I have been experimenting with different versions of this with my student. I print a list of sentences that are 'not quite right' gramatically. She has to tell me how to 'make it better.' We have gone from just discussing this to her actually writing the sentence better, and then I write the correct answer. She really loves this, as it helps her learn the right way to create sentences.
We have done two other spins on this, one where she describes a picture and I write her exact words, then we go through the 'make it better' discussion. (Cathy mentioned this in class and it worked out so well for us!)
The other spin is that we exchange emails, and I print them one sentence at a time and we 'make it better'.
At first I was reluctant to go this far, I did not want her to be self-conscious about writing emails. But she said she loves it, it really helps her.
Some books in the ReadWest Library I found with great senteces (the book calls these "Fix any mistakes" are the Grammar Wise books. (I still have one checked out...to be returned very shortly!)
Do you have any comments on this idea, or anything similar to share regarding grammar lessons that have worked or not worked for you?
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Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking time to start a blog for the ReadWest ESL volunteer tutors' support group.
Your suggestions have already been extremely helpful and will save me time as I venture out on this new journey.
Charlene
Those are great ideas. I really think your picture book is the best tool you have. At the training of trainers we all agreed that ESL tutors really don't even need textbooks--but don't try to take them away from me! Another game worth playing is "Old Maid". The students practices "do you have...?" and "Yes, I do" or "no, I don't". You can move up from the name on the card to questions like "Do you have a man with a green hat and a moustache?"
ReplyDeleteOh wow I like this "Old Maid" idea! I am going to try that! Crazy 8's would be like that but Old Maid is more interesting! Thank you Cathy!
ReplyDeleteReadwest has a lot of games in the library, and more boxes of stuff in a metal cabinet. Everybody should take time to look through it. Tutors are always donating new stuff.
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