## Listen and read

## Story time!

Before you read, think about your own classroom. Think about what the walls look like. Do you have children's work on the walls? Perhaps the class rules are on display, or posters with helping hints? Make a list of everything that is on the walls of the classroom.

Read this article: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/heavily-decorated-classrooms-disrupt-attention-and-learning-in-young-children.html

Make notes of words you don't understand.

Summarise the text in 4 sentences. Make sure that you include the arguments.

Can you argue why decorations should or shouldn't be banned?

- Classroom decorations should not be banned, because…
- Classroom decorations should be banned, because …

Use sentences like:

- Personally, I (don’t) think that…
- In my opinion...
- Next to that…
- Moreover…
- In addition to …
- I (don’t) agree with…
- The way I see it…
- As far as I’m concerned…
- I’m (not) convinced that…
- An advantage/disadvantage is…
- First of all…/Secondly…/Thirdly…

## Vocabulary

Look at the picture. Make a list of words you need to describe this classroom. Focus on the decorations on the wall.

Make your own wordlist. Think of the words you need for each of these tasks:

1. Describe what you see on the boards and walls (maps, number lines, shapes, artwork) and the different areas in the classroom (quiet area, independent work area, doll corner).
2. Explain why these things are on the walls or boards and why the classroom is organised the way it is.

### Prepare for speaking

Tip: use phrases like this:

1. It helps pupils…
2. It makes them…
3. Pupils need…
4. From an educational perspective…
5. Contribute to the students' learning process.

Words and sentences to expresss opinion: In my opinion, next to that, moreover, in addition to, I (don't) agree...