Activity: Step by Step Instructions
Objective: Break down a preferred task into steps and write instructions.
Materials: Paper and pencil, items to perform tasks (optional)
- Select a simple activity to work through as a class, such as packing a lunch.
- For your demonstration, bring in the items you need to pack a lunch (for example: bread, peanut butter, jelly, knife, sandwich bag, apple, napkin, lunch box).
- Arrange the items on a table at the front of the room.
- On the board, write ''How To Pack a Lunch.''
- Ask students to help you verbalize how you would put together a lunch using the items on the table.
- As you talk through the steps, write them on the board. For example:
- Get two slices of bread.
- Open the peanut butter.
- Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.
- Etc.
- When all the steps are written, have students read the steps aloud.
- Each student should choose a daily task and write step by step instructions to perform their task.
- Optional: When everyone is finished, students present their instructions to the class.
Activity: Hobby Invitation
Objective: Explain why you enjoy your favorite hobby.
Materials: Paper and pencil
- Ask each student to share the name of one of their favorite hobbies. (For example: baking.)
- Each student should tell a partner one reason they enjoy their hobby. (For example: I like baking treats for my friends.)
- On a piece of paper, students write a list of vocabulary related to their hobby. (For example: oven, cookie sheet, measuring cup, flour, sugar, mixer, etc.) Students should list as many relevant words and phrases as they can. Encourage students to look up words they are unsure of.
- Students write a letter inviting a friend to join them in their favorite hobby. Their letter should explain:
- reasons the student enjoys the hobby
- what will happen when the friend joins them (i.e., steps they will take, places they will go, items they will use to do the activity)
- Optional: Students share their letters with the class.
Activity: Excuse Note
Objective: Write an explanation for an absence.
Materials: Paper and pencil, scenarios, sample excuse note
- Put students in pairs. Give each pair a simple scenario.
- Scenario ideas:
- being late for school
- missing a meeting or sports practice
- not being able to attend a party or event
- forgetting a birthday
- Each pair should discuss the vocabulary needed to excuse the person in their scenario.
- Pairs take turns acting out their scenario, with one person explaining their excuse for their scenario.
- For example, one pair explains that they were late for school because the car had a flat tire.
- Show students a sample excuse note, such as a note explaining why someone missed soccer practice.
- Each student should choose a scenario - either one from the role-play activity or one of their own - and write an excuse note explaining their behavior in the situation.
