Overview

This collection contains 99 different activities for the classroom. All are described with reference to use in teaching English as an additional language to learners aged 11–16. We have assumed that most users of this book are teachers of English working in non-English speaking countries and so have worded the text accordingly. Most, if not all, of these activities can be adapted for use in teaching any foreign language. Many can be used, or adapted for use, with late teens and adults. A few can also be used at primary level.

The activities and your students

Language Activities for Teenagers includes only activities which:

• are of clear learning value for learners aged 11–16

• have good potential to motivate learners in this age group

• are usable in medium-sized classes, and often in classes that are larger.

Many of the activities reflect the current interest within our profession in ‘activity-based learning’. Some, as well, involve use of learner-generated ideas and materials. If you would like to become more familiar with these two streams of contemporary methodology, this book is a good place to start.

Principal aims

We aim first of all to offer teachers a reserve of activities that are interesting and useful. In doing this we also especially want to provide support for teachers of:

• classes that are quite mixed in proficiency and interest

• classes which include poorly motivated students

• medium–large classes (i.e. ones numbering up to about 35 or 40)

Mixed classes

Students vary or are similar in many ways – in their interests and plans, in their learning style, in home situation and so on.