Journeys 5 This time, the children write down key vocabulary while you are reading. These words are usually nouns, adjectives, adverbs and action verbs rather than words like the verb to be, pronouns or prepositions. 6 In small groups, the children reconstruct the original text. Note that this is not a dictation. The aim of the activity is to create a text which paraphrases the meaning of the original text, so children may use synonyms, or may omit parts of the text which are not particularly pertinent to the overall gist.
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An alien took my dog!
I was walking my dog, Pluto, last night when I saw a strange light in the sky. I wondered if it could be a UFO. Then I saw it! It was a large flying saucer. Suddenly, an alien appeared at the door. I ran away, but where was Pluto? My poor dog had disappeared!
Follow-up • Display the children’s reconstructions in the classroom, along with the teacher’s original text. These could be accompanied by their illustrations. • For other personal recounts, see Activities 1.10, 2.13, 4.17. • For further information about dictogloss, see: Cameron, L. 2001:119 Teaching Languages to Young Learners Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Wajnrb, R. 1990 Grammar Dictation Oxford: Oxford University Press.
2.16 Science fiction Level Language focus Skills focus Thinking focus Teaching approach Interaction
*** Narrative Speaking Imagining and creating Promote creativity – accept errors Group work, suitable for large classes
Procedure 1 Divide the class into three groups. 2 The first group has to think about the characters that could appear in a science fiction story.
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