Move as If

This activity includes a lot of Total Physical Response (TPR). The students do not need to speak, but rather move in a way that the instructor (or another student) suggests. It is a great way to get students out of their seats, engaged in the language, and yet taking a break from deskwork.

Preparation

None

Procedure

1. Instruct students to walk around the room silently and freely.

Tell them that they will change their gait to reflect the instructions/situation you give. 2. Clap your hands or give some signal to indicate they will be changing their gait based on your instructions. 3. Clap, clap in between each scenario. Give learners enough time to get into the role before switching. Possibilities: a. Move as if you were an old person who needs a walking stick or cane. b. Move as if you were walking a dog on a leash and the dog keeps pulling you all the time. c. Move as if you were late for your bus, but don’t want to run because of an injury. d. Move as if you were walking on very slippery ice. e. Move as if you were a robot. f. Move as if you were tiptoeing. g. Move as if you were in high-heeled shoes.

When to Use It

• To check students’ comprehension in a light-hearted way on very specific vocabulary • To give all learners some kinesthetic activity • To provide an energy break

Level

Skills

Practice

Materials

None

Preparation Time

None

Activity Time

5+ minutes, depending on how you use it

Variations

1. Have a student call out the different gaits. 2. Have a student do any walk and the others guess which one s/he is doing. 3. Create a full story that includes the different gaits and do something similar to Soundscapes Variation 1. 4. Allow use of the Drama Box to enhance the acting as appropriate.