“Walk a Mile in My Shoes” project

“Walk a Mile in My Shoes” project

(for your English club meetings)

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be someone else for a day--to walk a mile in their shoes? With this short activity you are going to give someone the chance to walk to school, virtually, in your shoes. Think about how you get to school. Do you walk? Ride a bike? Take a bus? Is it a long trip or a short trip?

Creating a "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" project for 12-16-year-old students is a wonderful way to promote creativity, cultural understanding, and English language skills. Here are some ideas to help you brainstorm and structure the project:

1. Shoe Introduction:

   - Begin with a segment where students introduce their shoes. They can talk about the style, color, and significance of their shoes.

   - Encourage them to use descriptive language to explain why they chose those particular shoes for the project.

2. Morning Routine:

   - Have students film or take pictures of their morning routine before heading to school. This can include getting dressed, having breakfast, and preparing their school bag.

   - Ask them to narrate this part in English, describing what they're doing and why.

3. Journey to School:

   - Record their journey to school, whether they walk, take a bus, or use any other mode of transportation.

   - Encourage them to comment on interesting landmarks, the weather, and any cultural elements they encounter along the way.

4. School Environment:

   - Show us around their school. This can include classrooms, the schoolyard, and any unique features or activities that take place during a typical day.

   - Have students describe their school environment in English, highlighting aspects that make it special to them.

5. Interactions and Friends:

   - Capture interactions with friends and classmates. Encourage them to introduce friends and talk about what makes their friendships unique.

   - Promote the use of English during these interactions.

6. Lunchtime:

   - Film or photograph their lunchtime experience. Share what they eat and explain the significance of the meal.

   - Encourage them to discuss any cultural or regional food traditions.

7. Challenges and Joys:

   - Have students reflect on the challenges and joys of their school day. This can include academic experiences, extracurricular activities, or anything else they find noteworthy.

   - Promote self-expression in English as they discuss these aspects.

8. Conclusion and Reflection:

   - Conclude the presentation with a reflection on what they've learned from this project.

   - Encourage them to think about how this experience of "walking in someone else's shoes" has impacted their understanding of their own life and the lives of others.

9. Q&A Session:

   - Organize a Q&A session after each presentation where classmates can ask questions in English.

   - This will promote interaction and engagement with the project.

10. Peer Feedback:

    - Have students provide constructive feedback to their peers in English. This can include what they found interesting, what they learned, and suggestions for improvement.

11. Cultural Exchange:

    - Encourage students to compare and contrast their school experiences with those of their classmates.

    - Discuss cultural differences and similarities, fostering cross-cultural understanding.

12. Show and Tell Event:

    - Organize a "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" event where students showcase their presentations to the entire class, school, or even parents.

14. Digital Citizenship and Privacy:

    - Teach students about responsible sharing and respecting privacy when creating and sharing digital content.

15. Awards and Recognition:

    - Consider giving awards or recognition to outstanding presentations to motivate students.

I`m sure, this project will not only improve your students` English language skills but also foster empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and creativity among them.