Most ESL students thrive on social interaction. Regardless of what you’re teaching, it’s always wise to come up with activities that get people moving around the room. It is important to have students work together to complete tasks that test their knowledge of the material being taught. The following ESL activity can be used to practice target ESL vocabulary and grammar definitions.
To start, write down about ten definitions or phrases that cover the key vocabulary that is being learned in your class. Use a larger font so ESL students can see them more easily. Leave some space between each word and add a couple of extra words that have nothing to do with the sentence. For example, if one of my sentences were “To get to the church you must turn right”. I would write that sentence with a large font and extra space between the words. It would also include words like “straight” or “drive”. These words are related to the topic, but do not fit in the sentence. Once you have your ten writings, print them out and cut out each individual sentence. Place a paper clip around the words in each sentence. Now, put all the sentences in an envelope. In a standard size class, you might want about ten envelopes like this one.
When class begins, divide everyone into groups of four or five. Distribute one envelope to each group. Instruct students to pull out one set of words at a time and spread them out on the table for all to see. The goal of the activity is for all students to work together to put the words in order and come up with a meaningful sentence. Be sure to let students know that there are two additional words included in each stack. When a group gives the correct answer, they should raise their hands and you will proceed to check the accuracy. If the sentences are formed correctly, a student mixes up the words, stacks them, places a paper clip around the words, and selects another set from the envelope. As the ESL teacher, you will decide if the students got the sentence right.
Judging from your class and the classroom environment, you may want to make this a competition. The first group to get all ten sentences correct is victorious. In my experience, this will really get your ESL students excited and thinking. Even students who aren’t always super motivated, in terms of learning English in general, seem to perk up when they realize it’s a career. You can think of a prize for the winning team if you decide to make it a competition. There is the option to do one sentence at a time as a class. If you choose this route, no group will be able to proceed to the next set of words until you have indicated that everyone is done. At this point, the class can review the correct answer and the meaning of the sentence one at a time.
This ESL activity works great for all age groups. As long as all students are actively working to complete the assignment, let everyone have fun. The noise level will be a bit high, but it will be worth it and everyone will have fun.
Andrew Leyton
http://drewseslfluencylessons.com
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