Uncategorized – Page 4 – Katherine Reilly

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024

Engaging Festive Learning: Gamification Strategies for Christmas in ELT

This interactive session explores how gamification can enrich English language learning during the festive season. From digital games to hands-on activities, participants will discover strategies to foster engagement and language skills through Christmas-themed games. Through practical examples, attendees will design activities that promote collaboration, language production, and cultural exchange. By the end of the session, everyone will leave with practical ideas and a toolkit for incorporating festive gamification into classrooms.

Materials: click ‘continue reading’ for handout and presentation file

October 23, 2024October 23, 2024

Uncovering Hidden Meaning in our Teaching Materials

I had the privilege of speaking on TESOL Pop about Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and how it can help educators identify hidden meanings, assumptions, and power dynamics within their teaching materials so we can make changes that foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Key talking points

Understanding Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)
CDA is an approach that examines how language and imagery in teaching materials can shape social realities, reinforce stereotypes, and influence ideologies. Katherine emphasises the importance of ensuring materials reflect diverse voices, backgrounds, and experiences.

Gender and Stereotypes in Textbooks
Katherine shares examples of how textbooks can reinforce outdated gender roles, such as referring to professionals as “policemen” or “firemen” instead of using gender-neutral terms. She discusses how such representations can limit students’ perceptions of their future potential.

Adapting Materials for Inclusivity
Katherine stresses that no single textbook can fully meet the needs of all learners. Teachers should adapt materials to reflect different cultures, abilities, and perspectives. She encourages educators to use inclusive visuals, update resources, and incorporate diverse voices.

September 22, 2024

School Crafts and ELT?! I’m a Teacher, Not an Artisan!

by Katherine Reilly, originally published in ELT NEWS printed magazine

Have you ever experienced the chaos of school crafting? If you’re reading this, then you probably attest to the anguish, frustration and occasional frivolity of trying to accomplish such a feat within the time restrictions of our lessons.

“Teacher? I can’t cut this! Help me!” or the classic, “Mary’s not sharing the markers with us!” And let’s not forget, “This glue has dried up, and Mark is using the other one to stick the pages of his book together!”

So many more incidents could be mentioned, however, we still have a long way to go till Christmas holiday and discouraging you is the last thing I wish to accomplish.