Contextualization

Understanding the universe of interpersonal relationships is a fundamental step in learning the English language. In this sense, the theme 'Family and Friends' is one of the foundations of this learning, as it is through this theme that we are able to learn about human relationships and how to express them linguistically. In this project proposal, students will be encouraged to explore their creativity and collaboration in groups to build a detailed overview around the concept of 'Family and Friends' in the English language.

In this project, our main goal is to understand family and friendship interactions in the English language. The family is one of the first social institutions we know and friendship is one of the first forms of relationship we experience outside the family nucleus. In family relationships and friendships, complex and significant interactions occur that teach us about cooperation, empathy, respect, among other essential values.

Introduction

Languages are more than just a means of communication. They are a representation of cultures, stories, and human interactions. By learning a language, we are not only learning to speak and write, but we are also learning about a new culture, new ways of seeing the world, and new ways of expressing ourselves.

Learning about the relationships between family members and friends in the English language, for example, teaches us how different cultures perceive and value these relationships. Furthermore, this topic provides a wide range of vocabulary that allows us to express different levels of relationships and feelings in English.

However, learning the English language should not be one-dimensional. It is important to learn the language in real contexts. Therefore, instead of just learning new words and grammar, we should also learn to use English in a functional and meaningful way.

Practical Activity: 'My English Family Tree & Friendship Circle'

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to encourage students to recognize and use family and friends vocabulary in English through the creation of an 'English Family Tree' and a 'Friendship Circle', exploring interpersonal relationships and employing the learned vocabulary in real contexts. The project combines the disciplines of English and Arts, requiring students not only linguistic knowledge but also practical drawing and organization skills.

Project Description

The groups of students, composed of 3 to 5 members, will work together to create an 'English Family Tree' and a 'Friendship Circle'. These visual elements will allow students to explore and represent family and friendship relationships in English.

Part I: My English Family Tree

Students will create a detailed family tree using English vocabulary. They will represent family members, indicate their relationships through lines and labels, and describe each member using adjectives and short phrases in English.

Part II: Friendship Circle

In the second part of the project, students will be encouraged to create a 'Friendship Circle', where they will represent their friendship relationships. They should describe how they met each friend and how they relate to them, again using English vocabulary.

Necessary Materials

• Cardboards or kraft paper
• Colored pens
• Post-its
• Magazines, newspapers, and/or prints for collage
• Scissors
• Glue
• English dictionaries

Step by Step

Part I: My English Family Tree

1. The group should plan the family tree. They can include family members up to the third degree (for example, cousins, uncles, and grandparents). Encourage them to include more distant family members if they know the terms in English.

2. The group should draw the tree on a cardboard or kraft paper, placing labels with the name of each family member and the relationship they have with them.

3. Students should describe the family members using adjectives and short phrases in English. These descriptions will be written on post-its and placed next to the corresponding family member on the tree.

Part II: Friendship Circle

1. The group should discuss and list who will be the friends to be included in the 'Friendship Circle'.

2. The group should draw the circle on the cardboard or kraft paper, representing each friend with a photo, drawing, or collage.

3. Students should write how they met each friend and how they relate to them using English vocabulary.

Students will be evaluated on the accuracy of the vocabulary, grammar, and spelling used, as well as the level of detail and creativity in the presentation of their family trees and friendship circles.

Project Delivery

Written Part

After completing the practical part, the groups must work together to produce a report documenting their process. This report should follow the following structure:

1. Introduction: Describe the relevance of the theme 'Family and Friends' in learning English. Reflect on how this project contributes to the understanding of the topic.

2. Development: Explain the theory behind the vocabulary of family and friends. Describe in detail how you planned and executed the activity, the methodology used, and discuss the results obtained.

3. Conclusion: Summarize the experience you had, the lessons learned, and the conclusions drawn from the project.

4. Bibliography: List the sources of information you used in the project, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

Additionally, students should present the 'English Family Tree' and the 'Friendship Circle' and explain the description of each family member and friend. The written report and the presentation itself serve to assess students' understanding of the topic and their ability to apply the vocabulary in a practical way.

This project should be carried out over a period of 3 weeks and requires more than twelve hours of work per student. During this time, students will need to manage time effectively, work in teams, solve problems, and create creative solutions.