Learning with all your senses

This time I have a report about our excursions!

To mark the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, we took our German classes on an excursion. Not only did the students see where the Wall used to be, but after a speech they were given interesting explanations about each of the places we visited.

They were able to read further information at the various info points, look at the pictures, describe them and share their own associations or feelings about them. The students had the opportunity to listen to the original sound recordings over the loudspeaker system, while the walk allowed them to discuss their impressions and take time to reflect. At the end, students are given a sketchpad to record their impressions in words or their own drawings.

Other suitable topics for this type of learning include visits to shops, such as one of the first second-hand shops in Berlin. Students can use the vocabulary they have practised in class, get advice from the shop assistant, ask questions and engage in conversation.

A visit to a restaurant is an excellent way to create more opportunities for speaking. Berlin has a wide variety of restaurants serving international cuisine. Students can order and pay in German and use conversation cards to discuss culinary preferences, eating habits in their home countries and dishes prepared for special occasions. The topic of food and culture is a great way to get students talking.

At this time of year, we love nothing more than sitting in cafes, restaurants or market halls, or looking forward to our next excursions, such as one of the many Christmas markets.

In this way, learning German becomes part of everyday life, the shyness of speaking is inhibited by the support of your classmates, and through the shared experiences and emotions, the experiences and new things learnt are remembered - with a lot of fun guaranteed to stay in your memory.

So there are plenty of reasons to set yourself a challenge. Take a friend, work colleague or classmate by the hand, find a new place to explore in your city and declare this time to be German only time, where you support each other in speaking to each other and to others only in German. Just try it and challenge yourself a little.Mastering a challenge that takes you out of your comfort zone is much more exciting than cramming vocabulary on your own.

So have fun! 😊