novels such as The Hunger Games or 1984, ask students to relate the themes of government control, media influence, or social inequality to current global issues. You can assign research projects where students explore how literature mirrors societal concerns, fostering both critical thinking and research skills.
You can also encourage students to write opinion pieces or reflective essays on how the themes in a text resonate with their own experiences or current social movements, making learning more personal and engaging.
8. Incorporating Drama and Role-Playing
For younger high school students, drama and role-playing can bring literature to life. It allows students to physically and emotionally connect with the characters and themes they are studying, making learning more immersive.
Example:
During a unit on Shakespeare, instead of just reading aloud in class, have students act out scenes in small groups. Allow them to interpret the characters in their own way, using modern settings or costumes. This not only makes the text more accessible but also encourages creativity and deeper engagement with the language.
You can also use role-playing to explore character motivation in novels. Have students “step into the shoes” of a character and respond to different scenarios based on their understanding of that character’s personality and background. This encourages empathy and a deeper connection with the text.
Final Thoughts
Teaching English to Years 7 and 8 offers a unique opportunity to tap into students’ creativity, curiosity, and emerging critical thinking skills. By using multimedia, encouraging collaborative learning, and incorporating visual aids, drama, and real-world connections, teachers can make English more engaging and accessible for younger high school students. With a creative approach, English becomes more than just a subject—it becomes a journey of exploration and self-expression that resonates with students well beyond the classroom.