Hey guys, John from Cool English and I wanted to share two activities this week. A new one called "Don't Say Yes or No Game", and another version of Story Writing - Create a TV Show.
First, the game is a simple warmer or cooler. Students try to make their partners say the words Yes or No. I like to preface this activity by showing some alternatives like, sure, of course (not), definitely (not), or certainly (not). I also talk about adverbs of frequency (sometimes, never, etc.) as ways to avoid saying yes or no. I award points each time the students make their partners say the words yes or no.
Next is another version of Story Writing. Or what I like to call Create a Netflix show. I tell students they need to think of a story for the next big Netflix series. I give them a series of prompts to help them think of ideas. I have them write, but you can make it a speaking activity, also you can tell them to write a story with no mention of a TV show, it is up to you.
There are four options, story generator, first line, story titles, and picture stories. I do one or two in class and assign the others as homework. I like to click through the options quickly until the students say stop, so it's a bit random, then I tell them they can change one of the options if they want. If you prefer, click through the options slowly and let the students choose.
STORY GENERATOR – 3 categories to scroll through, character, setting, and conflict. This is a great scaffold for the less creative to start their story.
FIRST LINE OF THE STORY – just one category here, but having the first line and asking them to continue the story is a fun way to start.
STORY TITLES – 2 categories, adjectives, and nouns. Click through the options until you reach a fun combination for a title. Use it to create a story idea.
PICTURE STORIES – Interesting pictures to use as a visual poster for a story.
I include a 2 min writing timer for students doing test prep. Otherwise, I just let them write at their speed.
I hope you enjoy these activities and please let me know if you have any suggestions or doubts.
John
Non-members can click the pictures below to try a sample of the activities.
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