LANGUAGE DESCRIPTION
Language Description (LDS) can be a difficult and tedious courses for students completing PPISMP before commencing their degree (PISMP) course.
But it doesn't have to be! Although there are some complex topics to cover, students are better motivated to learn and practice in an environment of fun and games or interactive learning activities. (This also encourages them to take this approach when they have their own class to teach.)
At this stage (end of 2013) the module is not yet completed. However, included here below are some lesson plans, games ideas, and worksheets (from demonstration classes given by fellows in 2011) which cover some areas in the course.
But it doesn't have to be! Although there are some complex topics to cover, students are better motivated to learn and practice in an environment of fun and games or interactive learning activities. (This also encourages them to take this approach when they have their own class to teach.)
At this stage (end of 2013) the module is not yet completed. However, included here below are some lesson plans, games ideas, and worksheets (from demonstration classes given by fellows in 2011) which cover some areas in the course.
Typhoon
Of course, Typhoon can be used for anything you care to teach and/or practice. But it's brilliant for LDS.
Here is a lesson plan:
Here is a lesson plan:
lesson_plan_typhoon.pdf | |
File Size: | 431 kb |
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Here is an example of a game board - remember the squares are blank on the white/black board, only the teacher can see this sheet.
example_of_typhoon_game.pdf | |
File Size: | 171 kb |
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Here are some examples of LDS Typhoon questions. They are in groups because I would try to give the same type of question to each team in turn.
example_of_typhoon_questions.pdf | |
File Size: | 269 kb |
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Here is a worksheet with some useful blanks for help setting up a game.
typhoon_game_and_blank.pdf | |
File Size: | 110 kb |
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Sentence Auction
A Sentence Auction is another good way to practise and revise topics learnt in LDS classes.
A sentence Auction can be done as a Silent Auction - where participants examine the goods available for purchase and put in a bid for each item - or as a 'loud' or 'noisy' auction where the participants call their bids out loud and the sentence is awarded to the highest bidder (the winners are the team who has purchased the highest number of correct sentences.)
A sentence Auction can be done as a Silent Auction - where participants examine the goods available for purchase and put in a bid for each item - or as a 'loud' or 'noisy' auction where the participants call their bids out loud and the sentence is awarded to the highest bidder (the winners are the team who has purchased the highest number of correct sentences.)
sentence_auction_silent.pdf | |
File Size: | 419 kb |
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sentence_auction_sheet_example.pdf | |
File Size: | 425 kb |
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sentence_auction_sheet_example_answers.pdf | |
File Size: | 423 kb |
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Once students are comfortable with the Silent Auction, they can really enjoy a noisy auction! To start with, students (in pairs/teams) can be asked to submit their own sentences to sell, or the teacher can provide them. The sentences need to be written large and clear, and revealed one at a time. This can be done by printing them out in a large font to stick on the board,or use ab LCD projector. Here is an example:
example_sentences_auction_loud.pdf | |
File Size: | 105 kb |
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Here are the basic instructions.
noisy_sentence_auction.pdf | |
File Size: | 395 kb |
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Students need to keep a careful record of how much then 'spend'.
diy_auction_records.pdf | |
File Size: | 8 kb |
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Students need to consider whether the sentence is correct before they decide to bid for it, and then how much 'money' they still have. At the end when all sentence are purchased, only the correct ones are counted as points. The teacher (or students) may choose to impose penalties for incorrect sentences purchased.
Noun Phrase Story
Here are resources designed to teach, or revise and practise, noun phrases using a traditional story - The Gingerbread Man. This lesson also helps students to practise good storytelling techniques.(If you are unsure of the story it can be found in many places and many forms on the Internet. For added interest students could try creating/cooking Gingerbread.)
noun_phrase_story_lesson_plan.pdf | |
File Size: | 509 kb |
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story_character_sheets.pdf | |
File Size: | 95 kb |
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Here is an animated PowerPoint presentation to present the story and prepare students for the activity. It is designed for student(s)/groups/the class to tell the story as they go.
gingerbread_n_p.pptx | |
File Size: | 1495 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
"The Court of King Caractacus" and "The House that Jack Built"
- Phrases and Sentences
Continuing the studies on phrases, clauses and sentences, this lesson used the song by Rolf Harris about "The Court of King Caractacus", and then the traditional children's story about "The house that Jack built". The students then wrote their own creative versions of "The house that Jack built".
If you are unfamiliar with "The Court of King Caractacus" (by Rolf Harris) you can find video and/or sound files on the Internet.
If you are unfamiliar with "The Court of King Caractacus" (by Rolf Harris) you can find video and/or sound files on the Internet.
lesson_plan_caractacus_and_jack.pdf | |
File Size: | 399 kb |
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caractacus_words.pdf | |
File Size: | 316 kb |
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house_jack_built_words.pdf | |
File Size: | 292 kb |
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jacks_house_partner_activity.pdf | |
File Size: | 129 kb |
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Alibi
This game is a great way to practise tenses and questions.
Alibi is a Simulation activity that gets participants involved in authentic (real life) conversations that require them to communicate in the target language. participants often become so engaged by this activity that the teacher needs to debrief everyone before the lesson concludes!
All that is needed for this activity is two areas (sections of classroom or separate rooms) in which two groups can plan strategies out of earshot of the other group.
Alibi is a Simulation activity that gets participants involved in authentic (real life) conversations that require them to communicate in the target language. participants often become so engaged by this activity that the teacher needs to debrief everyone before the lesson concludes!
All that is needed for this activity is two areas (sections of classroom or separate rooms) in which two groups can plan strategies out of earshot of the other group.
alibi_worksheet.pdf | |
File Size: | 179 kb |
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