Series: 4 : Voices of Change: Growing Through Words and Play

Day 3: English Through Laughter

The third day began just like the others — with the students writing their morning WATCH. By now, this had become a familiar practice. Some students had started getting more open in what they wrote. They didn’t try to hide. They were slowly learning to express what they felt. That honesty itself felt like growth.

But today had a different energy. It was more playful, and full of laughter. Our goal for the day was simple but meaningful: Let them improve their English skills — while also having fun.

To do that, we introduced four interactive games:

1. Pictionary
2. Pass the Ball
3. Word Build
4. Word — Action — Thought

1. Pictionary

The students were divided into five groups. From each group, one student came forward. I would give them a word, and they had to draw it on the board. The rest of their team had to guess what the word was — in English.

We kept the words simple and familiar. This helped everyone feel included. Even those who usually stayed quiet gave it a try. They guessed out loud, laughed when they were wrong, and clapped when someone got it right. It didn’t feel like a language class — it felt like a team game. But through it, their English understanding was quietly growing.

2. Pass the Ball

Next, we played Pass the Ball. We played some music, and while the music played, students passed the ball around in a circle. When the music stopped, the student holding the ball had to answer a question in English.

Some questions were simple, like: — “What is your favorite food?” — “Do you have any pets?” — “What color do you like?”

They answered in their own ways. Some said one word. Some said full sentences. But they all tried. And they laughed, supported each other, and kept the game going with full energy. A few students even asked me questions in English — which made me smile.

3. Word Build

This game was fast and fun. I began with a word — like “kite”. The next student had to say a word starting with the last letter — like “elephant”. Then someone else said “tiger”, and the chain continued.

It was simple but exciting. They had to listen carefully, think fast, and remember English words. Even when someone got stuck, others helped them gently. By the end of the round, the whole class was engaged.

4. Word — Action — Thought

We ended with a more reflective but creative game. Each student had to do three things:

1. Say a word (like “cycle”)
2. Say an action connected to it (like “riding the cycle”)
3. Share a thought about it (like “I enjoy it” or “It makes me feel free”)

through their choices, we could understand what they were thinking and feeling. Some said sweet things. Some were honest. Some were funny. It gave a small window into their minds — in English.

A Surprise Request

After the games ended, we were ready to wind down the day. But to our surprise, the students weren’t done. They didn’t want us to leave just yet. They insisted — asking us to stay longer and teach them more English.

It was such a pure moment. They weren’t tired. They were curious. So we stayed. Not because we had to — but because they asked. And that made all the difference.

Grammar Session

At the end of the day, Dr. Sreenithy taught them about connective words — like maybe, but, as well as, but also, and more. Then she asked the students to try forming their own sentences using those words.

At first, they were unsure. Some looked around for help. But slowly — sentence by sentence — they began trying. Even those who had been afraid to speak in English just days before were now forming their own lines.

It was such a clear change. They weren’t just understanding English, They were beginning to own it.

That day was filled with laughter, courage, and little victories. In their smiles and efforts, something was growing slowly, gently.

We weren’t just teaching. We were watching a shift.

And the journey wasn’t over yet. There was still more to feel, more to say, and more to become.

Tomorrow would bring something new. And we were ready for it.