Hello colleagues, Have you ever used a Four Corners Activity in your classroom? Here's a video that illustrates one way to do Four Corners. I like how this teacher incorporates speaking and writing into Four Corners. What do you see as the benefits of using this activity? How can teachers and learners assess the learning that is happening?
What are some of the ways this activity can be used in an ESL class. For instance, what are some potential topics? I've heard of some different ways to structure the activity, too, so if you would like to share some additional ways to organize a Four Corners activity, please do.
Cheers, Susan Finn Miller
Moderator, English Language Acquisition CoP
Comments
I've used several variations of this game, depending on the class level and the room design. I thought it was interesting that the teacher in the video calls it Four Corners, but doesn't have the students go to different corners! In a larger room, I've marked the corners as Yes, No, Maybe to start discussions, but in my current, very cramped space it's usually just the Yes/No game. It works well as an icebreaker, especially with learners who don't have a lot of vocabulary and/or speaking confidence yet. I have a stack of cards with the sentence and an illustration to hold up and then the students stand under the sign (yes or no) that is true for them. Examples of sentences range from general "I live in [our town]" to fairly specific "I have chickens." I also use it as a bit of resource assessment, as some of the cards say "I use email" or "I have a smartphone" to help me know where to start with technology integration.
Hi Lisa and all, There are so many ways to adapt 4 corners. Thanks for sharing what has worked for you, Lisa. I'm definitely going to incorporate this activity more often in my class this summer. I believe it is helpful to get learners up and moving!
More ideas are welcome!
Cheers, Susan