ESL 6631

Functional Lessons: Maps-Google: Video

S. Monteagudo of Morris Literacy Project

Class Description: 1-5-beginning and/or intermediate adult learners

Class Time: 45minutes

Assumptions: Students have the need to “communicate” and “understand” maps. Know basic phrases of directions (e.g. north, south, east, west, etc…) for “Reading a Map & Giving Directions”; may not know some “complicated” symbols or features, but be able to get a sense of an idea of where certain places are in a map.

Anticipated Problems: -multi-level student population: -English level: Each of our ESOL students have various educational backgrounds (e.g. high school graduate, college graduate, etc...), so not all students will be able to perform each task. This is where planning ahead is important. Prior to or even during this activity, prepare the “beginning-level” (based on various assessments) students with simple videos and basic terminology words from personal resource site (see GoodnewsEverybody.com: LA- Geography-Political, Physical, etc... Maps etc...).

Objectives:

Functional “state” community setting and map feature vocabulary words using correct level of formality. The first of series of lesson activities is…

1-To build schema and cultural competency, I’ll have learners share their experiences reading a map back in their own country to find some common & different ways of reading a map, finding directions, etc… in the U.S. and their own country.

2-Have learners watch this sample Google Maps: Getting Started youtube.com video and ask them other ways in finding directions. Then ask students if they have any related questions, comments, etc…

Grammatical: students will use correct tense (past, present, and future +verb-ed-ing)

Pronunciation: Students will use correct stress and intonation to sound more polite and understandable.

Materials: computer with internet access

Lesson:

I. Language Used in a Real-world Context

Lead-in/context:

How many of you all have had trouble looking for certain places in the local community? What are some similarities in here and your country? What are some differences in here and your country? How do you ask or give directions? How do others respond?

Focusing on the language

What phrases do you use asking –giving directions? How do other respond-ask directions?

Put 2 categories on board (asking, giving)

Checking learning

Watch video: When do we use each (formal vs. informal)

With neighbors? Friends? Family members?

How do we “express” our symptoms?

How is our Dr. Visit like in this culture? How about in yours?

Match list of similarities with differences on the board

Group feedback on each one.

What are some other ways we can find certain places? Write responses on a board.

II. Practice in meaningful contexts

Focus on accuracy

Focus on fluency

Brainstorm ways you can “ask-give” directions with someone.

Mingle activity: Ask each other what ways you’ve done this in past.

Feedback: How did you state these questions or answers?

Discussion:

III. Application/Extension

Share your experiences in asking-giving directions in your country with others (family, friends, co-workers, etc..). Tell them some similarities and differences. Then ask vice-versa, “what has been your experiences in asking-giving directions in this country and/or other countries you’ve been to.