English Lessons Through Carpentry Projects at the Guest Ranch
It might sound unusual, but that’s exactly what’s happening here at the guest ranch. Our English lessons don’t take place in a traditional classroom with a whiteboard – they happen outdoors, tools in hand, hammers echoing through the valley. This time, our English lesson unfolded through a real carpentry project: building a new storage shed to organize everything we’ll need for the busy summer season.
The idea was to switch things up – to go from practice to theory instead of the other way around. Usually, we start our English lessons by learning vocabulary and expressions, then applying them in conversation. This time, the learning began with action. We picked up our tools first and talked through the language later.
As an English teacher, this carpentry lesson was as new for me as it was exciting. I had no prior experience building anything, yet there I was, side by side with my student Annina, who had once worked in construction. It changed the classroom dynamic completely – we were learning together, equally curious and unsure.
Our mentor, Carl, has been building and fixing things his whole life. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, his words carry the same weight as his craftsmanship. Under his guidance, we started assembling the new shed.
First, we cut and nailed 2×4 boards together to create the frame, checking carefully to ensure every wall was level. Then we attached the OSB boards, cutting each to the right size with the circular saw. When we got to the roof trusses, Carl showed us how to make a pattern template. It was our first time working with inches – a challenge for everyone! Using the square, we measured and cut each piece to the exact same angle and length, learning both building skills and new English terms like bevel, plank, and stud wall along the way.
When the final trusses were nailed into place, the feeling of pride was enormous. We had worked together as a true team, combining English lessons, practical carpentry skills, and mentorship in one unforgettable project.
At this guest ranch, everything takes on a deeper meaning. Each new task – from riding a horse to building a shed – becomes both a life experience and a valuable English lesson. Watching Annina and Carl work side by side reminded me how communication goes far beyond speaking; it’s about collaboration, gestures, and shared purpose.
With summer approaching, we plan to keep our classes and English lessons outdoors. After all, it’s much more fun to discuss grammar or tag questions with a hammer in your hand and sawdust at your feet.
Celina, France
