Virtual Booth

Abstract

This teaching kit was designed to improve students' listening and speaking skills through an engaging and interactive approach. Centred around a pirate-versus-whale storyline, it features seven mini-games which are Twisty Talkies, Ahoy, Pirate Password!, Captain’s Code, Pitch Perfect Pirates, Pirate Says and Yes, And…?, that immerse learners in playful, competitive activities while strengthening their communication abilities. The kit targets lower secondary students (Forms 1–3) with A1 to B1 proficiency levels based on CEFR, as this stage is crucial for nurturing interest and building a strong foundation in English. The kit emphasises four core areas. First, listening skills are enhanced by activities that require students to follow multi-step instructions and process information quickly under time limits. Second, speaking skills are developed through active partner communication, pronunciation practice and fluency-building exercises. Third, thinking skills are sharpened as students engage in time-based challenges that demand rapid decision-making and accurate responses. Finally, teamwork is promoted through pair-based tasks that encourage cooperation, negotiation, and shared problem-solving. An innovative feature of this kit is the integration of technology through play, as all question cards are designed using editable digital templates. These templates can be adapted and reused by teachers across different classes and proficiency levels, making the kit flexible, sustainable and scalable for long-term classroom use. By embedding these skills in a pirate-themed sea adventure, the teaching kit provides a sense of immersion that reduces fear of learning the language and transforms English learning into a fun and motivating experience. The colourful design, tangible materials and technology-supported gameplay aim to reshape students' perceptions of English from difficult and intimidating to enjoyable and rewarding. Ultimately, this kit seeks to reignite students' interest in the English language, instil confidence in their communication and provide them with the momentum to pursue English learning with curiosity and sustained enthusiasm.