March has been a month of high energy and kinesthetic learning as students prepared for their upcoming Idulfitri break. To maintain engagement during this transition period, Fulbright ETA Nia Dufeal implemented a series of hands-on activities that transformed the classroom into a dynamic space for collaboration.

One activity involved a tactile lesson on procedural texts, where students worked in teams to physically arrange jumbled instructions into the correct sequential order. This approach helped solidify their understanding of logical flow and instructional language through active problem-solving and peer-to-peer discussion. The classroom also tackled the complexities of telling time through enthusiastic class choraling. By practicing together in a rhythmic, call-and-response format, students built their phonetic confidence and oral fluency in a collective, low-pressure environment.

A special highlight of the month featured a visit from Nia’s friend, Isabelle González, who joined the class to lead an interactive “Letter-by-Letter” guessing game focused on U.S. geography. In honor of the 250th anniversary of American independence, students eagerly competed to uncover the names of various U.S. states, sparking curiosity about different regions of the country. This game served as a lively way for students to practice their spelling and inquiry skills while deepening their knowledge of the United States.

Despite the anticipation of the holiday, the students remained remarkably attentive and active, demonstrating a joyful spirit of participation and a consistent commitment to their English language journey.

Nia Dufeal is currently teaching at SMK 3 Palangkaraya, Kalimantan Tengah.