Books, Talk, and Tunes: Bringing English Reading to Life
How can reading in a foreign language become an engaging and motivating experience? Our recent English reading project in 7a showed just how powerful books can be when students are given choice, time to talk, and room for creativity.
Students began by choosing one of four English books based on their interests. In regular book club meetings, they discussed their stories and shared their reading experiences, strengthening both reading comprehension and speaking skills in a relaxed, communicative setting.
One meeting after the Christmas break was especially memorable, as some students reported discovering that swapping their phone for a book in the evening can be a surprisingly pleasant alternative.
After finishing their books, the project took a creative turn. Most students chose to create a song inspired by their book with the help of an AI tool. The results were as diverse as they were entertaining. Listening to the songs together was both enjoyable and thought-provoking, sparking discussions about the role of AI in creative work. Students reflected on the use of digital tools and learned to see AI as something to question, not just consume.
The project concluded with a Socratic Seminar, giving students another opportunity to express their ideas and reflect on their learning. All in all, the project was a great success, encouraging creativity, communication, and for some students even a lasting interest in reading English books beyond the classroom – a truly rewarding outcome.
