Developed by:
Artifactory
Language Learning through storytelling, interactive role-playing, and visual exercises that connect language skills with the attributes, achievements, or characteristics of culturally significant figures.
- Group size limits: from 6 to 20 participants
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Time required:
- Full setup: 2 hours
- Minimum trial: 60 minutes
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Learn & Gain:
- Recognize and pronounce the names of key cultural figures in the target language.
- Learn basic vocabulary and phrases related to the chosen context (e.g., professions, powers, achievements).
- Learn basic vocabulary and phrases related to the chosen context (e.g., professions, powers, achievements).
- Respond to basic questions using learned vocabulary (e.g., “Who is the famous artist?” → answer in the target language).
- Develop an understanding of the chosen cultural context while enhancing language retention through storytelling and visual learning.
Language skills developed
- Vocabulary skills
- Listening comprehension
- Pronunciation
- Reading comprehension
- Syntax/Grammar
other extra-linguistic and communication skills developed
- Cultural awareness
- Creativity
- Teamwork / Collaboration skills
- Critical thinking
Materials and tools needed
- Flashcards with images, names, and spellings in the target language
- Printable worksheets with fill-in-the-blanks, matching exercises, and simple sentences
- Visual aids (PowerPoint slides, posters, or audio clips with pronunciation guides)
- Role-playing props (costumes, symbols, or small objects related to the figures
Step-by-step
Step 1 – Introduction
- Icebreaker: Each learner chooses one of a collection of cards despicting figures such as:
- Mythological Figures: Greeek gods, Egyptian deities, Hindu gods/goddesses
- Artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, Yayoi Kusama
- Scientists: Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Rosalind Franklin
- Historical Figures: Nelson Mandela, Cleopatra, Gandhi
- Fictional or Literary Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter, Mulan
- Quick introduction to key vocabulary and pronunciation in the target language.
Step 2 – Meet the Figures
- Learn about major figures (e.g., scientists, artists, historical leaders, mythological characters).
- Discuss their attributes, achievements, and symbols using the target language.
- Make notes about their attributes to learn vocabulary.
Step 3 – Interactive Learning
- Role-playing: Participants introduce themselves as their chosen figure and describe their characteristics in simple sentences.
- Matching game: Match figures with their attributes, achievements, or symbols (in the target language).
Step 4 – Storytelling & Writing (for more advanced learners)
- Read a short story or biography with key vocabulary highlighted.
- Complete fill-in-the-blank and sentence-building exercises.
- Creative task: Write a short introduction of a figure using target-language vocabulary.
Step 5 – Wrap-Up & Reflection
- Quiz game: Answer questions in the target language based on what they learned.
- Certificates of participation with their chosen “cultural figure name” written in the target language.
Potential risks and challenges
- Certain cultural figures, myths, or symbols may be unfamiliar, misinterpreted, or even sensitive for some participants.
- Some learners may dominate role-playing or storytelling while others remain passive, limiting engagement and learning.
recommendations for educators
- Research your participants’ cultural backgrounds beforehand and select figures or content that are appropriate and inclusive. Offer alternative figures and allow participants to choose those they feel comfortable with.
- Structure activities so that everyone has a turn, use small group work, and include individual tasks. Encourage collaboration and praise contributions from all participants to build confidence.
further resources and references
- Biography or mythology databases relevant to the chosen culture
- Language flashcards and worksheets (e.g., Quizlet, Canva)
- Visual aids and audio clips with correct pronunciation
