PART 3:

ENCOURAGING CHILDREN TO EXPRESS OPINIONS

THROUGH LANGUAGE LEARNING ACTIVITIES

EXTRACTING

THE JUICE

I know why. But I can’t say why.

Opinions - Reflections

Step 1: Give them the tools - Vocabulary

Using mind-maps / graphic organiser

Spelling activities / vocabulary review

Source: cobbk12.org

Source: primaryinspired.blogspot.com

Source: pinterest.com

Source: blessedbeyondabout.com

Source: classroomfreebies.com

Step 2: Introduce phrases and sentences.

Step 3: Help students organise

thoughts and ideas.

Step 4: Don’t limit it to examples from the exam

paper. Give examples that

students can relate to. Make it

interesting. Make it personal. Make

them excited about giving their

opinions.

Example 1: Create a situation that the students can relate to, or feel so strongly about.

Example 2: Use the students’ favourite story. Get them to give opinions about the

story – the characters, the places, the things etc.

Step 5: If you want your students to memorise, make sure to make it meaningful, fun and

interesting.

Fun way to memorise – use music.

I would choose Item A because it is the best It is reasonable

It is suitable It is interesting

I like it very much I know I will be happy with my choice.

-Original composition by my Year 6

students, 2008

GROUP TASK:

Come up with a ‘reasons’ song to help your students memorise key words, phrases or

sentences for Question 2 (Section B).

You can compose your own original song, or adapt from any popular song.

Stay tuned for Part 4

Cynthia C. James ‘Beyond Chalk & Talk’

http://cindyjbj79.blogspot.com