Activity

Can An Elephant Jump?

Using 'can' and 'cannot', learn about animals and their abilities.

Teach "Can ____ _____ ?" and the answers: "Yes, _____ can. No, ____ can't." Example:Either by yourself or with a volunteer, pose the question, "Can a horse swim?" Many children will say no (maybe even the teacher might). Give them a few seconds to think about it, then count down from five and say, "Can a horse swim? The answer is..." (pause for effect) "Yes!"
Make sure students understand all the questions on the worksheet.
Explain that the students have to choose "a) Yes it can," or "b) No, it can't" each time
Put students in groups or pairs to ask and answer the questions.
Check the answers together. If they get it right, it's +100 points, if they get it wrong, it's -100 points.
5. go over the answers to find a winner.
The attachment includes a writing exercise, and an additional fun quiz!

VARIATIONS:
For suspense, you can give the answers as you go along, but as some low level students might give up if they get too many wrong, it's best if you wait till you go through them all then recapping again.
For the quiz, you can allow students to "bet" on their answers. I usually start with a maximum of $50. If the sentence is completely correct, they get whatever money they bet back. If it's wrong then you take their money! If they are missing a period or spelled something wrong then I take $10~$20 off for each error. When it gets closer to the end of class I start putting the betting limits higher. They really go nuts for this game.DISCLAIMER: Not every JTE, school, or BOE allows gambling related activities. Play it safe and ask someone before you try it in the classroom

TIPS/CAUTIONS:

Answers:
1. a (a snake can swim)
2. a (a chicken can swim: youtube it)
3. b (chickens can't fly)
4. b (crocodiles have no tear ducts)
5. a (a penguin can jump)
6. a (a bird can eat popcorn)
7. b (a penguin can't walk backwards)
8. a (a dog can walk backwards)
9. a (a bear can climb trees)
10. a (a bear can eat mice as they are not herbivorous, but rather omnivorous)
11. b (an elephant cannot jump)

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Submitted by Englipedia Classics January 8, 2019 Estimated time: 20-30 min

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