From pantomimes and quizzes to interesting conversations and speaking more confidently on continental holidays, learning a language in a Rotherham u3a (Ru3a) group is not only instructive, but also sociable and fun.
There was plenty of laughter and (unintentional) comedy recently when one of the u3a French Conversation groups performed their pantomime version of the children’s story La Petite Poulet Rouge (The Little Red Hen). Disguised as farmyard characters, players unleashed their inner Catherine Deneuve or Gérard Depardieu as they retold the story, in French, of the hardworking red hen and her lazy farmyard companions.
The Spanish groups, on the other hand, begin their lively conversation sessions each week with a brain-stretching quiz on all things Spanish. Expressing mock horror at the difficulty of these legendary quizzes, one member revealed: “It’s all part of the fun. We really enjoy our Spanish sessions.”
Three Italian group members went travelling to Italy, where they enrolled in an Italian language school. They stayed with Italian families, giving them plenty of opportunities to socialise with their hosts, including cooking and sharing meals together. They also met members of a local Italian u3a group for aperitifs and, on another occasion, for lunch. After a week of experiencing ‘la bella vita’, all reported an upward surge in confidence and in their ability to speak Italian.
Research shows that we learn and remember more effectively when learning goes hand-in-hand with fun and enjoyment. Discover this for yourself with Rotherham u3a by attending up to two sessions free of charge.
Find out about all Ru3a groups at www.rotherham.u3asite.uk, on Facebook: Rotherham u3a Community Group, or contact 07359 778361.