LETTERS: The academic year of 2020 has been quite uncertain. With the unpredictable daily reports of Covid-19, some schools are temporarily closed again.
In those that are functioning, some students find it hard to maintain their motivation to attend classes in the new norm especially when it comes to learning certain subjects that are not their "cup of tea", like English.
Some students perceive learning English as surreal, stressful and scary. Little do they realise that being fearless in learning English does not mean having to speak and write flawless English all the time. Mistakes are normal for non-native speakers.
As an English teacher, the fact that learning is a process of discovery that opens students' minds and hearts inspires me to design my lessons based on three criteria — originality, creativity and sincerity.
These three aspects will encourage students to enjoy the learning process wholeheartedly as they immerse in the English lessons.
I wish to share three suggestions of teaching writing.
First, the "Weekly Love Letters" project. This writing project focuses on students' gratitude and optimism. For a memorable start, on the "launch day", students received red apples — with red symbolising love and apples, good health — to lift their mood.
This style of teaching writing will make students appreciate life's blessings by writing about somebody or something that has significantly contributed to their lives.
The best love letter with the most reflective content and meaningful illustration will win a prize. This effort seeks to improve students' mental health as they are taught to look on the bright side.
Second, the monthly journal writing. This is another approach that aims to make students write regularly. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
In this way, students will make it a habit to write for pleasure as they express their thoughts and share their stories about life.
Reading journal entries is like reading students' minds. This method is a heart-to-heart approach that proves the power of words in helping teachers gain information from students regarding the latter's lifestyle, problems and interests.
Third is about writing a story. A writing task could help students with their creativity and imagination.
My students used to write stories based on the theme "Modern Folklore: An Untold Story" with the title "An Adventure To Remember".
Their ability to create a new story that combined famous fictional characters from the old fairytales with the ones from books and movies on the present day took me by surprise.
The elements of happiness, sadness, comedy, adventure and suspense were mixed well for an emotional effect of storytelling.
In addition, plot twists and cliffhangers made the story interesting and outstanding. In a sense, writing and reading can be therapeutic.
Not only could students-cum-writers and teachers-cum-readers escape reality for a moment, but the experience would also improve the teacher-student relationship as teachers learn to understand their students better through the stories, journals and love letters.
Muhamad Solahudin Ramli
Marang, Terengganu
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times