Realia

In foreign language teaching, the term realia refers to everyday objects brought into the classroom to enhance students' understanding of other cultures and real life situations.

They can be brought in by the teacher or the students themselves, and can include things like timetables, newspapers, application forms, coins, recipes, and so on.

Realia can be used in a variety of exercises and activities, including the following:
 * making comparisons
 * discussing plans
 * role play
 * describing objects (e.g. in tango seating)