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GKD · Joined: 02 Jan 2013 Posts: 19

I've taught this level before and it's not the easiest type of class. I find it hard to know what extra activities to do with the students. The classes in my academy are of two hours each (twice/week).

We use a good textbook but it gets boring and tiring to just use the book. I always try to use good speaking activities, role plays, games, and things like surveys that get people up on their feet and moving around.

I would appreciate any general and specific suggestions ...

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

What country are you in?

GKD · Joined: 02 Jan 2013 Posts: 19

I'm in Spain. The students are all adults -- between 21-45. I think there's seven in the group.

I'd like to find ways to practise pronunciation, and speaking, and to improve their confidence. But their level is pretty low.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2013 6:09 pm Post subject:

Use the photocopiable resources in Cutting Edge or English File. Might be dull and boring for the teacher, but the learners can get a lot of speaking opportunities.

inotu-unotme · Joined: 26 May 2013 Posts: 197

I've used a couple things in class with adults with surprising results.

Theres a game shoots and ladders for children. You pick a card up with a color to let you know where to move next. In the past I've written things on paper like past, present and future tense. The student can't move to their colored spot on the board until they answer the question on the paper correct. The adults had a surprising entertaining time with this. The good thing is you can change the questions they have to answer according to what they are learning in class. Granted your students have to be good natured for this type of thing.

Also, my students have been quite entertained reading Dr. Seuss books. I have found it helps with pronunciation especially with beginners. But, again the students have to have a sense of humor about these things.

In the past I've also had adults do rule play. And even trying to sell each other things like nail polish.

I've been lucky that my students have been very easy going and have found these things entertaining. The rest of the time its hard core book work.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2013 2:36 pm Post subject:

What is Dr Seuss exactly? Aren't these books for children? While using such material may work with certain learner types, kiddies material is for the most part best avoided in an adult classroom.

MotherF · Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2013 6:00 pm Post subject:

Don't over look music. There are hundreds of ways to use songs, and now with the wonders of google you can find songs that use your language points so they can become an integral part of the lesson. Make sure the students have access to the songs and ask that they listen to them outside of class to reinforce the language in between class sessions.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

If you can afford them Jill Hadfield's Elementary Communications Games and Elementary Vocabulary Games are really well worth using.

GKD · Joined: 02 Jan 2013 Posts: 19

Thanks everyone for all the solid, useful advice. I have already began using more of the photocobiable activities (I think Sasha was spot on--- maybe boring for the teacher, but it's important for the students

How about good,basic warmers and games? I love playing Hot Seats with groups, and stop the bus is always good. Do you think surveys could be possible? Their level s pretty low!

How about flashcards and stuff like that? To practise vocab? I also try to review the previous class more fully than I would do normally ... that seems to work well with lower levels.