Interactive Classroom Projects for Middle School ESL Students
If you're teaching English as a second language to middle schoolers, you know how important it is to make learning fun and engaging. That's why projects are such a great idea. They give students a chance to use their English skills in a real-world setting, while also exploring their interests and learning about different cultures. Here are a few project ideas that have worked well for me in the past. Each of these can be used in any multi-level class including those with different levels of English proficiency. I’ve used them in my 6th-grade multicultural studies class as well as my high school ESL classes.
This All About My Country Project is perfect for kids from all backgrounds. It has everything they need to learn about their heritage in a fun and interactive way. Here are the steps:
Research: Students gather information about their country’s history, culture, geography, and notable facts.
Writing: They then compile their findings into a well-structured essay. This exercise not only improves their writing skills but also their ability to organize information logically.
Slideshow Creation: Students create a visually appealing slideshow that highlights key points from their essays.
Presentation: Finally, students present their slideshows to the class. This public speaking practice boosts their confidence and speaking abilities.
I love this project because it lets students show off their backgrounds and allows everyone to learn about different countries and their cultures.
2. Create Your Dream Life
This project is all about getting students to think about and share your students’ dreams for the future. This was a great after-testing, end-of-the-school-year project in my classes. It involves:
Journaling: Students start by journaling about their life goals, dreams, and the steps they need to take to achieve them.
Slideshow Creation: They then translate their journal entries into a creative slideshow that visually represents their dream life.
Presentation: Students present their dream life to the class, explaining their goals and aspirations.
Writing: They then compile their dreams and aspirations into a well-structured essay. This exercise not only improves their writing skills but also their ability to organize information logically.
When students think about what they want to do in the future, it helps them figure out what they want to do with their life and where they want to go. Plus, it makes them better at writing and giving presentations. Read more about it here.
3. Create Your Own Island
This imaginative project combines elements of geography, sociology, and creativity. It was also a choice for my high school and middle school students in the period between end-of-year testing and the last day of school. Students loved that they were able to get creative and apply what they learned throughout the year.
Journaling: Students begin by reflecting on the aspects they love and don’t love about their own country.
Island Creation: Using their reflections, students create their own fictional island, detailing its demographics, environment, culture, and other unique features.
Research and Writing: They research different aspects to make their island realistic and write a descriptive essay about it.
Slideshow Creation and Presentation: Finally, students present their island through a slideshow, showcasing their creativity and understanding of societal structures.
In this project, students get to show off their creativity and learn interesting facts about society and culture within their current country of residence as well as other countries they’ve visited or lived in. Read more about it here.
4. Holidays Around the World
This project is all about celebrating how different everyone in our world are by learning about holidays from all over the world.
Research: Students choose a holiday from the extensive list and research its origins, customs, and significance.
Writing: They write an informative essay about the holiday.
Slideshow Creation and Presentation: Students create a slideshow and present their findings to the class.
Possible holidays to explore include Christmas (from different countries), Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Bodhi Day, Dongzhi Festival, Yule, and Omisoka. This project not only broadens students' understanding of global traditions but also encourages respect and appreciation for cultural diversity. Read more about it here.
5. Day of the Dead
In this project, students explore how cultures around the world remember the deceased. They research a chosen culture's customs, create a detailed shoebox diorama, write about their findings, and present their work. This project encourages cultural appreciation and develops research, writing, and presentation skills.
Research: Students choose a culture from the extensive list and research its origins, customs, and significance of how they honor their dead.
Writing: They write an informative essay about the holiday.
Diorama Creation and Presentation: Students create a diorama and present their findings to the class.
They can do this individually or in pairs, depending on class size. Mexico – Day of the Dead Japan – Obon Festival China – Quingming Festival Spain – All Saints Day India – Diwali (Festival of Lights) Indonesia – Galungan Guatemala – All Saints Day Ecuador – All Saints Day (Día de los difuntos) Philippines – All Saints Day Thailand – Ghost Festival (Phi Ta Khon) Korea – Chuseok Peru – All Saints Day (Día de los difuntos) Nigeria – Egungun Cambodia – Ancestor’s Day Sweden – All Saints Day Honduras – All Saints Day.
6. Research Projects
These projects are excellent for delving into specific historical and cultural topics. Each project lasts about two weeks and includes:
Black History: Students research a famous Black American, create a presentation, and write an essay about their contributions and impact.
Hispanic Heritage: Similar to the Black History project, students focus on a notable Hispanic American.
Women’s History: Students choose a famous woman, research her life and achievements, and present their findings.
These projects provide students with the opportunity to explore significant figures in history, helping them understand and appreciate different cultures and their contributions.
In a Nutshell
These projects enhance research, writing, and presentation skills. It also boosts their confidence and makes them feel more connected to their classmates. When students share where they're from and what they want to do with their lives, they get to know each other better and learn to appreciate different cultures and histories. These projects show how important it is to have an education that is interactive and inclusive. They make learning fun and exciting for everyone.
