Activities to Develop Oral Skills—Where are We Going

Language task:

Giving directions: Tell us where to go

Functions:

Using vocabulary and patterns to give directions.

Use:

Class activity, homework assignment, assessment

Preparation for the activity:

Study vocabulary and sentence patterns related to given directions.

Procedure:

Step 1: Create a list of ten command, such as

      往前走两步

      从这儿下楼

Step 2: Walk out the door

1)      A commander is chosen.

2)      The whole class acts according to given directions.

Step 3: New command

      After the first move is completed, a second commander is chosen to give a new order.

Step 4: Continuation

      The game continues until the whole class returns to the classroom.

Follow-up 1: Homework

Give directions to a place: Chinatown?

( Class may search online to help get directions.)

Follow-up 2: For a later project

    How do we get to your houses from here?

Activities to Develop Oral Skills—Tongue Twister

Pronunciation and fluency are related to the physical aspect of speech. This activity intends to exercise the “speaking muscles” of your class.

Preparation for the activity:

Handouts: Practice rhyme sheet

Procedure:

Step 1: Create a list of items: words, phrases, sentences

Step 2: Pre-speaking practice

      Read the list of rhymes to review vocabulary.

Step 3: Read aloud

      Teacher leads reading rhymes aloud in class with increasing speed.

Step 4: Class memorization

      The class tries to say one rhyme from memory.

Step 5: Individual experiment

      Select individuals to perform from memory.

Step 6: Time your speech

      Ask the students to time the teacher reciting one rhyme to see how fast it can be done.

      Have students set individual speed records.

Follow-up 1: Homework

Select two or three rhymes to practice: memorize and time.

Follow-up 2: In class competition

Students select one best-practiced rhyme to perform/

Time the performance.

Analysis of the activity:

It supports review and lays ground for further learning.

It makes mechanical exercises exciting.

It connects class work with home work.

It makes assessment natural.