In October, ETA Samir Tusneem facilitated an interactive, collaborative activity to help students strengthen their understanding of recount texts while developing their English reading, writing, and speaking skills. Working in small groups, students received a series of pictures depicting a past experience. Their task was to analyze the narrative and use the pictures as inspiration to write their own recount story. Students were exposed to a large variety of topics, including a field trip to Bali, a school field day, Eid al-Fitr, a trip to Yogyakarta, and more.

Throughout the activity, students practiced using the simple past tense to describe events and organizing their writing into the three main components of a recount text: orientation, events, and reorientation. To conclude the activity, students participated in a gallery walk, moving around the classroom to read and explore stories created by other groups. As they examined each recount text, they identified its key structural elements and shared their thoughts with the members of each group. The students cited the combination of active learning and collaboration as an effective and enjoyable way to enhance their understanding of the lesson while implementing their English skills in a meaningful way.

Samir Tusneem is currently teaching at SMAN 7, Semarang, Jawa Tengah.