Speaking Activity

Speaking activity

For the purposes of this exercise, I chose one of the Canadian Language Benchmarks for English as a Second Language for Adults:
− Responds appropriately to common greetings, introductions, and leave-takings.

This lesson is as a review for a beginner level course. The activity I chose to do is what I call the “Ball Game”. It is one that the learners tend to enjoy as a review instead of sitting in their chairs.

The lesson/activity would start with learners sharing the different greetings they remember and the instructor writing them on the board. Then, as a way to practice common greetings and introductions, the learners will find a spot around the room, though not too far away. They do not need to stand in a circle (though they can). Once everyone has a spot, the instructor starts by saying a greeting, for example, “Hello Joe, how are you?”. Then the instructor would throw the ball to Joe (one of the learners). Joe would then respond with an appropriate saying, in this case, “I am good.” Then the learner would say one of the greetings or introductions to one of their peers. This would go on until all of the learners have gotten a chance to say and respond to a greeting. It is a great way to get to hear the learners speak as well as getting them to practice in a safe environment.


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