Time to speak!

Speaking Task 1

snacktime

Often, teachers use language that is too difficult for children to follow. In this exercise, you will practice simplifying instructions to fit your children's level of English.

 

Complex English uses longer sentences and no physical modelling.

Regular English uses shorter sentences and some physical modelling.

Simple English uses shorter sentences and lots of physical modelling.

For example:

  • Complex English: Everyone, please wash your hands before you eat.
  • Regular English: Wash your hands before eating.
  • Simple English: Wash your hands. (model washing your hands)

 

In this task, you will simplify the instructions in steps.

  • Complex English - use the instructions given.
  • Regular English - simplify the language to suit older learners.
  • Simple English - shorten the sentence and combine it with modelling for younger learners.

Task procedure: work in groups of three

  1. Prepare your Regular and Simple sentences for the commands below. You may also download and use this document: Snacktime commands
  2. Student one chooses a complex command and reads it aloud.
  3. Student two gives the 'Regular' example to fit that command.
  4. Student three gives the 'Simple' example to fit that command.
  5. Discuss the three examples.
  6. Student three selects a new complex command, and the group repeats the process.

Classroom instructions for practice:

  • Get your bag and return to your seat quietly.
  • You can now open your snacks and start eating.
  • Remember to eat politely and chew with your mouth closed.
  • If you want to share, ask your friend first.
  • Eat your own food only – no sharing snacks.
  • When you finish, throw away your rubbish and clean your area.
  • After you clean up, sit quietly and wait until you can go outside to play.
  • Wash your hands before eating.
  • Sit at your table or designated snack area.
  • Wait until everyone is ready before starting to eat.
  • Try to eat healthy snacks like fruit, vegetables, or whole grains.
  • Use quiet voices while eating.
  • Be respectful of what others bring – everyone’s snack is different.
  • Clean up after yourself – throw away wrappers and leftovers.
  • Ask for help if you forgot your snack or have a problem.
  • Be aware of allergies – some foods may not be allowed.
  • Celebrate differences – snacks can be part of different cultures.
  • Special treats (like birthday snacks) must follow school rules.

 

Bonus

Often, teachers open snacktime using a song. This website has different examples of songs you can use to open snacktime in your classroom. Choose one and try it out. Tip: If you don't know the tune, look it up ('sung to...') on youtube.

https://preschooleducation.com/songs/lunch-and-meal-time-songs/

 

Speaking Task 2

The children open their bags. They all brought different things.

Watch this video. Would your kid eat this?

Then work in pairs to play Connect 3.

  • Download the playing board: Is it healthy?
  • Choose a food on the playing board and find a picture of it on Google. Insert the picture on the board.
  • Comment on it: is it healthy or not? If it's not healthy, name a healthy alternative.
  • If your sentences are correct, you may mark that spot with your name or initials.

 

For example:

  • "These are strawberries. These are healthy."
  • "These are biscuits. These are not healthy. An apple is a healthier choice."

 

cultural food
(generated using Co-Pilot)

 

Speaking Task 3

The children have brought different things to eat. How interesting! You see snacks from around the world.

Watch this video. What do children around the world eat for their lunch? Make notes.

Lunch around the world in 23 meals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD9mk0Y_pyo

spinner
Example 'random country generator"

Then, work in groups of 3 or 4.

  • Use the 'random country generator' and select a region for your group. (You find the 'region' underneath the spinner.)
  • Click on 'spin'. Then, find a primary school snack for that country. Tip: use 'school snack + country' as search terms.
  • Find different primary school snacks for your region for at least three different countries. Find pictures of each snack.
  • Present these three snacks to the class.

 

For example:

Your group selects 'Europe' for a region, then gets 'Estonia' on the spinner. Fresh fruits and vegetable sticks are eaten in Estonia. They also eat 'pirukas'.  These are savory pastries that can be filled with meat, cabbage or carrots.

Copyright: Estonian Private Collection
Copyright: Estonian Private Collection