Bridging Love with Language
Every year on May 15, the International Day of Families reminds us that family is the foundation of emotional connection and personal growth. For educators, it’s a great chance to help students express love and gratitude in English—turning language learning into something meaningful and personal. When students speak with emotion, their learning becomes more powerful and authentic.
The Story Behind the International Day of Families
Established by the United Nations in 1993, this day raises awareness of the vital role families play in every child’s development.
Families are where language, values, and emotional skills begin. Bringing this theme into English lessons allows students to connect personal experiences with language practice, making learning more relevant and engaging.
From Family Stories to English Expression: Practical Classroom Ideas
Here are teaching suggestions that use the Sensay platform to help students express themselves and practice speaking with confidence:
1. Warm-up: Family-themed Discussion
🎯 Objective: Inspire students to think and improve their fluency in speaking.
Start with light, relatable questions to get students talking.
Example prompts:
- Who are the members of your family?
- What is a special thing your family likes to do together?
- Can you share a funny or special family memory?
💡 Tip: Use Sensay’s Question exercise type for real-time pronunciation feedback.
2. Vocabulary Building and Sentence Practice
🎯 Objective: Expand vocabulary and build sentence confidence
Teach commonly used family-related vocabulary and encourage students to apply these words in natural sentences.
Key vocabulary words:
family, parents, siblings, grandparents, cousin, uncle, aunt
Example sentence practice:
“My grandmother makes the best cookies in the world.”
Advanced challenge:
Introduce adjectives to describe family members’ traits, such as kind, patient, funny, hardworking, wise.
Example sentence practice:
“My brother is funny because he always tells jokes.”
💡 Tip: Use Sensay’s themed International Day of Families practice pack to reinforce fluency.
3. Speaking Practice: Telling My Family Story
🎯 Objective: Practice structured storytelling
Design two speaking tasks to encourage complete sentence use and structured storytelling.
Task 1: Introducing My Family
Use 2–3 sentences to introduce each family member.
Task 2: Expressing Gratitude
Choose one family member and explain why you are grateful to them.
4. Creative Project: Family Tree Presentation
🎯 Objective: Combine speaking, writing, and organization skills
Students draw a family tree and write one English sentence per member:
Activity Steps:
- Draw a family tree showing your family members.
- Write one simple English sentence for each member (including their name, relationship, and one characteristic).
For example:- “This is my mom, Anna. She is kind.”
- “My brother Jack is funny.”
- “This is my cousin Leo. He is very helpful.”
💡 Tip: Use Sensay’s Self Practice exercises to help students type and talk about their family tree— boost fluency and confidence.
5. Heartfelt Challenge: Family Compliment Chain
🎯 Objective: Encourage spontaneous, positive speaking
How to play:
Each student gives a compliment in English to a family member and passes it on:
Example:
“I love my dad because he always encourages me.”
“I love my sister because she makes me smile.”
This activity boosts quick thinking and creates a warm classroom atmosphere.
Let Every Word Be an Act of Love
The International Day of Families reminds us that language is more than grammar—it’s how we show love.
With well-designed activities and tools like Sensay, teachers can help students grow emotionally and linguistically, one heartfelt sentence at a time.
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