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Lesson plan · Grades K-2 · 30 minutes

Classroom Phrases Game

I can use a classroom phrase to ask for what I need, ask for help, or talk with a friend.

▶ Open the tool Download the tool
Standard
WIDA.ELD-1 WIDA-ELD-2020
Shape
Teach, then practice
Grouping
Whole class on the carpet, with partners for acting out.
You need
The tool on the big screen. Optional: printed picture cards of the phrases to post by the door.
Tool
curioclass.org/tools/classroom-phrases-game/
  1. Hook4 min
  2. Teach8 min
  3. Practice10 min
  4. Apply5 min
  5. Exit check3 min

Before class

  • Open the tool to Learn. Turn the volume up; the phrases are read aloud.
  • Pick four phrases to focus on today, one from each group: needs, help, things and friends.
  • If families have shared these phrases in home languages, have them ready to say together.

Hook 4 min

  1. Act it out without words: hold your hand up, cross your legs, look worried. "What do I need? How could I ask?"
  2. Take answers in any language. "Today we learn the words to ask in English, so everyone at school understands."

Teach 8 min

  1. In Learn, tap May I go to the bathroom? Watch each word light up as it's read.
  2. On the 3-2-1 count, everyone says it together. Say it again with a hand up, the way they will in class.
  3. Do the same with I need help, I'm finished and Can I play too? Read the tip: when do we use each one?
  4. Practice the polite words as a set: may, please, thank you, excuse me.

Practice 10 min

  1. Switch to What do I say? Show the picture first. The class says the phrase out loud before you show the three choices, then pick it.
  2. Switch to Situations. Read the short story together, like "Snap! Your pencil broke."
  3. Partners act out what they would say before you tap the choice. Call one pair up to show the class.
  4. "What's another way to ask for help?" Accept any polite answer.

Apply 5 min

  1. Play "What do I say?" with real objects. Drop a pencil, hold up an empty water bottle, or pretend to sneeze. Children say the phrase.
  2. Post the picture cards by the door. Show newcomers they can point to a card when the words don't come.

Exit check 3 min

Point to three children, one at a time, and set a scene: "You don't understand the directions." "You want to join a game." "Someone gives you a crayon." Each child says the phrase. Note who needs the picture card for now.

Support and stretch

  • Support: newcomers can point to the picture card first, then say one key word (bathroom, help, water).
  • Support: say the phrase with them on the 3-2-1, then let them say it alone.
  • Stretch: learn the full set of sixteen in Learn, one group a day.
  • Stretch: "What do you say when someone says thank you to you?" (You're welcome.) Add new phrases the class asks for.

Short on time

  • Learn with two phrases, said together on the count (5 min).
  • Then two pictures in What do I say? (5 min).

How each button works is in the teacher notes. From Curio Class, free under CC BY 4.0: change it, print it, share it.