Operations, Procedures, and Rituals for Language Acquisition
Level: Beginner to intermediate, All ages

◆ Sample

• 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

◆ Contents

Introduction ... ix
How to Use Sequences ... xi
Classroom Activities

1. 1.1 Following Directions ... 1
2. 1.2 Asking Permission ... 1
3. 1.3 Drawing a Picture ... 2
4. 1.4 Coloring the picture ... 2
5. 1.5 Playing with Numbers ... 3
6. 1.6 Using a Calculator ... 3
7. 1.7 Using a Board ... 4
8. 1.8 Giving Classroom Instructions ... 4
9. 1.9 Sharpening a Pencil ... 5
10. 1.10 Operating a Cassette Recorder ... 5
11. 1.11 Playing a Number Game ... 6
12. 1.12 Playing Bingo ... 6
13. Bingo Board ... 7
14. 1.13 Using a Dictionary ... 8
15. 1.14 Looking Up a Word ... 8
16. 1.15 Meeting Someone ... 9
17. 1.16 Practicing Politeness ... 9
18. 1.17 Apologizing ... 10
19. 1.18 Reminding Politely ... 10
20. 1.19 Making a Paper Hat ... 11
21. 1.20 Making a Paper Airplane ... 12
22. 1.21 Making an Origami Cicada ... 13

1. 2.1 Lighting a Candle ... 15
2. 2.2 Setting a Table ... 15
3. 2.3 Setting a Clock Radio Alarm ... 16
4. 2.4 Washing Dishes ... 16
5. 2.5 Threading a Needle ... 17
6. 2.6 Sewing on a Button ... 18
7. 2.7 Pounding a Nail ... 19
8. 2.8 Potting a Plant ... 20
9. 2.9 Changing batteries in a Flashlight ... 20
10. 2.10 Greeting a Guest ... 21
11. 2.11 Taking Leave ... 21

1. 3.1 Blowing up a Balloon ... 22
2. 3.2 Hopping on One Leg ... 22
3. 3.3 Touching Your Toes ... 23
4. 3.4 Doing Jumping Jacks ... 23
5. 3.5 Playing Jacks ... 24
6. 3.6 Playing Dice ... 25
7. 3.7 Setting up a Chessboard ... 26
8. 3.8 Would You Please ... 27
9. 3.9 Negotiating an Invitation ... 27

1. 4.1 Eating a Banana ... 28
2. 4.2 Making a Cup of Tea ... 28
3. 4.3 Making Instant Pudding ... 29
4. 4.4 Making a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich ... 30
5. 4.5 Making Spaghetti ... 31
6. 4.6 Eating Spaghetti ... 31
7. 4.7 Making Instant Coffee ... 32
8. 4.8 Making Coffee with a Coffemaker ... 32
9. 4.9 Ordering Coffee ... 33
10. 4.10 Making Popcorn ... 33
11. 4.11 Ordering a Pizza ... 34
12. 4.12 Using a Fast Food Drive-Through ... 34
13. 4.13 Eating in a Restaurant ... 35
14. 4.14 Shopping in a Supermarket ... 35

1. 5.1 Mailing a Letter ... 36
2. 5.2 Buying Stamps ... 36
3. 5.3 Using a Pay Telephone ... 37
4. 5.4 Leaving a Message ... 38
5. 5.5 Using a Phone Card ... 39
6. 5.6 Wiring Money ... 40
7. 5.7 Receiving an Email ... 41
8. 5.8 Using a FAX Machine ... 41
9. 5.9 Making a Plane Reservation on the Web ... 42
10. 5.10 Searching the Internet ... 42

1. 6.1 Writing a Check ... 43
2. 6.2 Using a Vending Machine ... 44
3. 6.3 Filling out a Form ... 45
4. 6.4 Using an ATM ... 45
5. Application Form ... 46
6. 6.5 Renting a DVD ... 47
7. 6.6 Finding an Apartment ... 47
8. 6.7 Using a Laundromat ... 48
9. 6.8 Using a Self-Service Gas Pump ... 48
10. 6.9 Starting a Car ... 49
11. 6.10 Checking in at the Airport ... 49

Teaching Notes for Each Sequence ... 50

1. Classroom Activities Notes
2. Household Activities Notes
3. Games and Exercises Notes
4. Food and Recipes Notes
5. Communications Notes
6. Around Town Notes