lesson3

Lesson based on Communicative Approach and Task-Based Learning.

The aim of this lesson is to familiarize students with some basic rules on writing private notes and letters. This is of importance because they will need these skills in real life situations. The goal of the lesson is for students to be able to read, understand and produce (with a use of appropriate language) some short private notes and letters.

All activities in this lesson are built around reading and writing for a task although all language skills are incorporated. Grammar is not in focus in this lesson and language errors and mistakes are therefore corrected only if this is necessary.

Reading is constructed of: a) reading for a task - silent reading
                                       b) reading of instructions
                                       c) reading of private notes and letters
                                       d) reading for homework

Writing is constructed of: a) writing for a task
                                       b) writing for homework

Material used in the lesson
7) Notes and signs (authentic).
8) A letter.
9) Activity sheets.
10) OHP transparencies.
11) A dialog.

Objectives
1. Background
The lesson has been designed with focus on reading and writing. However a lesson doesn't overwhelm students with reading and writing tasks as they are still not fully competent readers and producers of tests. New language phraseology is explained. Little new language is involved. Texts are in simple past tense.

2. Objectives:

g) Students will listen to the explanation of notes and letter writing.
h) Students will be required to silently read a dialog.
i) Students will role-play a dialog.
j) Students will read a letter.
k) Students will work on activity sheet.
l) Students will be able to write a letter (homework).

The teacher tries to engage students in discussion about written signs, notices in everyday life. They need to realize that there are two types of messages/notices: public and private. The teacher shows different signs (see below) and notices on OHP and students should comment on their use.
Pair work: students should tell each other what happened to them since yesterday. Later they get a letter (see below) and complete activities. After the activities are completed students should be able to talk/discuss how a personal letter is written/structured.

Some notices, a teacher may put on OHP:

Peter,
Can I see you after the break, please?
                                               Diane

Milena,
Please ring Sandy at 2pm on ph. 33824560.
                     Thanks.
                      George

Dear Lea,

I would like to invite you to a party on Satuday, April 20th at 3pm. The party is going to be at Kedron Wavell Club in Chermside.
RSVP - ph. 99026788               Mia

Dear Joe,
You are invited to a staff dinner party on Saturday, 3-6-2000 at 6pm in Story Bridge Hotel, Kangaroo Point.
BYO: drinks                    Party Committee

Dialog (an example of what students may say to each other)

Ana: Ali? Is that really you?
Ali: Ana! What a surprise! Yes, it's me.
Ana: Hi. How are you? I haven't seen you for ages.
Ali: True. I have been so busy. I am sorry I haven't contacted you.
Ana: That's OK, I haven't been in Brisbane. I lived in the States. I've only come back last week.
Ali: Oh, really? What did you do in the States? Work?
Ana: No, I studied. I went to do my masters degree and I've finished it, so I came back. What about you? What has been happening with you?
Ali: Oh, lots. I moved out. I am sharing a house with a couple of old friends now. Mum and Dad were not particularly happy about that.
Ana: I can imagine, they are worried about you. Have you finished your degree?
Ali: Yes, I have. Last year. I am working with Stevens & Co. Accounting in the city.
Ana: Well done. Do you like what you are doing?
Ali: Yes, I do. Are you going to look for a job here as well?
Ana: No, I will go to Singapore. I have a job waiting for me there. For one year only.
Ali: Congratulations. Are you staying with your parents here?
Ana: Yes I am.
Ali: I will give you a ring and we can have a lunch together, if you want.
Ana: That would be great.
Ali: OK, I will talk to Tim, maybe he wants to join us as well.
Ana: Great, do that. And I'll see you later.
Ali: OK, Ana. Have a good time.