\nCroatia is a stunning European country filled with historical landmarks, natural beauty, and a warm, welcoming culture. Recently, we had the opportunity to learn more about Velika Gorica, a charming city just outside the capital of Zagreb, through the eyes of language teacher Sanja Bo\u017einovic (@bsanja). With over 25 years of experience, Sanja brings both insight into the culture and a passion for innovative language teaching methods that TESOL educators will find inspiring.<\/p>\n
Shelly<\/strong>: Which landmark is a must for visitors?<\/p>\n Sanja<\/strong>: The most beautiful place to see in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes.<\/p>\n A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes is a national park with cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests. For TESOL teachers, incorporating landmarks like Plitvice Lakes into lessons provides students with a deeper understanding of Croatia\u2019s natural beauty and cultural pride. Activities can include virtual tours, descriptive language exercises, and even projects that explore environmental conservation.<\/p>\n Shelly<\/strong>: What are popular local dishes?<\/p>\n Sanja<\/strong>: One of Croatia\u2019s traditional cooking methods is called peka<\/em>. It\u2019s not just a dish but a way of preparing food that appeals to vegetarians and meat lovers alike. The beauty of peka is its versatility\u2014you can cook meat, fish, or vegetables in a domed iron lid, creating a flavorful and memorable meal.<\/p>\n Sanja\u2019s mention of peka<\/em> offers a fantastic teaching opportunity for TESOL educators. Exploring food vocabulary and recipe descriptions can help students engage in practical language skills. Teachers can design activities around traditional recipes, encouraging students to describe ingredients, cooking methods, and even the history behind beloved dishes.<\/p>\n Shelly<\/strong>: Describe an activity your English learners enjoy!<\/p>\n Sanja<\/strong>: My students love projects that combine learning English with everyday activities. One project was learning about healthy and unhealthy meals by participating in Jamie Oliver\u2019s \u201cFood Revolution.\u201d My 12-year-old students learned the vocabulary for ingredients, kitchen equipment, and the steps to prepare a \u201cSquash It Sandwich.\u201d At the end of the lesson, they could describe both the sandwich and the preparation process\u2014and they had a blast making and eating the sandwiches together!<\/p>\n Sanja\u2019s approach to language teaching is both fun and practical. By involving students in hands-on activities, she encourages language practice in real-life contexts, allowing students to learn vocabulary and grammar while gaining valuable life skills. TESOL teachers can take inspiration from this by incorporating projects that merge language learning with everyday tasks\u2014whether it\u2019s cooking, crafting, or organizing events. These projects also promote teamwork and active learning, which are essential in language acquisition.<\/p>\n Sanja has been teaching at O\u0160 Nikole Hribara, a primary school in Velika Gorica, where she focuses on EFL and Italian as a foreign language. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of fun, creativity, and international collaboration in language learning. By participating in global projects, she helps students gain an understanding of diverse perspectives and practice language in an authentic context.<\/p>\n Sanja is also an advocate for incorporating technology into the classroom. She is a certified e-moderator and a teacher in Second Life, where she uses digital tools to create immersive learning experiences. Her interest in learning technologies, online courses, and webinars keeps her teaching methods fresh and relevant in an evolving digital landscape.<\/p>\n Thank you, Sanja Bo\u017einovic, for introducing us to the wonders of Velika Gorica and Croatia. Your insights offer TESOL teachers worldwide inspiration on how to integrate cultural experiences, food, and technology into the language classroom. With her dedication to real-world projects and collaborative learning, Sanja is a wonderful example of how TESOL educators can make language learning both meaningful and enjoyable.<\/p>\n For TESOL teachers interested in exploring Croatia or incorporating Croatian culture into their lessons, Velika Gorica and Plitvice Lakes offer exciting opportunities for cultural enrichment and immersive learning experiences.<\/p>\n
\nTaste of Croatia: Popular Local Dishes<\/h3>\n
\nEngaging English Learners Through Real-World Projects<\/h3>\n
\nFun Facts About Croatia for TESOL Teachers<\/h3>\n
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\nTeaching in Velika Gorica: The Role of Technology and Collaboration<\/h3>\n
\nThank You, Sanja!<\/h3>\n