Description of Game:
Played with 3-4 people. Each player receives three sticky notes on which they will write important events in their language/cross-cultural learning experiences. They will also include the date of the event on the sticky note. Players then arrange their sticky notes in a “circle of life” in chronological order (in a circle). Players then identify their token (in our case nickel, penny, dime, and earring) and roll a single dice to determine number of sticky notes to advance. If the player who rolled the dice, lands on their own sticky note the remaining players must all ask questions about the event and remove the sticky note from play. If the player lands on another participant’s sticky note they ask that player a question about their event (the sticky note stays in play until all members ask a question about that event). Players continue to roll the dice and play until all sticky notes are removed from play. Or until teacher deems the activity over.
Variations:
- If playing with beginner level students: have students write a vocabulary word on the sticky note (or provide sticky notes). Player landing on sticky note must ask a question using the vocabulary word. Example: player lands on “fruit”, and asks “Do you like fruit?”. Remove sticky note after it has been used twice.
- Add more or less sticky notes depending on vocabulary level.
- Provide a prompt guide to assist intermediate-low/intermediate-high students. (example: question stems, verbs in specific target tenses)
- Advanced students to increase writing skills should be required to write in complete sentences.
Reflection:
We believe this activity is really good for practicing speaking and listening skills. It is also a good way to get to know fellow students/become comfortable with partners. Applies grammar/sentence structures in a varied activity outside of the textbook and hopefully encourages creative thinking in responses. We like that it can be modified to a specific learning goal. This would be a good “emergency” lesson plan that can fit many goals. It is quick and easy and takes as long as you want it to. Each game will be different so the students won’t feel it is too repetitive.
Composed by:
Kelly Donovan
Catherine Purdy
Sally Coons
Joshua Bearden
