Vacation @ academic trip in Aceh / Nur Ilianis Adnan

The initial plan to only come for vacation has turned into an academic trip when I decided to connect with one of the universities here and tadaaaaaaa, my first sharing session with one of the elementary schools here. The day after, I was invited to do a sharing session with the postgraduates in UIN Ar-Raniry. This one-day teaching English through creative methods in a rural school in Indonesia has been an amazing journey. By incorporating poem recitation, movements, repetition, and visual aids, I've witnessed a transformation in how students engage with language learning. The combination of poetry and movements as tools has brought language to life. Students not only learn new words and expressions but also feel the rhythm and emotion behind them. Through recitation, they gain confidence in speaking English aloud, shedding inhibitions and embracing the language. Associating gestures with words helps in better retention and understanding. Students excitedly participate, using their bodies to express meanings, making vocabulary more memorable. I also believe that repetition has been key to reinforcing learning. By revisiting words like ‘sword’ and ‘pizza’, students use English more effectively. It has boosted their confidence to speak without fear of making mistakes, fostering a more supportive and encouraging classroom environment.