07 November 2013 / by Radmila Gurkova

TEFL Course October 2013: Our favourite P2 Topic activity

Topic: The 127 Year Old Woman

Objective: Discuss old age, how to take care of your body. Learn about food and China

Level: Beginner

Author: Guro Stuan

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Topic activities are a tricky area when we're talking about a low-level class. Topics demand conversation, opinion, and expression; which beginners lack the structure and vocabulary to communicate.

We can successfully transmit a topic to beginners, though, as long as we demonstrate the structure and the vocabulary in a clear and accessible manner, and keep the text short and direct so it can be digested without being overwhelming.

Our recent graduate Guro's activity is just this: direct, simple and effective, with great target language, well-suited and graded to the level it's being shown to.



The 127 Year Old Woman

This is an old woman. She is 127 years old. She is China's oldest person.

She has 40 grandchildren. But she doesn't need help from them. She is still fit. She can still do a lot of things.

She feeds her chickens every day. The old woman also likes to eat and drink a lot. Her favourite hobby is singing.

(Target language in bold)

CCQs:

How old is this woman?
Where is she from?
Is she the oldest woman in China?
What is her favourite hobby?
How many grandchildren does she have?

Discussion:

What age is the best? Why?
Her favourite hobby is singing. What is your favourite hobby?
Do you have any children or grandchildren?
What age do you want to live to?
Do you have chickens?
Do you have any animals? Do you feed them?

Wrap Up:

Are you fit? Is Messi fit?
Make a sentence with the word feed.
What is your favourite age?

15

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