Unit 2

This unit deals with specific instructions for and explanation of the steps of a game or activity. These functions were chosen because games and activities are an integral part of teaching and learning in the primary language classroom. This unit aims to help the teacher to develop the necessary instructional skill of modifying and simplifying language for clarity.

(1)	Starting Point Checklist
(2)	Suggested Procedure & Key Language
(3)	Student Talk
(4)	Suggested Activities
(5)	Progress Checklist

(2) Suggested procedure and key language

Planning Phase
Think about the fact that you are explaining an activity and at the same time teaching the language! In this example, your objective is to familiarise students with the language for making an origami item.

Before the lesson, think through the steps of the activity or game. Here we will use an origami activity - making a 'kabuto'(samurai warrior's helmet)

Decide what key phrases or expressions are necessary for this activity. It is better to use the same expressions as often as possible to avoid overloading learners with too many different expressions. Simplify the explanation and omit information that is not essential. Remember that you can often replace words with a non-verbal explanation by demonstration. Be aware of which Japanese key phrases you may want to focus on in the activity.

eg.

	hold the paper (not essential - can be demonstrated)
	fold into a triangle (key phrase?)
	fold along the centre line (not essential - can be replaced by 'fold into a triangle' as above)

Choose the key phrases you will focus on in the activity - keep it simple!


sa n ka ku ni o tte	sa n ka ku ni o tte	sa n ka ku ni o tte	sa n ka ku ni o tte
さんかくにおって	さんかくにおって	さんかくにおって	さんかくにおって

sa n ka ku ni o tte	sa n ka ku ni o tte	mo u i chi do o tte	na ka ni o tte
さんかくにおって	さんかくにおって	もういちどおって	なかにおって

de ki a ga ri
できあがり

NOTE:
Three to four expressions are enough for beginners. At a later stage when this language has been acquired you can build on it to introduce more language.

Teaching Phase
Start by stating clearly to the learners what activity you will be doing.


eg.	おりがみをしましょう(o ri ga mi o shi ma sho u)

During the course of the activity you can involve the students in the explanation by asking them to repeat what you say. You may use a technique like chanting. This technique has the added advantage that the whole class is involved and no learner will be left behind.

eg.

Teacher: さんかくにおって(sa n ka ku ni o tte)

　Learners: さんかくにおって(sa n ka ku ni o tte)