Flash cards really are fantastic and effective tools for learning. Ive tried with little success getting my jr./sr. high school students to make their own, but for myself, and for my 2-yr old daughter, they work wonders. Not willing to totally give up on using cards with my students, I decided to do the next best thing I could think of: using various interesting, outlandish, humorous, or just simply odd photos that I find online or take myself, I print out one set of little picture cards per pair of students, have them cut the cards out, and play karuta, or slap with the class. The more impactful the images, the better. Direct isnt usually better, and instant recognition definitely isnt necessary. In fact, images in which the meaning or associated vocabulary isnt immediately apparent is preferable. If you dont know the rules for karuta, they are simple: one person calls out a word or phrase (in this activity, it is always me for the first few times playing with a new set), and the other people race to be the first to touch/slap/take the associated card. This activity works wonders for introducing a new set of vocabulary words, and I can slip in loads of example questions, sentences, and grammar, providing exposure to the language necessary for later production. In fact, I often use the first round as a teaching opportunity, making students answer (and ask each other) questions. Giving the students time before playing to look through and guess the meanings of the images sparks an interest in the lesson, and gets them fully engaged in the material. Using a mix of easy- and difficult-to guess images kick starts the students imaginations, keeps less motivated students feeling like they can contribute, and activates their stores of English knowledge. Save the cards in little zip lock baggies, and bring them out for future review sessions.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:17:02 +0000
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