Why We Use Relaxation and Drawing Techniques in The FL Classroom.  

Level: Intermediate

Timing: 20 minutes approx.

Aim: for Ss to understand the reasoning behind our use of relaxation and drawing techniques in the FL classroom and thereby maximise the usefulness of said techniques.  

Mats: Handouts

Procedure

Intro

T: Inform Ss that you are going to show them how they can get their brains to work better so that learning is easier and that we will be using these techniques in many of our classes together. 

Check Ss know ‘brain’ by eliciting meaning.  

T: If they don’t know draw diagram (see Figure 1 below) - or if one S knows and not others get em to draw it. 

Figure 1

Write: ‘1) Helping our brains to help us’ on board.            

(Leave space for ways to help. If Ss start to copy any of the board work tell  them you have handouts for them with all this information on).

From here on in you have a scripted guideline: 

“Basically, the human brain is split into two halves. This side (point to diagram) works with pictures and music. This side (point to diagram) works with words. In most of our lessons we work with words, right? Yeah?” (Tap diagram with pen. Wait for affirmative response before continuing).  

“When we only work with the left brain, the right brain gets bored, it gets fed up (mime being bored to ensure understanding and in an attempt to generate humour), it’s got nothing to do...”  

“So straight away we’re having a hard time. Only half of our brain is working and the other half is distracting us by thinking about...oh I don’t know...what we’re going to have for dinner that night...what’s on TV later...or maybe it starts playing that really annoyingly catchy tune that we heard on the radio this morning...Right? Does this sound familiar?” (Wait for affirmative before continuing).  

“So what’s going to happen. Well, chances are you’re going to get a headache...you’re going to go...”Ahhh...this is too hard...I CAN’T DO IT!!! Right?”  

“OK so...we need to get this part of the brain working for us (point to diagram)...and that way we’ll be using our whole brain....so...we have the music playing...and we’re going to use pictures...drawings...to help us...So that’s the first thing we can do to help our brain.”  

Under 1) Write: ‘i) Use whole brain.  

Relaxation

“Who goes to the gym?” (Wait for response...if nobody you’ll have to explain this instead). “So what’s the first thing you do?” (You're looking for warm up exercises)  “Right...we warm up first...What happens if we don’t?” (You’re looking for cramps or something similar to do with causing yourself pain/injury).