Glossary

Understanding activities and classroom space for

primary
Term Definition

Circle time Circle time is a procedure designed to help pupils express/share

their feelings with others in a supportive atmosphere, and also an
opportunity for language learning. Everyone sits in a big circle and
takes it in turns to say something, starting with the teacher (who is
the model). To encourage turn-taking, the speaker can hold
something, e.g. a toy. Circle time can also be used to settle the
class (e.g. story time) or for warm-up or end-of-class games. See
the websites and reading section for links to such games.
Extension activities An extension activity is a further activity which achieves the aims
and learning outcomes of a class but takes place at the end or
after it, often as homework. Extension tasks can provide more, or
different, forms of practice. They can also make classroom learning
more meaningful, as they give learners a chance to personalise
language and content. For example, the learners have been
reading about extreme sports and as an extension task they
research other examples, choose one to explore further, and
present their findings to the group.
Interaction patterns In English language teaching, interaction patterns are the different
ways learners and the teacher can interact in the class. Using the
right interaction pattern is a fundamental factor in the success of
any activity and the achievement of aims. For example, the class
are doing a dictation activity. The interaction pattern is teacher to
the whole group (T–Ss). Other patterns include pair work (S–S),
and group work (Ss–Ss). Different interaction patterns can support
the aims of different kinds of activities. For example, if the learners
are doing group writing then small Ss–Ss groups are best, but for
elicitation of ideas the interaction pattern could be Ss–T. Changing
interaction patterns can help vary the pace and choosing an
appropriate pattern can help achieve learning aims, for example,
making learners take the place of the teacher (S–Ss) can be very
productive.
Stirring and settling Stirring activities energise learners at the beginning of the class
activities and during the lesson when energy levels can drop and children
might lose their focus. However, a lot of teachers worry about the

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 level of excitement and noise often generated by activities such as
games and group speaking tasks. The solution? Calm children
down by following stirring activities with a task that will settle them
down again and allow them to work quietly.

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References and further reading
Understanding activities and classroom space for
primary
The following links and resources explore the areas discussed in this module in more detail:

Brewster, J, Ellis, G and Girard, D (2002) The Primary English Teacher’s Guide. Penguin.

Moon, J (2005) Children Learning English. Macmillan. Read, C (2007) 500 Activities for

the Primary Classroom. Macmillan.

Scrivener, J (2012) Classroom Management Techniques. Cambridge University Press.

Slattery, M and Willis, J (2001) English for Primary Teachers. Oxford University Press.

www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/primary-tips/working-pairs-groups - An article about

the benefits and pitfalls of pair and group work, with tips.

www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/teaching-tips/grouping-students - Tips on how to

group learners.

www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/primary-tips/maintaining-concentrationyoung-learners
- An article about how we can maintain children’s concentration.

www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/teaching-tips/strategies-keepingattention - An article
about how we can maintain children’s attention.

www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/stirrers-settlers-primary-classroom - An article on using stir and

settle activities, with examples.

www.primaryresources.co.uk/pshe/docs/circle_time_games.doc - Circle time activities.

www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/circle-games - An article on how to use circle games, with

examples.

www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/primary-tips/english-clubs-corners - An article about

creating a reading corner and displaying children’s work.

www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/teaching-tips/adapting-materials-mixedability-classes -
How to adapt materials for mixed-level classes.

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