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This activity provides a practice opportunity in relating possible approaches or techniques to an ESL learner. This should consolidate some of the learning that has occurred during this unit.
The following ideas on thematic unit planning come from the ESL Resource Package for Alberta Communities (ERPAC) by Lorene Anderson and Dawn Seabrook de Vargas, published by Bow Valley College, Calgary, in 2003.
A good way of planning for instruction, especially at lower levels, is to use the thematic approach. The thematic approach puts language learning into meaningful contexts and situations. It takes an item or topic related to the learners’ needs and interests and develops a teaching unit of several related lessons. This approach allows for a range of activities and is a good approach for a multi-level class.
The thematic approach also provides a relevant setting for addressing cross-cultural issues. The best way to get at underlying attitudes is to have open discussions around themes. For example, topics such as divorce, blended families, family democracy or hierarchy, or the meaning of the term nuclear family can effectively be handled in a unit on families. Linking discussions with themes may provide opportunity to expose different attitudes.
To use the thematic approach, first choose a topic that relates to learner needs. As you plan, decide what information learners must know about the topic. Brainstorm as many things as possible. Then look at the structures, vocabulary and functions that we use in interactions related to the topic. Next, group this into a unit plan that details the topics and content, the competencies, the activities that will be the stage for learning, and the resources. Your daily lesson plan will grow out of the unit plan.
Let us work through an example.