Introducing an Activity Effectively

There will be times when you plan out your activities perfectly, you can visualize exactly what you want the students to do, but then, in the class, you are met with blank faces. 

What went wrong?

It might be the activity. It might be that it wasn’t introduced effectively enough. Especially the first time you introduce a new activity, make sure you take it slow and use lots of modeling. 

Below are some steps you can take to help you effectively introduce your activity to your class.

Pre-teaching

If the game focuses on a language target or sentence pattern, make sure that the student knows all vocabulary that you use in the game.

Room Set-up

Before starting the game, set up the students into their functional groups.  Make sure that everyone has a pair or the correct number in their group.  Organize the tables and chairs appropriately.

Basic Introduction

Simply and clearly explain the game in English to the students.  A complicated long explanation may bore and confuse the students so keep it short and sweet.

Demonstration

First, have yourself and the JTE demonstrate the activity, talking through each step and stating what they are doing.  Perhaps involving the students as to what they think you should be doing. (Elicit the rules and gameplay.)

Student Modeling

Choose one group or pair to do the activity.  Provide help where needed but give the other students the opportunity to see the activity working successfully.

All class once-through

Give all the students the chance to try the activity through one time (if this is appropriate to the activity). Deal with problems at this step.

Understanding check

Asking the question “Do you understand?” does not do this. Perhaps show one more time but do some positive and negative examples and ask the students whether what you are doing it okay. If they understand properly, they should be able to spot errors.

Full Game

The students complete the activity while the teacher monitors, helps, and praises as appropriate.