Operations, Procedures, and Rituals for Language Acquisition
Level: Beginner to intermediate, All ages
¡ß Sample
Do As I Say was originally published in 1980 as ESL Operations. This edition is completely re-designed as a photocopyable teacher resource, with many new activities.
The basic idea is quite simple. Each activity is based on a highly predictable series of steps, called a Sequence. There are three types: Operations, Procedures, and Rituals.
⋅ An Operation involves using a tool or a piece of equipment or a device such as an ATM. The instructional language that accompanies the use of the device is the basis for the students' language practice.
⋅ A Procedure typically involves making or doing something, such as making a cup of tea or sewing on a button.
⋅ A Ritual is a formulaic dialogue such as a greeting, introduction or apology.
Each sequence typically includes eight lines of about eight words. The usual procedure involves a pair of students. One student gives a command (says) and the other follows it (does).
They also ask and answer questions:
⋅ What are you doing? (present progressive)
⋅ What are you going to do? (future)
⋅ What did you do? (past)
With a little imagination, the students can also ask:
⋅ What is she going to do?
⋅ What was she doing when I told her to stop?
⋅ What were you going to do when I said "wait?"
The sequences require physical activity and active, responsive language use. The students are energized as they learn by doing.
⋅ Use them one-a-day or as the need arises, and have fun with
⋅ using a calculator
⋅ making popcorn
⋅ playing bingo
⋅ ordering a pizza
⋅ looking up a word
⋅ wiring money
⋅ folding origami
⋅ sending an email
⋅ setting up a chess board
⋅ using a laundromat
⋅ and 65 others
¡ß Contents
Introduction ... ix
How to Use Sequences ... xi
Classroom Activities
- 1.1 Following Directions ... 1
- 1.2 Asking Permission ... 1
- 1.3 Drawing a Picture ... 2
- 1.4 Coloring the picture ... 2
- 1.5 Playing with Numbers ... 3
- 1.6 Using a Calculator ... 3
- 1.7 Using a Board ... 4
- 1.8 Giving Classroom Instructions ... 4
- 1.9 Sharpening a Pencil ... 5
- 1.10 Operating a Cassette Recorder ... 5
- 1.11 Playing a Number Game ... 6
- 1.12 Playing Bingo ... 6
- Bingo Board ... 7
- 1.13 Using a Dictionary ... 8
- 1.14 Looking Up a Word ... 8
- 1.15 Meeting Someone ... 9
- 1.16 Practicing Politeness ... 9
- 1.17 Apologizing ... 10
- 1.18 Reminding Politely ... 10
- 1.19 Making a Paper Hat ... 11
- 1.20 Making a Paper Airplane ... 12
- 1.21 Making an Origami Cicada ... 13
Household Activities
- 2.1 Lighting a Candle ... 15
- 2.2 Setting a Table ... 15
- 2.3 Setting a Clock Radio Alarm ... 16
- 2.4 Washing Dishes ... 16
- 2.5 Threading a Needle ... 17
- 2.6 Sewing on a Button ... 18
- 2.7 Pounding a Nail ... 19
- 2.8 Potting a Plant ... 20
- 2.9 Changing batteries in a Flashlight ... 20
- 2.10 Greeting a Guest ... 21
- 2.11 Taking Leave ... 21
Games and Exercises
- 3.1 Blowing up a Balloon ... 22
- 3.2 Hopping on One Leg ... 22
- 3.3 Touching Your Toes ... 23
- 3.4 Doing Jumping Jacks ... 23
- 3.5 Playing Jacks ... 24
- 3.6 Playing Dice ... 25
- 3.7 Setting up a Chessboard ... 26
- 3.8 Would You Please ... 27
- 3.9 Negotiating an Invitation ... 27
Food and Recipes
- 4.1 Eating a Banana ... 28
- 4.2 Making a Cup of Tea ... 28
- 4.3 Making Instant Pudding ... 29
- 4.4 Making a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich ... 30
- 4.5 Making Spaghetti ... 31
- 4.6 Eating Spaghetti ... 31
- 4.7 Making Instant Coffee ... 32
- 4.8 Making Coffee with a Coffemaker ... 32
- 4.9 Ordering Coffee ... 33
- 4.10 Making Popcorn ... 33
- 4.11 Ordering a Pizza ... 34
- 4.12 Using a Fast Food Drive-Through ... 34
- 4.13 Eating in a Restaurant ... 35
- 4.14 Shopping in a Supermarket ... 35
Communication
- 5.1 Mailing a Letter ... 36
- 5.2 Buying Stamps ... 36
- 5.3 Using a Pay Telephone ... 37
- 5.4 Leaving a Message ... 38
- 5.5 Using a Phone Card ... 39
- 5.6 Wiring Money ... 40
- 5.7 Receiving an Email ... 41
- 5.8 Using a FAX Machine ... 41
- 5.9 Making a Plane Reservation on the Web ... 42
- 5.10 Searching the Internet ... 42
Around Town
- 6.1 Writing a Check ... 43
- 6.2 Using a Vending Machine ... 44
- 6.3 Filling out a Form ... 45
- 6.4 Using an ATM ... 45
- Application Form ... 46
- 6.5 Renting a DVD ... 47
- 6.6 Finding an Apartment ... 47
- 6.7 Using a Laundromat ... 48
- 6.8 Using a Self-Service Gas Pump ... 48
- 6.9 Starting a Car ... 49
- 6.10 Checking in at the Airport ... 49
Teaching Notes for Each Sequence ... 50
- Classroom Activities Notes
- Household Activities Notes
- Games and Exercises Notes
- Food and Recipes Notes
- Communications Notes
- Around Town Notes