Language Sharing Circle

Activity: Language Sharing Circle

BC Curriculum Big Ideas: 

English: People understand text differently depending on their worldviews and perspectives.

 EDCI 448/487 Big Ideas: 

Teachers’ and learners’ awareness of diversity in language, culture and academic needs leads to co-creating inclusive learning opportunities in the classroom.

First Peoples Principles: 

Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.

Learning recognizes the role of indigenous knowledge.

Activity purpose and overview:

• Language is such an important part of our identity, and it is important to celebrate the diversity of language and culture in the classroom. After learning about the importance of inclusivity of different cultures as a way to make ELL, immigrant and indigenous students feel more welcome in the classroom, we felt this activity to be a great way to celebrate and share various perspectives. By allowing students to teach the class something familiar and that means a lot to them (whether in english or another language), we provide opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and gain confidence within the classroom.  Sharing language creates reciprocal relationships by english students learning from ELL students about their culture, and in exchange ELL students practice acculturation and gain more skills in English.
• Students will have time to prepare 3 words or phrases from their first language or dialect that are meaningful to them and share with the class during a sharing circle. By learning other languages as well as diving deeper into the English language based on student choice, the classroom environment becomes more culturally aware, diverse and respectful of others’ perspectives. This activity is best used after the class is familiar with each other and rapport has been built with the teacher and the class.

Instructions:

• Teacher opens discussion about importance of language and allows students to share something about their language or identity to begin brainstorming ideas for language activity
• Teacher provides a worksheet for students to work on at home and are encouraged to discuss ideas with their families (have a few days to do so)
• Students are to write three words or phrases in their first language that resonate with them (and translate into english or another language of choice if already english)

• During the class sharing circle, one by one, students share their chosen words/phrases with the class in a format they are comfortable with
• The teacher continues to guide discussion around language, cultural diversity and emphasizes the concept of inclusion
• Students in the “audience” are encouraged to ask questions and engage with others
• Teacher collects words/phrases and as a class, they come up with a way to showcase the collection visually to remain in the classroom for future reference as a permanent piece (poster, booklet ect.)

Equipment needed: worksheet

 Sample:    

Language Sharing Activity

Write 3 words or phrases in your first language/dialect that are 

meaningful to you . Translate the words into English (or another language of choice) and provide a brief summary about why the word/phrase is relevant to you.

1. Word/phrase _______________________________________________________

2. Translation  __________________________________________________       

3. Relevance to you _____________________________________________________

Rationale as an effective ELL activity:

• This activity strongly encourages the trans-disciplinary core competencies of “Communication” and “Personal/Social”
• Communication and collaborating: encourages students to connect and engage with others, build relationships, and supports group interaction
• Encourages written and oral communication as well as oral presentation
• Personal and cultural identity: promotes personal reflection and awareness about the language, culture, and values that have helped shape them
• Honoring students’ first language/culture/values promotes student confidence and appreciation and creates an environment of cultural awareness
• Social awareness and responsibility: encourages acceptance and inclusion and deeper understanding of our differences
• Acknowledges and values diversity

Transdisciplinary Connections:

• English: Phrases learned can be used in greater context to create written stories and help ELL students gain confidence in their english comprehension and acquisition
• Theatre: Students may choose to present using actions or “act out” their phrases (especially if there is no direct translation of certain phrases or words)
• Culinary Arts: Students may choose words related to cultural food and bring in a dish that represents their chosen words or phrases to share with class)
• First Peoples Principles: This activity allows for a focus on Indigenous language and culture by providing opportunities for Indigenous students to share if they are comfortable. There is possibility for deeper discussion and questions from students in a safe space to address loss of language and colonization

Adaptations/Modifications:

• Split class into smaller groups to avoid stress
• Utilize think/pair/share if students are not comfortable talking in front of the entire class
• Allow for different modes of representation (ie. text, video, poster, etc)
• Provide instructions to students ahead of time so they may familiarize and be comfortable with the activity