7 — What is it like there?
This is the seventh sequence in a learning unit that familiarises students with the grammatical structure of a simple sentence. In this sequence, students will discover the different types of questions that can be asked. The inspiration for these questions will be drawn from linking with a class from another part of the world through ePals. Students will also begin to look at the world map and become familiar with different locations in the world.
Before the lesson commences, complete the following steps:
- Register on ePals and select a class that you can link up with from another part of the world – once this link is established, you can begin to communicate with the class by sending emails.
- Source and display a world map.
- Print some of the photos from the Way Out There website.
- Print out copies of the Same/different comparison chart worksheet for pairs of students to work on.
- Print out and cut up the Question starter cards worksheet.
Activity 1: Looking at photographs of different places
Begin the sequence by showing the students the Way Out There website and displaying some of the pictures for them to see. Ask them:
- Who or what is in this photograph?
- What is happening in the photograph? or What might be happening in this photograph?
Draw their attention to the ‘Landscape language’ display and ask whether any of these words or phrases could describe the photographs. Then ask where in the world they think this is. Ask them to explain what features from the photograph led them to their decisions. When they have discussed each image, match each one to its location on the world map. ACELA1450, ACELY1656
Activity 2: Looking at similarities and differences
Tell the students they are going to contact a class in another part of the world and exchange emails to learn about each other. Use the world map to locate the country where their ePals live. Display some images of landscapes from that area and ask if the students can see any similarities between this landscape and their own. Allow them some thinking time and then record their ideas. Show them the Same/different comparison chart worksheet and how to fill in what they think will be the same and what will be different. Students may be prompted by the question, ‘What do you think might happen where our ePals live?’ They then work in pairs or small groups for approximately 10 minutes to complete this activity, before sharing their ideas with the whole group. ACELA1451
Activity 3: Thinking about questions to ask the ePals class
Refer to the responses the students recorded on the Same/different comparison chart worksheet and ask them how we could find out if our ideas are correct. Structure the conversation so that the students become aware that they are going to ask their ePals class questions about where they live and the things they do every day. Display the cards you printed and cut out from the Question starter card worksheet and ask the students to use one of these cards to begin a question for the ePals class that they want answered. Model the task for the students:
- Select one of the question starters.
- Place it at the beginning of the question.
- Write the rest of the question (for example, ‘How do you travel to school?’).
When you have written the question on the board, place a question mark at the end and ask if the students know what this is and why you are using it.
Model a few more questions for the students before giving them time to construct their own. Encourage them to revisit the Same/different comparison chart worksheet to assist with constructing the questions that they will email to their ePals class. Display the questions so that they can be referred to when the ePals class replies. Students type their questions in preparation for emailing. ACELA1449, ACELY1656, ACELY1664