Developing Language Through Art- The Power of Passion

The key to learning is motivation. With a language this means giving students situations where they really need to communicate effectively. 

I saw a perfect example in Ms Caterina’s Italian as an Additional Language sessions this week. Students were given a wonderful selection of art postcards and had to choose one they liked. They then described what was in the picture or, if  more confident, created a short story. As they practiced vocabulary and asked for new words to help them explain, they learned new words and simple constructions. 

The following day, students chose a new picture and tried to draw it. The teacher gave all instructions in Italian through simple phrases, repetition  and actions to show what certain verbs meant. The whole lesson was carried out in Italian. 

Ms Caterina used her own passion and skill as an artist to stimulate and encourage the students. The results were truly impressive in terms of the quality of artwork, the variety of Italian vocabulary being used and the level of focus and pride the students took in their work. 

Mr Newell, PYP Coordinator