Activities for Beginners - iex … · ``Family + Friends ``Days of the Week ``Months ``Seasons + Weather ``Holidays – Halloween ... 2. Then place two sets of emotion flashcards

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Activities for BeginnersThis activity pack is a guide for coaching young learners/lower-grade elementary students who are beginners. With young learners, songs, chants, and lots of movement are important. As their attention spans are short, you’ll want to change up activities often. Don’t introduce too much vocabulary in one lesson for little ones.

You can easily modify these activities for older learners by taking out some of the chants, songs, and activities that older learners would perhaps find silly and boring.

Many of these topics will need to be taught over the course of several days or weeks. These activities are intended to give you a model of how to introduce content and engage your students. For material, you can easily create a lot of items, such as number cards or memory cards, by drawing them on paper and cutting them into squares. Also, ask the host family what games and books they have that you can incorporate into your lessons.

Suggested Topics:

`` Getting to Know Each Other (first lesson)`` Greetings + Farewells`` Emotions`` Alphabet `` Basic Numbers`` Colors + Shapes`` Parts of the Body `` Aches and Pains`` Describing People (Physical + Personality Traits)`` Food & Meals (+ Expressing Likes/Dislikes)`` Clothes`` Family + Friends

`` Days of the Week `` Months`` Seasons + Weather`` Holidays – Halloween`` Holidays – Thanksgiving`` Holidays – Valentine’s Day`` Routine Activities`` My Home`` Sports/Activities`` About Town`` Transportation`` Animals


Getting to Know Each Other

Activity 1 A Game to Break the IcePlay a game with the children, such as memory with fun pictures. Say the name of the items in English as you turn over the cards and encourage the children to repeat after you.

Activity 2 Our FamiliesShow pictures of your family and you with friends. Look at your host family’s photos also to reinforce vocabulary (mom, dad, etc.)

Activity 3 Red Light! Green Light! Yellow Light!If you have two or more children, play Red Light! Green Light! Yellow Light! This is a simple game to get the kids moving and learning basic vocabulary (go, slow down, stop)

Activity 4 Story TimeRead a story with lots of illustrations. Pause at intervals to introduce and reinforce vocabulary.

Activity 5 DrawingAsk children to draw a picture of their family and/or friends. Draw along with them, labeling your family members and encourage your students to do the same.


Greetings, Introductions, Farewells

Activity 1 Vocabulary Overview: Greetings1. Introduce different greetings through pictures or use a story with illustrations that

incorporates the target vocabulary.

2. Then teach a chant that includes repetition of the various greetings (add claps, jumps and other movement in between lines to get the kids moving)

Activity 2 Puppet ShowPut on a puppet show (using socks) or if your children like dolls, use them to perform a short skit using the key vocabulary and expressions.

Activity 3 Vocabulary Overview: Introductions 1. Review introductions, using gestures. Ask the children “What is your name?” Answer for

them if they are unsure. Then, show a map and point to their country, ask: “Where are you from?” Elicit the children to answer.

2. To practice all the new vocabulary, give the children a worksheet with space to practice writing the key expressions. Have a sample at the top of the page (Example: picture of a cartoon character they would know, with “Hi, my name is Bart. I’m from the United States.”). There should be pictures of various characters and countries so the children know where the person is from.

Activity 4 Race to the Correct PlaceMake giant labels of the key terms and expressions and place them in various locations throughout the room. Call out a term and run to the respective label to model what you want the children to do. Then, call out other terms and let them run independently.

Activity 5 Vocabulary Overview: Farewells1. Introduce different farewells through pictures or use a story with illustrations that

incorporates the target vocabulary.

2. Then teach a chant that includes repetition of the various farewells (add claps, jumps and other movement in between lines to get the kids moving). After they have the hang of the chant, incorporate the greetings from the first chant.


Emotions

Activity 1 Vocabulary Overview1. Introduce different emotions using flashcards with pictures and terms beneath. After

you say each emotion, instruct the children to repeat after you.

2. Then place two sets of emotion flashcards facedown and play memory. Instruct the children to state the emotion aloud when they turn over a card.

Activity 2 Draw the EmotionShow children a paper plate with a face drawn on it. Ask them to tell you the emotion. Then give them an emotion to draw, a paper plate (or just paper) and crayons/markers.

Activity 3 Song TimeTeach the song “If you’re happy and you know it,” and incorporate other emotions (for example: “If you’re sad and you know it, cry boo-hoo!)

Activity 4 Vocabulary Overview with Sock PuppetsIntroduce the expressions “How are you?” and “I’m [insert emotion]” Use sock puppets or dolls to perform sample dialogues in which the puppet (or doll) confronts different friends with a range of emotions.

Activity 5 Match it UpGive the children two sets of cards—one with just pictures and one with just terms. Instruct them to match the picture card with the correct term card.

Activity 6 Story TimeRead a story that incorporates the key vocabulary and expressions from this lesson


Alphabet

Activity 1 Alphabet IntroductionIntroduce the alphabet by showing a cartoon or letter flashcards. Chorus each letter (you say the letter and the children repeat) 3-5 times. Then ask each child to individually say it.

Activity 2 My ABCs1. Teach the alphabet song, using the flashcards as you sing.

2. Then tape several of the letters around the room; place the remaining letters on the floor. Call out a letter and run to that letter (if it’s taped on the wall) or point to it. Then have the children do this independently as you call out letters.

Activity 3 Practice WritingGive the children a worksheet to practice writing the letters.

Activity 4 Story TimeRead a story that goes over the alphabet (with each letter accompanied by a picture of nouns that start with it). Point to each letter and elicit children to say it before you do.

Activity 5 Song TimeSing the alphabet song again, pointing to the respective alphabet flashcard as you sing each letter.


Basic Numbers

Activity 1 Introduction1. Introduce numbers 1-10 with flashcards and pictures (Ex: “1” with one flower). Chorus

each number (say it and have children repeat) 3-5 times.

2. Introduce the expression, “How many?” by taking 10 grapes or other small food items and counting aloud after you ask the question. Elicit children to count with you. Then eat one and ask again, “How many?” Encourage children to count. Then, let each child eat one piece. Ask “How many?” again, and have them count. Play until the snack is gone.

Activity 2 Number ChantTeach a number chant by singing a few numbers and then shouting an action, such as “jump!” and “spin!” Hold up fingers as you sing the numbers.

Activity 3 Trace the NumbersGive the children a tracing worksheet to practice writing numbers 1-10

Activity 4 HopscotchCreate large number cards and make a hopscotch pattern (or draw one with chalk if you’re outside). Teach the children how to play, tossing a ball of paper or small pebble onto one of the hopscotch squares, skipping that square, and saying all the numbers on the squares as you hop on them.

Activity 5 Draw the Correct Number1. Write a number (between 1-10) on a chalkboard or piece of paper and ask children to

identify the number.

2. Then draw objects next to the number (the # of objects drawn should correspond with the # you wrote). Then, give the children a worksheet with a list of numbers and instruct them to draw objects next to the # (the # of objects should correspond with the number).


Colors & Shapes

Activity 1 ColoringGive children paper and crayons or markers and ask them to draw anything they want. As they’re drawing, ask them what color they are using, then point to each color and say the name.

Activity 2 Vocabulary Overview: ColorsUse flashcards to go over basic colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, white). Chorus each color (you say the color and the children repeat) 3-5 times. Then ask each child to individually say the color.

Activity 3 Race to the Correct PlacePlace a variety of colorful objects around the room. Shout out a color and run to the object that is that color. Do this again, instructing the children to follow. Once children have the hang of the game, let them run independently.

Activity 4 Vocabulary Overview: ShapesIntroduce basic shapes (square, circle, triangle, rectangle, heart) by showing an object in that shape. Chorus each shape (you say the shape and the children repeat) 3-5 times. Then ask each child to individually say the shape.

Activity 5 Draw & ColorGive the children a worksheet with the names of shapes to draw. Then instruct them to color each shape a specific color.


Parts of the Body

Activity 1 Body Part GameTo introduce basic body parts, shout commands (such as, “Touch your head, “ Touch your nose”), doing the command and eliciting children to follow along.

Activity 2 Vocabulary Overview1. Show a picture of a cartoon character (or use a doll if they like dolls) and go over basic

body parts. Have the children repeat after you, as you say each term.

2. Then give children a worksheet with a cartoon or real person and instruct them to label as many body parts as they can. Go over it together when they’re done.

Activity 3 Simon SaysPlay Simon Says. Once children have the hang of the game, let one of them be “Simon.”

Activity 4 Story TimeRead a story and pause several times to point to a character’s body part and elicit children to say the correct term.


Aches and Pains

Activity 1 Vocabulary Overview1. Introduce different ailments (headache, fever, etc.) with flashcards and pictures. Chorus

each term (say it and have children repeat) 3-5 times.

2. Have children stand and teach them a chant in which you say the ailment several times while making gestures.

Activity 2 What’s Wrong?1. Place a set of cards (with pictures of people with different ailments) facedown. Pick up a

card and ask, “What’s wrong?” and answer according to the ailment on the card.

2. Pick up another card and ask one of the children, “What’s wrong?” Elicit them to identify the correct ailment. Do this a few times, so you’ve reviewed each term more than once.

Activity 3 MemoryPlay memory with picture cards of the different ailments. Instruct children to say the ailment as they flip the card over.

Activity 4 Story TimeRead a story with a theme related to today’s topic. Pause at several times to reinforce vocabulary.

Activity 5 CharadesPlay charades with the vocabulary. Model the game by drawing a card and acting it out, encouraging students to guess the ailment. Take turns so that each child has an opportunity to mime two or more ailments.


Describing People (physical characteristics & personality traits)

Activity 1 Vocabulary Overview: Physical DescriptionsUse family photos or pictures of cartoon characters to introduce basic physical descriptions (tall, short, etc.) Chorus each term (have children repeat after you) 3-5 times.

Activity 2 Does s/he have…?1. Show a picture of a person and ask, “Does she have…?” (asking if the person has a

specific physical characteristic). Answer your own question: “She has…” Do this a few times to model the activity.

2. Then, show several other pictures and ask the children if the people possess specific characteristics. Elicit them to answer using full sentences.

Activity 3 Race to the Correct PlaceCreate physical attribute labels and post them around the room. Say one aloud and run to the respective label to model the activity. Then let children run independently as you shout each characteristic.

Activity 4 Vocabulary Overview: Personality Traits1. Introduce basic personality traits (nice, funny, mean, shy, etc.) using picture flashcards.

Chorus each term (have children repeat after you) 3-5 times.

2. Then show the flashcards again, this time eliciting children to identify the trait.

Activity 5 Story TimeRead a story that contains vocabulary from today’s lesson. Pause at each key term to reinforce vocabulary.


Food & Meals (+ Expressing Likes/Dislikes)

Activity 1 Vocabulary OverviewLabel food items in your host family’s kitchen. Introduce vocabulary by pointing and/or holding up the items. Chorus each term (have children repeat after you) 3-5 times. OR conduct this activity in a local food market.

Activity 2 Likes and Dislikes1. Introduce “like” and “dislike” by showing pictures of a smiling kid (for “like”) eating ice

cream and a frowning kid (for “I don’t like”) eating carrots.

2. Point at different food items in the kitchen and ask children if they like it. Use thumbs up and down gestures to give children a hint of what you’re asking.

Activity 3 Swat It!Tape pictures of food on a board or wall. Shout out the name of a food item and swat the correct picture with a flyswatter to model the activity. Then give flyswatters to the children, have them stand several feet from the pictures, and instruct them to run up and “swat” the picture that corresponds with the term you shout.

Activity 4 Story TimeRead a story that has a food theme, pausing at intervals to point out food items and to ask the children if they like the item.


Clothes

Activity 1 Vocabulary Overview1. Label clothing in one of the children’s closets. Hold up the article of clothing as you

introduce the term. Chorus each term (have children repeat after you) 3-5 times.

2. Go to the closet of a different child and pull out different items, eliciting them to tell you the name

Activity 2 DrawingGive a vocabulary sheet with the terms (and pictures) you introduced in the first activity, along with paper and crayons. Instruct children to draw a person and to label their clothes. Ask them to share their pictures when finished.

Activity 3 Dress-UpPlace a pile of your clothes (if you don’t mind) in the center of the floor. Model the activity to the children: call out an article, race to the pile, find it, and put it on over your clothes. Place the piece of clothing back and then call out another item, this time letting the children run to the pile. Do this several times so that you’ve used each key term more than once.

Activity 4 Story TimeRead a story that has a clothing theme, pausing at intervals to point out key vocabulary.


Family & Friends

Activity 1 Vocabulary Overview1. Use one of the family’s photos to introduce vocabulary (mom, dad, sister, brother,

daughter, son, etc.) Chorus each term (have children repeat after you) 3-5 times.

2. Draw a family tree or arrange pictures of your own family in a tree, with each member labeled to help show the relationships. Go over each relationship.

3. Then show a picture of you with friends, as well as other pictures of kids (who don’t look alike) playing together to illustrate friendship.

Activity 2 Race to the Correct PlaceArrange pictures of the host family around the room. Model the activity: shout out a family member and run to that picture. Then, have children run independently.

Activity 3 DrawingGive the children paper and markers. First ask them to draw their mom. Then, their dad. Then instruct them to draw one of their brothers or sisters.

Activity 4 Story TimeRead a story that has a family theme, pausing at intervals to point out key vocabulary.


Days of the Week

Activity 1 Vocabulary Overview1. Hold up a calendar and introduce the term.

2. Go over the days of the week by pointing to each day on the calendar, saying them aloud, and having the children repeat after you.

3. Introduce the terms “today,” “yesterday,” and “tomorrow.”

4. Ask each child, “What day is today/yesterday/tomorrow?” – pointing at the day on the calendar to help.

Activity 2 Put Them In OrderGive each child a set of “day cards” (cards or paper with days of the week written on them) and instruct them to place the cards in order.

Activity 3 Days of the Week ChantTeach children a chant with the days of the week and terms “today,” “yesterday,” and “tomorrow.” Sing some of the key terms and then shout an action, such as “jump!” or “spin!” to infuse movement into the activity.

* As you sing each day, point at it on the calendar to help students

Activity 4 Race to the Correct PlaceTape or place the day cards around the room. Shout out a day or other term (Example: “today”) and instruct children to run to the correct card.


Months

Activity 1 Vocabulary Overview1. Introduce months by going through a calendar. Say each month aloud and have the

children repeat after you.

2. Ask, “What month is it?” Flip to the current month and answer your own question: “It’s August.” Then flip to another month and ask children, “What month is it?” Continue to flip to different months, asking the same question, so children can practice using the vocabulary.

Activity 2 Put Them in OrderGive each child a set of “month cards” (cards or paper with months written on them) and instruct them to place them in order.

* Let children refer to the calendar to complete this activity

Activity 3 Bingo!Create Bingo Cards with days of the week and months. Model how to play by showing the children a sample bingo card, calling out terms, looking for it on the sheet and crossing it out if you see it. Then, give each child a bingo sheet and a crayon. Call out terms. The first one to cross out a line wins.

Activity 4 Practice WritingPass out a worksheet with the months in one column and two additional columns for children to practice writing the months.

Activity 5 Story TimeRead a story that incorporates months of the year. Pause at intervals to reinforce vocabulary.


Seasons & Weather

Activity 1 Vocabulary Overview1. Show pictures of different seasons to introduce vocabulary. Chorus each term (have

children repeat after you) 3-5 times.

2. Do step 1 again, but this time with weather terms.

Activity 2 Practice Writing & Matching1. Give each child a vocabulary sheet with a list of the seasons and a picture depicting

typical weather, as well as spaces next to each term for children to practice writing.

2. Next, pass out a worksheet with pictures of different weather in one column and a list of terms in another column. Instruct children to draw a line, matching the term to the correct picture.

Activity 3 Collages1. Show a collage you made of a season and its weather. Elicit children to name the season

and weather pictures.

2. Give each child a season, paper, glue, and magazines and instruct them to create their own collage for their season. When they’re finished, have the children talk as much as possible about their collage.

Activity 4 Story TimeRead a story that incorporates seasons and weather. Pause at intervals to reinforce vocabulary.


Halloween

Activity 1 Vocabulary OverviewAsk children if they celebrate Halloween. Show pictures of kids dressed in costumes and trick-or-treating. Then go over Halloween vocabulary; chorus each term (have children repeat after you) 3-5 times.

Activity 2 Jack o’ lanternsIf pumpkins are available in the area, pick one up and carve it together with the children. Reinforce vocabulary as you do this (pumpkin, carve, jack-o-lantern)

Activity 3 MatchingGive the children a worksheet with Halloween terms in one column and pictures in another. Instruct them to match the picture with the correct term.

Activity 4 Trick-or-Treat ChantHave the children stand and teach the chant “Trick-or-treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat…” (you may change the words).

Activity 5 DrawingPass out a handout of costume ideas, paper, and crayons/markers. Ask children to draw what they would like to be for Halloween.

Activity 6 Halloween CartoonShow a cartoon in English about Halloween (Examples: Garfield or Charlie Brown Halloween Specials – can find them on YouTube). Pause at intervals to reinforce vocabulary.


Thanksgiving

Activity 1 Thanksgiving CartoonShow a cartoon in English about Thanksgiving. Pause it at intervals to ask children questions and to find out if they celebrate Thanksgiving.

Activity 2 Vocabulary OverviewGive children a vocabulary sheet with pictures. Chorus each term (have children repeat after you) 3-5 times.

Activity 3 Finger TurkeysShow children a finger turkey (tracing a hand and decorating it like a turkey). Give them paper and pencils and show them how to trace their hand. Then, give them crayons/markers and anything else to decorate their turkeys.

Activity 4 Race to the Correct PlaceTape or place key vocabulary cards around the room. Call out a term and run to the respective picture/term to model for the children. Then let the children run independently as you call out more terms.

Activity 5 Story TimeRead a story about Thanksgiving, pausing at intervals to reinforce vocabulary.


Valentine’s Day

Activity 1 Valentine’s Day RhymeTeach children a rhyme related to Valentine’s Day (Ex: “You’re a special friend of mine, friend of mine, friend of mine. You’re a special friend of mine. Please be my Valentine” – to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”).


Activity 3 Broken Heart HuntCut out paper hearts of various colors and write a message in English on them.. Then cut these hearts into four pieces and scatter them around the room or house. Tell the children they have 2 min to find as many pieces as possible that fit together. When time is up, children need to try and put the pieces together to see how many whole hearts of the same color they collected.

Activity 4 Valentine’s Day CardShow a Valentine’s Day Card and give the children paper and markers to create their own. Encourage them to try and write a message to a loved one.

Activity 5 MemoryPlay memory with cards that have Valentine’s Day vocabulary.

Activity 6 Story Time

Read a story with a Valentine’s Day theme, pausing at intervals to reinforce vocabulary.


Routine Activities

Activity 1 Story TimeRead a story with a lot of pictures to introduce “routine activities” vocabulary (Ex: brushing teeth). Pause at intervals to ask children if they do the activities in the pictures.


Activity 3 Swat It!1. Tape cards with pictures of routine activities to a wall or pin to a board

2. Give the children flyswatters (if you have more than two children, rotate so only two are competing at one time) and shout out an activity. The first one to swat the correct picture wins a point. If you don’t have flyswatters, you can just have kids touch the card with their hand.

Activity 4 MemoryPlay memory with cards that have “routine activities” vocabulary. Instruct children to say the term/expression as they flip over the card.


My Home

Activity 1 Home TourLabel different rooms of your host family’s home and go on a “tour” with the children, announcing the room names and main furnishings (table, chair, stove, etc.) in English.


Activity 3 Scavenger HuntCreate a scavenger hunt and plant clues in different rooms and on/in different furnishings that you’ve gone over with the children. Give children the first clue to lead them to a new room. Let them take their vocabulary sheet and tag along to help them with hints.

Activity 4 MemoryPlay memory with cards that have “home” vocabulary. Instruct children to say the term/expression as they flip over the card.

Activity 5 Story Time/Home AloneRead a story with a theme related to “home,” pausing at intervals to reinforce vocabulary. Or show a clip of Home Alone, pausing at times to ask children to name the rooms that the main character is currently in.


Sports/Activities

Activity 1 Sports/Activities IntroductionShow pictures of cartoon characters engaging in a variety of sports and activities to introduce the topic.


Activity 3 Like or Dislike?Place a “Like” label in one corner of a room and a “Don’t Like” label in another corner. Shout out an activity or show a picture of the activity and instruct children to run to the label that matches their sentiment about it.

Activity 4 Sports/Activity TimeIf it’s nice outside, play a sport that the children enjoy. If the weather is bad, stay inside and engage in an activity that utilizes the vocabulary.

Activity 5 MemoryPlay memory with sports and activity terms. Instruct children to say the term/expression as they flip over the card.


About Town

Activity 1 Town TourIf you’re allowed to take the children out for a walk or on public transportation, take a tour of the town and point out buildings (school, library, etc.) and professionals (police officer, fireman, etc.).


Activity 3 Build Your Own Town1. Give each child a set of LEGOs or blocks, miniature figures, and post-its. Instruct them

to build their own town and place figures at various locations. They should use the post-it notes to label each building and figure.

2. When finished, have each child give a “tour” of his/her town.

Activity 4 Race to the PlacePlace pictures around the room depicting various buildings and figures you introduced in this lesson. Shout out a term and instruct children to run to the corresponding picture.

Activity 5 MemoryPlay memory with key terms. Instruct children to say the term/expression as they flip over the card.


Transportation

Activity 1 Modes of TransportIf you’re allowed to take the children out for a walk or on public transportation, point out different modes of transport (walking, bicycling, riding a bus or train, etc.).

Activity 2 Vocabulary OverviewGive children a vocabulary sheet with pictures. Chorus each term (have children repeat after you) 3-5 times. Ask them questions, such as “How do you go to school?”

Activity 3 Wheels on the BusShow children a YouTube video of the song, “Wheels on the Bus.” Sing it a few times.

Activity 4 How Does [insert cartoon character] Get to School?1. Give children a worksheet with pictures of a cartoon character (they know) taking

different forms of transportation to school. Encourage them to write a complete sentence next to each picture (Ex: “Bart rides a bicycle”). Provide a sample at the top of the sheet for students to reference.

2. Go over the sheet together

Activity 5 Story TimeRead a transportation-related story, such as “Thomas the Train,” and pause at various points to reinforce vocabulary.


Animals

Activity 1 Trip to the ZooIf your area has a zoo, and the host parents give permission, take the children to the zoo to introduce animal vocabulary. Or create a “zoo” in one of the rooms in the house (use stuffed animals or draw pictures of animals).

Activity 2 Vocabulary Overview1. Give children a vocabulary sheet with pictures. Chorus each term (have children repeat

after you) 3-5 times.

2. Elicit children to tell you the sounds different animals make and how the animals move.

Activity 3 Animal ModeShow a picture of an animal, say its name, and elicit children to move across the room behaving like the animal. Model this for students, so they understand what to do.

Activity 4 MemoryPlay memory with animal terms. Instruct children to say the term/expression as they flip over the card and to make the noise that animal makes.

Activity 5 Story TimeShow an animal film, such as The Lion King and pause at various intervals to reinforce vocabulary. Or read a book with animal characters.

Documents

Activities for Beginners - iex … · ``Family + Friends ``Days of the Week ``Months ``Seasons + Weather ``Holidays – Halloween ... 2. Then place two sets of emotion flashcards