Language Approach

Hi there educators!

naaah, naahh do not run away guys! We're not going to eat you, dduuhhh we still need the loyal readers of the blog!

So, together with Stitch and his forever cuteness how about we brief you a little more on what language approach is all about. 

The language-based approach is a method of teaching literature which uses the literary sources as a basis for language exercise and it is designed to build language skills rather than literary skills. In a simple word – literature is not only about reading the text but also understanding the material. It focuses on the language development of the students by providing language-based activities which are more towards student-centered. Hence, as an educator we will focus more on how the students are able to relate their understanding with connection of using the language.

Activities like prediction, cloze, ranking tasks, role play, poetry recital, forum, debate and discussions can be used to create opportunities for language use in the classroom. We can also ask the students' feelings and opinions about the literary text, by connecting the themes of a text and his or her personal life and experiences. This can also help to boost their speaking skill and confidence.

So, how about we provide you some insights on what kind of activities that is both creative and fun thus you will never see any of your students yawning throughout the lit class *drumrollsss*

Pre-reading activities are created to attract your student's attention, hence being as creative as you can will trigger the students to be excited for the next lesson and anticipate your whole teaching process. We thus have created three stages of learning with different activities based on language approach using the same poem:

He Had Such Quiet Eyes by Bibsy Soenharjo

He had such quiet eyes

She did not realise

They were two pools of lies

Layered with thinnest ice

To her, those quiet eyes

Were breathing desolate sighs

Imploring her to be nice

And to render him paradise

If only she’d been wise

And had listened to the advice

Never to compromise

With pleasure-seeking guys

She’d be free from ‘the hows and whys’

Now here’s a bit of advice

Be sure that nice really means nice

Then you’ll never be losing at dice

Though you lose your heart once or twice

example of acrostic poem that student may create

Well, what do you think? Can you apply this in your literature lesson? Sure you can, with the power of a language teacher! Hence, through "Tell and Share", "Addictive Adjective" and 'Acrostic Poem" teachers are able to create a more student-centered atmosphere without leaving the main target of enhancing student's language skill. 

Give it a try and share with us your teaching experience. Good luck teachers!