Nonverbal communication in English as a second language

Abstract

When we communicate, we use different instruments to codify the message that we want to transmit. This paper reports on research that explores the design of a proposal to work children’s nonverbal communication skills in the English classroom. After carrying out a bibliographic review about the topic, it is proposed a set of activities about nonverbal communication that revolve around different topics and try to activate the learning of a variety of learners. The different activities are designed to develop them in a bilingual public school (covered by MEC-British Council) which is located in the city of Soria (Spain).Unfortunately, it has not been possible to implement this proposal due to external causes, but it can serve as a basis for further research or future implementations. In this sense this research provides a model that could help teachers design and implement activities aimed at developing children’s nonverbal communication skills together with verbal communication skills in the ESL classroom.