Learning English Through Theme-Based Art Activities

Abstract

Many textbooks used in Korea focus on English by emphasizing grammatical knowledge (Yuasa, 2010). As a result, students often feel discouraged to speak English due to the emphasis on grammatical correctness. According to Dr. Samuel McGrath (2001), the Ministry of Education pursued communicative English teaching instead of the traditional audio-lingual method in the early 1920s; however, the grammar approach is still prevalent in English textbooks in Korea.This textbook is designed to teach fifth and sixth grade EFL learners in a summer school program. Their English proficiency is at Level 3 - Developing to level 4 - Expanding according to WIDA proficiency scales. The purpose of this Textbook is to expose learners to the use of natural English through art activities. Moreover, students will feel less discouraged after being engaged in English and producing English communicatively and enjoyably.