Ingredients
- 31 words for December (yes, we are extending since we are learning almost until the end of the month and not until the 24th)
- a noticeboard
- a simple December calendar to cross things out
Procedures
- As a part of our hello circle, we check the calendar and count the days since the last lesson. We have classes only twice a week so it is 2 (on Thursday) or 5 (on Tuesday) and we pick as many cards from the bag.
- We read the words, the teacher writes the date on each card and the word (we are working on our literacy skills, too).
- The teacher puts up all the words up on the board.
- One of the students crosses out the days on the calendar.
- Then we play with all the words we have so far.
- Things that can be done: read all the words, mime the words for the kids to guess, play ‘What’s missing?’, read the words (if special word cards are prepared) and play riddles (It’s an object / person. It’s big / small / medium. It’s red and green. etc).
Why we like it
- It is a great way to learn new vocabulary and to revise all of the words that we already know. It is not getting in the way of our regular vocabulary and topic. It is done on the side.
- All the words are on display and we can see how we move through the unit and the month.
- We are also learning about the calendar and the month.
- We are preparing for the New Year’s Celebrations and by the time we get there – we will know all of the words.
- It is a nice addition with new games, miming and, eventually, songs that are Christmas-themed.
- This particular activity is very seasonal but even though we have just started, I can already see its benefits and the big picture and I really want to use the concept for some other topics. My first idea is the next seaon peak – spring and Easter. I am thinking.
Happy teaching!