Ruth was talking about teaching sixth graders and Don posted this comment which I missed until tonite. I was probably out riding my bike. I’m just publishing Don’s advice to Ruth here as an article because I can see the ideas include a lot of movement, and we can have the best CI strategies in the world (my belief is that we do) here but if the kids have to move they have to move. Full disclosure, I want all the help I can find on how to work with sixth graders as my assignment in New Delhi includes two classes of that level. (I taught 7th and 8th graders for eight years using TPRS – I think it is easier and more fun than high school CI – but I don’t want to miss a trick on how to reach those younger middle school kids, even creating a 6th grade category here for ideas just for them so Don thank you for this list!)
Don’s comment to Ruth:
Hi Ruth,
If I understand this right, you have 10 weeks to convince (sell) 6th graders that they will enjoy your French class. Is this correct? Hmmm… some thoughts:
1. Use the questionnaire to do some PQA which will lead to some very easy mini stories. Add a simple quiz and a simple reading (give them a sense of accomplishment!) –> This will introduce the basis of TPRS/CI. It will also give them a sense of how much fun the stories can be.
2. Yes, some games:
A. Simon says –>good for TPR –> use some silly commands: Simon says bounce on a pogo stick, mow the lawn, be a sprinkler; alternate between French and English, gradually using to more and more French.
B. Heads up, Seven up –> first in English, then in French (vocabulary opportunity)
C. (I have a 2-3 other games if you want.)
3. Keep things moving, change the activity every 12-13 minutes (their age and their ability to stay focused.)
4. Use ¨Disco 5 a day¨ (on YouTube)
5. Teach the song ¨Petit Cochon¨ from YouTube (set to Lady Gaga’s ¨Poker Face¨)
6. Teach the song ¨Aux Champs Elysées¨ by Joe Dassin. Great for chorus refrain and images of Paris. (Sell Paris!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAMuNfs89yE
7. Consider this: finish your ten week session with a French Culture Day (food!) Have students bring in crêpes, baguettes, brie, croissants, Nutella, whipped cream, fruit, drinks, plates, napkins, etc. Watch a movie in French with English subtitles while the students eat their food. Tell the students you have these Culture Days periodically throughout the year. (A good break from the hard work of TCI)
8. I organize a trip to Europe for 8th graders. This is another incentive to take the French class.
I hope some of these ideas might be of help.