Placement Activity: Recycled Garden

This activity is a simple idea of how to recycle an old bottle by using it for an art project.  It could be effective for kids of all ages, and even as a craft idea to use when working with the elderly!  Finger paint is recommended because it is fun and clean, and the touch sensation is great to use with younger kids (Refer to the Placement Guide for an easy Finger Paint recipe).

Activity/Idea name:
Recycled Garden!

Placement Activity: Shopping Spree!

Here is an activity that is great for volunteers who are teaching conversational English.  It can work with older kids, adults, women's groups, etc.  Experiment with different scenarios to see what the students find engaging and useful!

Activity/Idea name:
Shopping Spree!

Ten Lesson Themes for Teachers

Many of our volunteers do not have any formal training teaching in a classroom setting.  If this is your situation, it is important to remember that you are not there to replace a professional teacher.  Your role is to supplement the curriculum that is already in place, and to provide more student-teacher interaction.  Just be being in the school, you are making a difference by increasing attendance, teacher morale, and excitement about learning!

That said, where should you begin when you are teaching English?

Goals for Communicative Language Teaching

To learn a foreign language, there are many different kinds of teaching methods - from complete
immersion where the student never hears or reads anything in their native language, to a grammatical approach where speaking is not emphasized. The approach that best fits our volunteer model is the Communicative approach, which puts the emphasis on learning how to use language to accomplish a certain function such as asking for directions, or leading a tour.

Placement Activity: Paper Plate Masks

This is a really fun activity for kids - I've seen it done all over the world, and it is always popular!  It is great for reinforcing creativity and imagination.

Activity/Idea name:
Paper Plate Masks

Placement Problem Solving: Absence of Partner Program Staff

Sometimes volunteers have commented that it is difficult when the Partner Program staff isn't as visible at their placement as they had expected.  For volunteers who are uncertain of their role, this can be very challenging.  Some volunteers even interpret the absence of the staff as displeasure.

Placement Activity: Imaginary Aquarium

This activity comes from a volunteer who did a lot of crafts in Russia.  It is a great way to encourage individuality and incorporate everyone's creature into the class project.

Activity/Idea name:
Imaginary Aquarium

Placement Problem Solving: Still having trouble?

Sometimes volunteer placements are just not a good fit, and this is OK.  However, it is also important to remember that you have been placed based on the staff's assessment of your skills and interests, and the needs of the community - so there is a reason that they feel you could be a great benefit to the Partner Program.

If you feel like you are really struggling, ask yourself these questions:

Placement Problem Solving: Lack of resources available elsewhere

Many volunteers are challenged by the fact that some Partner Programs are under-resourced or under-staffed, and may not have materials that would be common in similar facilities in their home country.

Placement Activity: Paper Plate Angels

Here is another great seasonal craft to make with kids or elderly residents to decorate the classroom, day center, or home.  The main resource to use is a paper plate!  

Activity/Idea name: 
 Paper Plate Angels

Placement Problem Solving: Lack of structure or expectations

Many times volunteers comment that when they arrive they are unsure of what they can do or how they should begin. In these cases, there is usually not a strong schedule for the day, and volunteers may be unsure of what they are expected to contribute.

Placement Activity: "Dear Dot..."

Here is a great idea from a volunteer who worked with adults who wanted to improve their English skills.  The activity does not require many resources, and can be repeated as many times as needed.  I love how after a few sessions, this volunteer's students looked forward to the next "Dear Dot" session, and planned out different problems for the next time!

Activity/Idea name:
“Dear Dot” – advice column letters to Dot, a newspaper columnist

Placement Activity: Giving Directions

Here is an activity for students who have a higher level of English, but need to practice their speaking and listening comprehension.  It works especially well because it is based on a real-life scenario.  It is also a great excuse for you to ask your pupils how to get around the local community!

To add another element, if you have a chalk board, you can draw your own map - have the students give you directions in order to draw streets, buildings, and landmarks.

Activity/Idea name:
Giving directions to tourists

Placement Activity: "Flyswatter"

Here is an activity from a volunteer who taught in a primary school in Tanzania.  In many countries around the world, subjects are learned by rote: pupils repeat after a teacher, and are not forced to think creatively or quickly.  This game a fun, new way to test the students' knowledge, and will quickly show who has grasped the lesson and who has not.

Activity/Idea name:

Flyswatter

Placement Activity: Paper Weaving

I hope to often include great placement ideas from current and past volunteers on this site.   This is the first of many, from a great volunteer in Morocco.  When I post these ideas, I'll often use this format that volunteers can submit, so that you can get a better idea of the type of placement where they worked, and also what the activity entails.  Bear in mind, just because he used this activity at a school for young kids, does not mean it could not be a fun activity at a different type of placement!

Activity/Idea name:

Paper Weaving