How To Do Something
Sequencing is a powerful way to get students using and learning language.
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One of the best ways to learn anything is to teach it. We learn as we try to explain it to someone else.
One great activity and teaching recipe for students is having them teaching each other and explaining how to do something. It works for all levels. The higher the level, the more complex and detailed the explanation will be.
Here is a general way to teach a “How To” sequencing type lesson.
Choose a topic that all students are familiar with. Let’s say - How To Make A Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwich.
Write the numbers 1 to 5 on the board. Elicit the steps from students and write them down on the board as you do.
Erase or hide the steps. Can the students recall the steps and tell you, explain to you how to make a jam sandwich.
Provide students with a template and a topic, or have them choose their own, on how to do something. You might provide a short list - How To: change a tire, tie your shoe, make a cake, brush your teeth etc ….
Students write out the steps for doing this. Monitor and correct as necessary.
Finally, students explain to each other the steps involved and “teach” using the language.
This lesson resource has some pre-made activities of this kind, all ready to do. Another option for this type of activity is watch a vide on how to do something. Many are online - ehow is a wonderful Youtube channel. After watching and recording and sequencing the steps - students explain in their own words how to do it.
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