Using Realia to Teach Comparison to Junior High School Students

Abstract

This paper explores the use of realia at one of the boarding schools in Yogyakarta, specifically plastic animal figures, snack and fruits, to teach English comparative structures to EFL students. Based on the learning project by incorporating real-world objects for 8th grade junior high school students, realia offers variety, encourages active participation, and provides cultural insights, enriching the learning process. Despite the lack of modern facilities at the school, which limits access to digital resources, realia proves to be an effective, low-cost solution that compensates for this limitation. Through the use of realia, students’ curiosity about comparative degrees in English is actively cultivated, making the lesson more interactive and effective. This creative approach enhances students’ overall learning experience, demonstrating that hands-on materials can be a valuable tool in language acquisition.