Wellbeing in school is foundational to pupils’ academic and personal development. In Romania, integrating English-language activities not only enhances linguistic skills but also supports emotional health, engagement, and social connectedness. Here are five impactful English-based practices with demonstrated benefits for pupil wellbeing.
1. Creative Writing in EFL Classes
Creative writing tasks offer pupils a low-pressure avenue for self-expression, fostering motivation and reducing disengagement. A case study involving 50 upper-secondary Romanian pupils showed that incorporating creative writing in English lessons increased participation and helped them develop both language skills and lifelong competencies such as critical thinking and teamwork.
2. Literature Circles in English
Literature circles—small-group discussions of authentic texts—stimulate lively peer interaction and shared responsibility. They make reading enjoyable and conversational, which enhances fluency and social dynamics. Research has found that literature circles energise the classroom environment and strongly support engagement and cooperative learning.
3. Role‑play and Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Techniques
Techniques from Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), such as role-playing scenarios and structured opinion sharing, provide realistic, low‑anxiety speaking practice. These activities build fluency and comfort in authentic communication, benefiting both linguistic development and emotional confidence.
4. English Conversations Through Community Projects (BREDEX)
Programmes such as the British‑Romanian Educational Exchange (BREDEX) bring volunteer native‑English-speaking university students to Romanian cities each summer to conduct informal conversational classes. These activities are flexible, immersive, and community‑oriented—creating relaxed and enjoyable environments that nurture both linguistic ability and emotional wellbeing.
5. Play‑Based and Expressive Activities in Early Education
Whilst not always English-centric, play‑based pedagogies in Romanian kindergartens integrate language learning into creative, social-emotional play. At UNICEF-supported kindergartens, techniques such as LEGO play and role-play help children express emotions, develop empathy, and regulate stress—all positively influencing their learning and mental health.
Conclusion
English-language activities—from creative writing and literature circles to role-playing, community conversation, and play-based learning—can be powerful catalysts for wellbeing in Romanian schools. They foster engagement, self‑confidence, emotional resilience, and social skills. Educators and school leaders should consider integrating these approaches more widely, and further research could explore their long‑term impact on mental health and academic success.
Bibliography
1. Arșovan, A.-M. (2023). Enhancing Student Participation and Language Skills with Creative Writing Activities: The Case Study of Upper Secondary Students from a School in Romania. Research and Education. Available at: researchandeducation.ro/2023/12/30/enhancing-student-participation-and-language-skills-with-creative-writing-activities-the-case-study-of-upper-secondary-students-from-a-school-in-romania.html
2. Literature Circles in EFL. Wikipedia. Available at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literature_Circles_in_EFL
3. Communicative Language Teaching. Wikipedia. Available at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communicative_language_teaching
4. British Romanian Educational Exchange (BREDEX). Wikipedia. Available at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Romanian_Educational_Exchange
5. Costiniu, A. (2023, December 28). Playful Classrooms: Sparking Learning, Growth and Wellbeing Through Play. UNICEF Romania. Available at: www.unicef.org/romania/Playful-Classrooms-Sparking-Learning-Growth-and-Wellbeing-Through-LEGO-Play