No Frills Introductions

Joseph A. McGarvey

PROCEDURE:

1. Coax some unwitting student into coming to the front of the class. Stand across from them and say ‘Hello’. Wait until they figure out to respond in the same manner. Follow that with ‘My name is…’ Wait for the response and end with ‘Nice to meet you’ and a hand shake.

2. Have the whole class practice the first introduction four or five times in a quick and fun way.

3. Ask all the students to stand up for a race. Each student must do the above introduction with three students and then sit down. The last two students standing have to present.

4. Coax that same kid back to the front of the classroom. Start again with ‘Hello…My name is…’ Now add ‘I am ___ years old.’ Wait for the student and the class to figure out what you are saying. Some hints help but they usually understand and can respond. End with ‘Nice to meet you’. Repeat steps two and three.

5. Get that kid back up there. Start again with ‘Hello…My name is…I am ___ years old…’Now add ‘I like (sport).’ Demonstrating the sport briefly helps. At this point use the pictures of various sports to review/introduce them. (link below for pictures) Do the review and race again.

6. Lastly, do the scenario again and add ‘I like (sport) and (fruit).

NOTES:

I had a great time with all the classes I did this lesson with. The contents are rather boring so it is on you to establish some energy and laughter.

This lesson can be adapted for Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders by cutting the ‘I like’ lines.

Adding a demonstration on good and bad handshakes, eye contact, and volume can also be informative and amusing.

This can be adapted for any conversation.

LINK: http://kues.educ.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/~fuzoku/EIKAIWA/INDEX.HTM