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Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Hi all,

I'm picking my brains again while trying to come up with some 'enjoyable' lessons for 15 year olds. The topic for the week is 'giving advice and making decisions'. I need to plan 4 40 minute lessons while at the same time making it fun to learn. Any ideas?

My first idea would be to approach the class with a simple question, relating to some topic they ALL like or would be interested in giving feedback.

"Should I stay or should I go?"
"Should I invite my family to China?"

From here I am thining of moving onto the formulas for giving advice. But this is where I feel it to be boring. Also this is only good for the first lesson, I have no idea what I could do for the other three.

Midlothian Mapleheart · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 623 Location: Elsewhere

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Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Thanks Middy.

A good idea but I am trying to avoid groupwork. It could possibly be put down to my classroom managment, but I feel most of the 'boring lesson' complaints comes from group tasks. The truth is, when they are put into groups they see it as an excuse to talk about the politics in the middle east.

Midlothian Mapleheart · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 623 Location: Elsewhere

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sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

Draw a picture of a scruffy looking man on the board . Put a cigareete in his mouth , odour coming from his body , dirty clothes , scruffy hair , no smile , shoes untied and so on . You may need to teach some of this vocab first .

Then tell them he is your Friend 'Paul '. You met Paul today on the street and he looks like this . He tells you he has an interview for a job . What did I say to him ?

They should get the form 'he should ....' For example he should have a haircut , he should have a wash etc . As the students give you advice change (or get them to change ) the appearance on the board . I normally get them to dress him up in a suit .

You can then use this to move onto should for friendly advice in different scenarios . I normally go on to present CV's and then Interviews but you may consider them too young for this .

Midlothian Mapleheart · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 623 Location: Elsewhere

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Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

hey sheeba that was a good idea. I don't suppose anybody has seen a line drawing of such a thing suitable for printing and handing out? Or better yet a spot the difference would further encourage them to use the new vocab when discussing.

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

"A good idea but I am trying to avoid groupwork. It could possibly be put down to my classroom managment, but I feel most of the 'boring lesson' complaints comes from group tasks." - Voldermort

If your 15 year olds are at all similar to my 20 year olds, you could try substituting pairwork for some group work. It's easier to see who's blowing it off, since each is supposed to be party to a discussion. An English-only rule is also helpful here. Finally, I like to assign students a partner, changing a couple of times per semester after each speaking evaluation, so that those of similar ability can be challenged while not allowing them to get too comfortable sitting with their friends.

Sinobear · Joined: 24 Aug 2004 Posts: 1269 Location: Purgatory

There's a whack of ideas (links) here: http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=39255
from myself and Dajiang.

Cheers!

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123