“We have a mind. We have feelings. To separate the two is to deny all that we are. To integrate the two is to help us realise what we might be.” George Isaac Brown says.

“When learning a foreign language, feelings of uncertainty, and even fear often develop in the learner. It is clear that EFL learners need a relaxing atmosphere more than anything else, and icebreakers, warmers, games may create the situation for this to happen.”[1]

Our mission, as teachers, must be allowing the students to use their imagination and try to raise the awareness. There’s always space in students minds, but it’s locked. To unlock that,  we can make our own magic potion. Use any activities, methods or techniques your students need as ingredients of your magic potion. Bring life to your lessons and classroom. Do not hesitate to use real objects, photos, pictures, technology,  music, body language and your voice. All these will motivate them.  Leave some of the magic potion for yourself! Don’t forget you need some creativity and imagination, too.

Good Appetite!

[1] Moskowitz, G. (1972), Caring and Sharing in the Foreign Language Classroom,

Newbury House Publishers, Cambridge, Mass

1. 

   CoffeeAddict

   07 March 2011 at 13:04

   I couldn’t agree more! Well said!
   CoffeeAddict

   Reply
2. 

   solmaz21

   07 March 2011 at 13:04

   Your post reminded me the amazing TED talk called “The Linguistic Genius of Babies” by Patricia Kuhl. As the poets and writers talk about the term “Celestial Openness”, the science shows it exists as well. It is not just babies. When we teach younger learners, we need to help them use their imagination as you told. By this way, we will be able to preserve this openness more!

   Reply
3. 

   Merve Oflaz

   07 March 2011 at 13:05

   Thank you for your comment CoffeeAddict.

   Reply
4. 

   Janet Bianchini

   07 March 2011 at 13:05

   Hi Merve

   I see you are already well on the way to becoming a fabulous blogger, and I have enjoyed reading through your lovely postings!

   I love the idea of a Magic Potion. The heart of the matter is to bring life to our lessons and the classroom in any which way possible. Thanks for sharing this quote!

   Reply
5. 

   evab2001

   07 March 2011 at 13:05

   Hi Merve,

   I totally agree with you.

   Eva

   Reply
6. 

   Merve Oflaz

   07 March 2011 at 13:05

   Hi Merve,

   Great Post! I loved reading it!

   This is a great book which I have used a lot, especially when I want to do some “guided fantasies” with my students. There are aslo some other very good activities to use. It’s actually a book that everyone should have in their emergency survival kits.

   Thanks,

   Nesrin

   Reply
7. 

   Merve Oflaz

   07 March 2011 at 13:06

   Hi Janet,

   You really made my day. You have encouraged me. Thank you for your sincere comments.

   Reply
8. 

   Merve Oflaz

   07 March 2011 at 13:07

   Hi Osman,

   I watched the video and I liked it. Especially the graphic of the Age of Acquisition of New Language:) which shows the decrease during our lives:)

   Thank you for sharing.

   Reply
9. 

   Merve Oflaz

   07 March 2011 at 13:07

   Dear Nesrin,

   I’m glad that you liked it. I like guided fantasies, too. I will check it soon.

   Thank you.

   Reply
10. 

    Merve Oflaz

    07 March 2011 at 13:09

    Hi Eva,

    Thanks for reading and agreeing, too:)

    Reply