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The approach we present here makes irregular verbs engaging, turning them into a story. Via our Facebook page (see right-hand side of this page) we regularly offer new quotations
connected with global events, making irregular verbs more relevant for your students. This makes the learning process much more effective. We aim to select thought-provoking, informative, or amusing quotations which can help to kick-off the discussion in your class. In addition,
our Dictionary of Irregular Verbs with Quotations contains more than 1100 quotations for nearly every irregular verb your students will ever encounter.
On this page we address the following topics:
IDEAL CLASS OPENERS;
RESULTS YOU CAN EXPECT;
ANALYSING THE QUOTATION FURTHER;
DICTIONARY IN THE CLASSROOM
You can also read the Feature Article appeared in the July-August 2011 issue of the Voices newsletter of the IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language).
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IDEAL CLASS OPENERS
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- Select a focus verb either from our Facebook page or our Dictionary of Irregular Verbs with Quotations (preferably in advance of the class)
- select your preferred quotation to illustrate how the verb is used
- From the quotation, take note of the vocabulary that might be new to the student(s)
- If one word in particular captures your interest find a way to highlight it and get the students to discuss it. If the word commands the teacher’s interest the likelihood is that the teacher will talk about it with emotion, excitement and interest. Thereby you will impart a desire to learn more. This can be captivating for the students who will want more, indeed demand more, of your classes. For example, imagine you have taught in, or visited, Brussels (Q421), Copenhagen (Q583), or Mexico (Q1004). Then any of these place names will stimulate the class and make your teaching session memorable. Your students will never forget associated with these places -- the words become part of their active lexis.
- Other examples might be WRETCH (Q120), FREEZE (Q392), or El Greco (Q865). The teacher has an infinite number of choices when using this method.
- This is a wonderful way to open a class. It gets the class so motivated and active right from the beginning. If you have chosen a different point in your class session, when the moment has come to focus on the selected verb, begin by displaying the quotation (or part of it) without revealing the verb. Use your preferred method of display.
- Ask a student to spot the irregular verb
- Ask another student to define it
- Ask someone to read the quotation
- Invite the student(s) to explain the meaning of the quotation.
- Invite conversation around the subject of the quotation encouraging the student(s) to use the verb in any of its tenses or in its noun form where this is the case.
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RESULTS YOU CAN EXPECT
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- This method provides the teachers and students with many advantages. It is a great way to open a lesson, it can be used as a filler when necessary. It is a very flexible activity which generates lively discussion and class motivation. The teacher's guiding role is crucial for its success. Because the quotations contain knowledge, information, and touch on many different topics, they generate interest, strengthen retention, and build confidence in the use of the verb.
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ANALYSING THE QUOTATION FURTHER
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- a) Select two or three words from the quote and display them in some manner. b) Give the words a little importance. How? Pronounce each word aloud with emphasis and conviction. Encourage students to repeat your pronunciation. c) Have a student or two provide a synonym for any of them. d) Point out any variations and/or differences in spelling and pronunciation (US versus UK). e) Have your students translate one or more of the words into their respective language. f) Invite the student(s) to write a short sentence in English using one or more of the words.
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DICTIONARY IN THE CLASSROOM
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- Allowing the students to handle the dictionary, find the verb and quotation, and read out the relevant texts, adds to participation and the visualisation of the information, thus enhancing the learning process considerably. It also helps them to see the whole verb and quotation in full context related to tenses, synonyms, other quotations, and other verbs. Students can also refer to the specially tailored pronunciation guide, and the explanatory notes for the user.
- Encourage the language school you work at to provide in the classrooms copies of
Express Yourself Better in English - Dictionary of Irregular Verbs with Quotations, which gives the student direct access to the verb, other quotations, and encourages students to participate and make suggestions of their own.
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