Aiming higher (unidade didática para o ensino de inglês)

Abstract

This monograph, titled Aiming Higher, presents the development of two didactic units, each accompanied by a teacher’s guide. Designed for 8th and 9th-grade students in a regular school setting, these units aim to foster communicative competence through relevant and engaging topics. The themes explored—wildlife documentaries and internet influencers—were chosen based on their familiarity and relevance to students aged 13 and 14. The discourse genres within these themes include documentary narration and online advice columns, providing students with real-world contexts for language use. The structure of the units follows a communicative approach, incorporating pre-, during-, and post-activities for all four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Grammar is introduced inductively, allowing students to infer rules from context. Key grammatical elements include the Present Continuous (both for ongoing actions and future arrangements) and the modal verbs should and must (for giving advice and expressing obligation). In addition to linguistic instruction, the units address broader topics such as animal extinction and the impact of online influence, promoting critical thinking and meaningful discussions. The pedagogical design aligns with the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach, emphasizing interaction, real-life language use, and student engagement. Authentic materials, fun facts, and interactive tasks encourage active participation. The units also adhere to the Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) standards, ensuring that language instruction meets national educational guidelines. Ultimately, Aiming Higher seeks to create a dynamic and relevant learning experience by integrating communicative practices, meaningful themes, and student-centered methodologies. The objective is to enhance students' ability to use English in practical contexts, fostering both linguistic proficiency and critical awareness.