Section 1

Getting to Know ESL Learners

This should help tutors who don’t know ESL learners to empathize and feel more comfortable with them. The activities will raise awareness of factors that might affect ESL learners’ abilities to learn.

Activity A (optional activity)

Icebreaker: Similarities and differences between cultures

Proverbs reflect their cultural origins. This icebreaker uses proverbs to look at similarities and differences between cultures. Facilitators may have their own favourite icebreakers that would work instead of this one. Although this icebreaker is not a core piece of the unit, it effectively combines a look at cultural differences and similarities with a chance to meet other tutors.

Option 1 Matching proverbs, discussion for larger group

Why choose this option?

This process will work if you have a large group of tutors.

Materials and equipment

Handout 11.1: Proverb Pairs 1
Handout 11.2: Proverb Pairs 2 – Answers

Preparation

Copy the handout Proverb Pairs 1. Cut the copy into sayings, so that the beginnings and the endings of the sayings are separated. Think of another proverb or quote that you would like to share with tutors.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

  1. Match proverb endings and beginnings.
    • Hand out either the beginning or ending of a proverb to each tutor. Tell them that these are sayings from around the world.
    • Ask tutors to stand up and find the person with the corresponding piece of the sayings they are holding. When they have a match, they are to stay with that person.
    • Make sure the matches are correct by using the Proverb Pairs 2 – Answers sheet yourself.
  2. Ask the paired tutors to discuss what the sayings mean or what English sayings there are that mean the same as the ones they have.
    • After each pair has had some time to discuss the saying, ask them to read their pieces in the correct order and tell the other tutors what they think it means or what English proverb is close to it.