Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Destroyer]

I've been asked to design a conversation class for my elementary grades 4,5 and 6.

Does anyone know of any texts appropriate for teaching this subject to this age range? Or do you have any suggestions for making my own?

These kids are generally able to carry an informal encounter past the generic question / 1 word answer conversation into the follow-up question / topic shift kind of conversation.

I imagine a class running parallel to my normal government proscribed program, going off on tangents and de-emphasizing the grammar aspects to focus on actually getting the communication out there, somewhat regardless of its textbook correctness.

Maybe like this:
1 Teach related vocabulary, sentence patterns, etc.
2 Practice said material ad naseum.
3 Give students a chance to invent their own unique questions/monologues/dialogues.

[Hotpants]

This site: http://abcasiapacific.com/livingenglish/default.htm has some good basic conversations with explanations of relevant dialog - although recently, the video seems not to be playing - not sure what's going on there... British BBC also has some similar stuff.

Also, instead of the boring hello, how are you kind of stuff of regular text books, perhaps you set the theme or a problem, and students have to come up with a 5 minute skit/presentation at the end of each class. They start with basic storyboarding so it's easy to develop simple expressions. Try and capture it on video so everyone can see the results. Collate their work into a portfolio.

I also like the idea of what one teacher posted on youtube.com in her 'Daily English Report Show' (sorry, I'm too lazy to find exact link). She videoed herself speaking one part of a conversation, then she has the text on screen for what the viewer should say in response. This could be adapted for your class.

[Demophobe]

Yes...role-plays and skits work well with those groups. It helps the language stick and gives them a fun way of learning it.

Music, some light video stuff (scenes from movies for acting or listening) and 'active' learning (stuff that involves some movement) goes over well with my kids, perhaps also with yours.

[Destroyer]

Thanks to you two for good links. Role-playing is definitely the way to go. Gonna make up some scripts.
excelsior!