Tuesday, April 26, 2005

What happened?

Sketch a picture on the board of a memorable experience in your life and  have the class ask you what happened.  Other questions will probably surface.

After this demonstration, have learners draw their own pictures and try the dialogue with as many people as possible.

Note:  You may have learners depict a positive experience rather than a negative one.
Posted by jimmy at 12:38:10 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Friday, April 22, 2005

How about (topping) ?

What do you like on you pizza?  Have pairs chat and generate a list of 50 toppings using the structure 'How about (topping)'?  This sounds simple but trust me, the students love it.
Posted by jimmy at 14:58:21 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Don't discard

Do you have a chocolate bar wrapper, an empty cookie box or another similar item? Don't throw it away because your class needs it.

Pairs begin by brainstorming and jotting down questions connected to the item.  Depending on the level, the nature of the questions can vary from price to ingredients.  After checking the questions, each pair writes three or four on the board. 

Now you have more than enough questions for a simple Q&A dialogue.  Before the dialogues, perhaps you would like to allow pairs time to practise.
Posted by jimmy at 21:31:13 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

2 To Talk

This is my first idea-post.  While this this idea is not truly original, it hit me when  I was looking at a picture in a calendar.

You need a picture that contains at least two individuals in a clear context.  Have pairs write two or three words on the board and then discuss them with the class.   Next, have learners write a 4-8 line dialogue using a variety of words on the board.  To conclude, have pairs either perform their dialogues or share the text with other groups.



Posted by jimmy at 12:28:13 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Monday, April 18, 2005

Introduction

It's just hard to get them talking.  This, in my opinion, is my greatest challenge in teaching conversation.  During the past 15 years howerer, I have learned that seemingly simple ideas are also the most motivational ones.   This blog is an attempt to share some of those ideas with other instructors.
Posted by jimmy at 20:53:55 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |