Here is an activity that I am planning to do, but have not tried or finished the files for. If you try it out before I upload my experience, please tell me how it went!
*edited: I have now tried it and the students have claimed this is one of their most favorite activities so far this year. Please try if you have the chance!
This activity specifically practices these 3 words in a variety of ways. It requires a lot of prep work but I think it could be fun if done correctly.
What you need:
- a timer
- action cards (tba)
- assorted props
On the action cards, there will be a variety of sentences,
(ex: Show ALT a pencil or Give a prop to JTE).
These action cards will be face down in a box at the front of the room.
Students must form groups for this activity. Pacing will be different depending on the number of students in each group. For my purposes, I went with 5-6 students per group.
This activity will be as the name suggests; an action relay. One person at a time from each group will stand up to try and get as many points for their team as they can. Students take an action card from the front of the room and perform the action on the card. Every action they perform correctly will be added to their group score.
At the start of each round, the students all receive one card face down to start everyone at the same time. They then flip their cards and the timer begins.The ALT and/or the JTE will stand at the front of the room to receive the action card and see if they do the correct action. If the student performs it correctly, they may add a tally to their group score and go to receive another card. They will be given a minute to get as many points as possible. At the end of the minute, the student swaps out, and the next student in each group will have the chance to gain points for their team. Have about a minute in between to hand out cards for the next group. Continue until everyone gets the chance to participate, or you run out of time in class. Winning group has the most points out of everyone.
Suggestions:
- to make sure it goes more smoothly, request that the students help return some of the props to the places they took it from so that it is easier to reset for the next wave of students.
- to lengthen the time of the lesson, just add more rounds
- assorted props are included due to some of the actions on the action card (give a ball to ALT) if you do not have access to all of the same props I have, feel free to change the prompt to exclude having to bring props yourself to the classroom
Results:
This is a very action oriented activity and the kids get really excited to do it. Make sure to emphasize "no running" and make sure they actually do the correct action
ex: if a card says "take xx to JTE" and they come to you, make sure they go to JTE instead
I have found this activity got even my least interested students involved. If it weren't for the amount of prep time, I would say this is one of my top favorite activities.