​Theme-Based and Content-Based Instruction (TBI&CBI):
Planning for Success
With Vera Savic

Teaching English to young learners and teenagers (YLT) is a constantly growing field around the world, but starting earlier does not necessarily produce better English speakers. The keys to success are in making the language practised in the classroom meaningful and purposeful for EFL learners. Theme-based instruction (TBI) can create conditions for more natural foreign language learning through engaging and fun activities, in which critical and creative thinking can also be enhanced. 
This presentation will give the rationale for applying TBI & CBI in EFL classrooms: participants will be invited to share experiences and questions related to thematic and content teaching. The discussion will be followed by an interactive presentation of the steps for planning a thematic unit, and a demonstration of a thematic unit for teaching English to young learners. Then, some examples of adapting content material from a variety of school subjects to teenagers’ language level, and of developing appropriate CBI activities (e.g. a loop activity, information gap activity, jigsaw reading activity and a pyramid discussion) will be shared. Finally, benefits and challenges of TBI & CBI will be discussed and some conclusions drawn based on the workshop activities.