Mediation Activity

In order to develop students' understanding and ability to use some vocabulary related to classroom objects it is important to help them to recognize and understand the vocabulary.

Introducing the vocabulary

Show the whole class the picture of a classroom.

-Find out which words they know by pointing to parts of the picture and asking what things are.

-Say the names of the objects and get them to repeat the words they don't or have trouble saying and label them on the picture.

You should get them to say the words before they see them written down, as it's easier for them to remember the correct pronunciation.

Give out the sticky labels to students and get them to go round the actual classroom and stick them on the correct objects.

Introducing the prepositions

Next, they are going to review the vocabulary with questions and integrate the prepositions of place.

Ask around the class; "Where's the pen?"
They point to your pen which is on your table.
Say; "Good. Listen: It's on the table."

Show them you want them to speak with a sweeping hand gesture.
"It's on the table." Get them all to repeat it a few times in chorus.

Continue this with the other vocabulary and prepositions.
Put your models of the sentences in speech bubbles up on the board.

Putting it all together in a sentence

Now you say; "There is a pen under the table." Put a pen under the table and get the students do what you are doing and then you say: "Look: There's a pen under the table" and then you draw it onto the board.
Do this for three to seven objects depending on the time available. Then check students:"Well done Sophie." "Oops Henri. There's a pen on the table in your case". Use your hands to illustrate the mistake.

A song

Lay out in front of you a row of classroom objects (or stick flashcards up on the board if they can't really see your desk).

Sing the song to them at a fairly slow pace and point to the objects as you sing them. they point to one etc.

Maximum of 7 objects e.g. a pen, pencil, a book, a rubber, a ruler, a table

Song (to the tune of 'One finger, one thumb keep moving')

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae7psmRHRts

"A pencil, a rubber, keep moving,
We'll all be merry and bright,
A book, a table, keep moving,
We'll all be merry and bright…"

This song can be reused for other vocabulary during the year.

Get them to lay out in front of them the same objects as you (and in the same order - if their desks are big enough)

Try to get the students to sing the song along with you.

Review game.

Do the interactive activities suggested in this resource

Adapted from an article by

Jo Bertrand “Primary Tips”