Body Parts

Derek Tribe

PROCEDURE:

1. Introduce students to Body Parts vocabulary. This can be done by using yourself as a model and pointing to a body part and asking students, “What do you call this?”

2. After students are warmed up and are familiar with the names of some parts (HS students should definitely already know the names of many parts), distribute first worksheet for labeling body parts.

3. After some time, go over the worksheet with Ss (students). Have Ss tell you each part. Having a large diagram on the blackboard and having Ss come up and label parts works well (keeps them a little more interested).

4. Next split Ss into groups (I have enough clothes pegs for 8 groups but I usually don’t have more than 7 groups in a class of 40). 4-6 Ss per group.

5. Explain to Ss they need to choose one MODEL in each group (janken usually works). Give directions before giving out clothes pegs. Explain that each group must use the clothes pegs to label each body part on the model (it may be a good idea in mixed groups to have a male model). Distribute clothes pegs to each group.

6. Circulate around the room and have groups who are finished tell you each body part they have labeled. When all groups are finished, have one model volunteer (or just grab a student) and bring them to the front and go over the parts again with the whole class.

7. Have Ss put the clothes pegs back in the bags. Try and make sure to get them all (I always seem to get a couple mystery clothes pegs put on my desk at the end of the day).

8. Distribute second worksheet (Body parts word search) if time permits. Have Ss work by themselves or in their groups. All Ss seem to love word searches and they can be a good end of class activity, or a great time-filler – if you need one.

NOTES:

BODY PARTS CLOTHES PEGS: I got 2 packs of 60 plastic clothes pegs at a 100-yen shop for 200 yen each. I wrote the names of body parts on strong paper (card stock) and cut them to about the size of the clothes pegs. Then I stapled and taped them to the pegs. I made 8 sets (one for each group) and put them in large zip lock bags. In each set I made a peg for: hair, ear, neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, finger, elbow, back, chest, stomach, leg, knee, ankle.

This class obviously takes quite a bit of preparation. Making the clothes pegs labels was easy but a little time-consuming. However, once you have them made you can use them over and over again for each class. I also used them again for exam review and Ss seem to have fun every time – definitely worth the preparation.

Variations: activity can be a race, timed, give prizes, etc.

I taught body parts over a period of two classes in preparation for teaching sickness (what's the matter?)

HANDOUTS AND WORKSHEETS:

Example handouts are here:

http://teachingactivities.pbwiki.com/f/bodyparts_dtribe.doc