Seb Smith Seb Smith

TP5: Speaking about "firsts"

Materials

Abc Google Slides Presentation
Abc Cutting Edge Pre-Intermediate

Main Aims

  • To provide a fluency-focused speaking lesson in the context of sharing anecdotes about "firsts."

Subsidiary Aims

  • To provide Ss with relevant phrases for giving context on an anecdote, along with sequence connectors to organize each event.

Procedure

Warmer/Lead-in (3-5 minutes) • To set lesson context and engage students

T will show 3 images on a slide. The slide has the heading "Can you remember your first..." T will ask Ss to guess what each image is referring to. (First pet ; First concert ; First car) T will ask Ss to share some information on these experiences with the group. Purpose of the activity: activate schemas relating to "firsts" and for sharing anecdotes or experiences.

Exposure (4-6 minutes) • To provide a model of production expected in coming tasks through reading/listening

T will play two audio-clips in which a person recounts a "First". Basic comprehension questions will accompany each audio. After each audio is played, T will call on Ss to answer some of the questions.

Useful Language (6-7 minutes) • To highlight and clarify useful language for coming productive tasks

Ss will be given a list containing the first six target items, some of which were used in the audio texts. They will be given two minutes to order them in two different columns for Context and Sequence. After two minutes are up, T will offer group feedback, and move on to relevant language-breakdown. For vocabulary items, T will present a negative-to-positive timeline in which to place the four target adjectives (Unforgettable, Memorable, Interesting, Forgettable). To save time, T will conduct this activity with the group. Then, T will address MPF for two of the items on the list (Memorable and Forgettable).

Productive Task(s) (10-15 minutes) • To provide an opportunity to practice target productive skills

T shows a slide containing the following instructions: "Think of an important “first” in your life to discuss with a partner. Some “firsts” can include: First job First time traveling abroad First kiss First concert First tournament (if you play a competitive sport)" T also offers a visual of the target language next to the instructions. "I will give you three minutes to think of your anecdote and to write down notes about the context and the sequence of events." Once 3 minutes are up, T puts Ss in pairs to exchange their anecdotes. T will monitor each group carefully, making sure to take notes on any recurrent mistakes for DEC and Feedback. If T notices conversation to be limited, T may also ask the participants questions (for context, elaboration, etc.) to encourage them to speak. After five to seven minutes of discussion, T gathers Ss for group feedback, asking Ss to summarize their partner's anecdote. T may ask questions such as: "Was that a memorable experience for your partner?" or "How old was your partner at the time of the story?" Etc.

Feedback and Error Correction (5-8 minutes) • To provide feedback on students' production and use of language

T will provide DEC for the Ss, using the "feedback" slide in the presentation.

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