Learning Time Expressions

Learning Time Expressions

Activity：Use Authentic Materials—What Time Is It?

Language task: Tell time

Functions: Ask and tell the time

         Listening, speaking, reading and writing

Use:     Class activity, homework assignment, assessment

Present authentic materials and ask students to tell the time; May use English materials first, then use Chinese materials.

Suggest materials for teaching time expressions ( most of the materials can be found online):

Calendars:

    City cultural events calendar;

    School events calendar;

    Historical events calendar

Time schedules:

    Bus, train, flight, schedules;

    Movie theater schedules

Preparation for the activity:

Print out authentic materials for class use.

Elaboration:

Students may also list the birthdays of family members;

Have students make a calendar on a specific topic, such a “ Major Events Calendar.”

Analysis of the activity:

Gathering events and presenting time with a purpose makes learning meaningful;

Use of authentic materials in Chinese nurtures development of language proficiency in real-life situations;

Use the opportunity to make connections with Social Studies or current affairs.