Self Introduction Hot Potato

Aki Marceau

OBJECTIVES:

1. To introduce the ALT and JTE

2. To introduce encourage students to speak and write

PROCEDURE:

1. Divide the class into 4 teams and play memory on the board (use pieces of paper with magnets on either side) using English-Japanese question words (who-だれ, what- なに, when-いつ, where-どこ, why-なぜ, how-どうやって). If a group matches a pair, they must use the word in a sentence. They can keep the cards if they are correct. The group with the most cards wins. ***This warm-up can be adjusted to suit any level.

2. Pass out worksheets. Read over questions with students and check their meanings. Students must fill in the missing blanks and think of and write down questions to ask you and your JTE. (If they are really struggling, have them to brainstorm in groups).

3. Write the word “HOT POTATO” on the board. Most students will understand what this means, but will not know of the game.

4. Point to your container (I usually use a stuffed animal bag with a zipper) and tell them that it is a hot potato (feel free to toss it up and down and pretend that it’s really hot). Inside the hot potato are questions about you and your JTE, as well as blank pieces of paper for your students’ original questions. Explain (using motions, examples) that when the music stops, the student holding the “potato” must take out a question and read it.

5. Start the music and throw the “potato” to a student. They will toss it around. Allow your JTE to start and stop the music. When the music stops, the student holding the “potato” must ask a question and everyone must listen and write down the answer.

6. After the game, check answers on the board. The JTE can write the answers on the board.

NOTES:

• Try to use an interesting container and good, lively music.

• Feel free to spend a lot of time answering questions. Bring lots of props (photos, objects, maps, etc) and use them when you answer.

Example

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am from Delaware in America

(bring out a map of the world/America/ Delaware and show where it is in relation to Japan)

Handouts and Worksheets:

The worksheet for this activity is here