Activities

Introduction

Take time at the beginning of a new term to discuss the following:

• the purpose of the course
• expectations
• classroom and assignment routines
• evaluation procedures and mark allocations.

If students do not know each other, consider an activity such as the introduction of a classmate:

• Students can find a partner using a puzzle piece or a torn piece of paper which has one of two matching words related to the theme (e.g., Moons/Seasons, Space Ship/Future Car; Willow/Bilbo; Loch Ness Monster/Sasquatch). The teacher can act as the partner if there is an "odd-person out".
• Students interview their partners by asking open-ended, provocative, or creative questions such as, "If you were an animal, vegetable, or object, what would you be? Why ? How does this reveal your personality?" They could also ask questions about personal experiences with the unknown and the student's interest or fascination with the theme. Sample questions could be brainstormed by the class as a whole prior to students interviewing each other.
• As a result of the interview, students determine what award they might present to their partner. (This should remain a secret until announced during the introduction.)
• Model an introduction and an award presentation. Have students write their introductions and provide time for them to practise their oral presentation.

The Unknown

For most people, the unknown holds a particular fascination. Brainstorm with the students some of life's unknowns. For example:

• Mysteries
• The Unexplained
• Fantasy
• The Future
• Science Fiction.

Using the brainstorm activity as a base, web the language strategies and literary selections that will be studied in this unit.

Share the following with students:

Language plays a key role in learning and in thinking. When people use any of the language processes--speaking, listening, writing, reading, representing, or viewing--they learn as they work with language. Throughout this course, we will have opportunities to think with language as we explore the different language processes.