User:Individual English Training

POOLING IDEAS FOR THE CLASSROOM

Using Pictures in the classroom - tips and ideas

1. Practice of linkers and connectors e.g. A picture showing a happy couple sitting at a table, in a restaurant enjoying a glass of wine. Learner A takes a linker card ('As') and says: As he doesn't like meat, he ordered some pasta. Learner B takes a linker card ('Whereas') and continues by saying: 'Whereas' she ordered a juicy steak. Learner A ('Provided'): Provided he doesn't have to wait too long for his food, he won't complain this time. etc. etc

OR e.g. Just showing an information-rich picture, and then see how many linkers can be brought in to describe and/or expand on the 'scene'

2. Present continuous/progressive e.g. various pictures of people doing things. Ask the learners: "What are they doing?" Learner: "He's waiting for the bus", "She's drinking wine" etc

3. Present Perfect for recent events e.g. Picture of an extremely happy girl in school uniform, jumping in the air. "She's just finished her exams" e.g. Picture of two men having an argument/fight. "He's just said something bad about the other guy's wife"

4. General Fluency and Speaking practice e.g. Using 'dream cards' Learner selects 3 dream cards at random and has to link them no matter how bizare it might sound Learner starts with the following: "I had a strange dream last night ......."