4. Exploit Activities Children using Englishand taking control in activities as well as requiring less teacher support
CIRCLE TIME EXPLOIT 1: GAME – The guessing game MATERIALS: Two of each flashcard (maximum of 16 in total) STEPS:
Announce the game, e.g. Let’s play the guessing game! Begin by placing a set of flashcards on the floor, board or wall, face up.
Using the other set of flashcards, select one and keep it hidden. Invite individual children to guess what it is, e.g. depending on the topic: What is it? What colour is it? What’s the weather like? Who is it? Depending on ability, they can use different questions a) Sunny? b) Is it sunny? If the guess is incorrect, say No, it isn’t. Ask the child to turn over the named flashcard which is on the floor, board or wall. This helps small children eliminate and avoid asking the same thing multiple times. If the guess is correct, say Yes, it is! and the child who guessed correctly can come to the front and lead the game. Help them ask the topic question and respond using Yes it is, or No it isn’t. Encourage the class to ask full questions too, e.g. Is it sunny? Extension As children get more confident, instead of using the picture cards use the word cards on the floor, wall or board. Progression notes: Observe which children are able to ask full questions and remember the target language. How easily do children respond to questions when they are leading? CIRCLE TIME EXPLOIT 2: GAME – The stepping stones game MATERIALS: Flashcards STEPS:
Announce the game, e.g. Let’s play the stepping stones game! Point to the space in the middle of circle time. Explain it is a deep river and that they can only cross it using magic stepping stones – the topic flashcards. Place the flashcards across the space, reaching from one side to the other, and demonstrate what to do. Jump on each flashcard and say what it is.
Invite a confident child to jump across the river. Encourage them to name each flashcard they jump onto. If they can’t remember a word get them to ask the class for help, Help please! Praise children who cross the river successfully, with help or not. Everyone should clap and say Bravo! Introduce and use positive language like, Bravo! Sarah can do it!
Expansion As children progress through 4+ and 5+ they should be using phrases / sentences as they jump across the river, e.g. I’ve got brown eyes; A red car; I’m in the classroom; I like curry. Progression notes: Observe which words or expressions children have more difficulty with and plan to focus on these in following lessons. 112