Jan 30, 2016

Despicable Me 2: Intonation Practice


Inspired by The British Council definitions of intonation. This activity is for the teachers to boost and foster the teaching of intonation in their lessons. 
What is intonation?

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/intonation


Intonation is about how we say things, rather than what we say. Without intonation, it's impossible to understand the expressions and thoughts that go with words. 

Listen to somebody speaking without paying attention to the words: the 'melody' you hear is the intonation.
Why teach intonation? 


Intonation exists in every language, so the concept we're introducing isn't new. However, learners are often so busy finding their words that intonation suffers. Yet intonation can be as important as word choice - we don't always realise how much difference intonation makes:
  • Awareness of intonation aids communication.
  • Incorrect intonation can result in misunderstandings, speakers losing interest or even taking offence!
  • How I help my students 
    Awareness-raising 
    Some techniques I find useful for raising learners' awareness of intonation:

    • Provide learners with models - don't be afraid to exaggerate your intonation.
    • Let students compare two examples of the same phrase, eg: varied/flat intonation, English / L1.
    • Ask students to have a 2-minute conversation in pairs as 'robots' (elicit the word using a picture if necessary), i.e. with no intonation. When they then go back to speaking 'normally', point out that the difference is made by intonation - this is what gives movement to our voices.
    • Get students to imitate my intonation, but without words, just humming.


Ask the students to watch the segment and talk about the little girl's  speech rehearsal. How can she improve it? Ask them to say what they would do if they were her teacher.





MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - DESPICABLE ME 2

Jan 15, 2016

Into the Woods: Rhymes

This is a great movie. Meryl Streep is simply magnificent in this role. I used this scene to talk about rhymes and poetry.



A rhyme is when two words sound the same when spoken. Rhyming words don't have to be spelt the same to be classed as a rhyme. Rhyme is used in poetry to help the poem become interesting. Rhyme is used to help create a pattern within a poem.

I. Work in pairs:
 
Read the script of the scene and choose the best word to match the rhymes. Check the rhyme and the meaning too.


[WOLF]

Good day, young lady.

[LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD].. good day Mr.Wolf.

[WOLF]
Look at that flesh
Pink and plump.
Hello, little girl...
Tender and (fresh/ flash / trash),
Not one lump.
Hello, little girl...
This one's especially lush,
Delicious...
Hello, little girl,
What's your (crush / rush/ blush)?
You're missing all the flowers.
The sun won't set for (ours/ hours/ towers),
Take your time.

[LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD]

Mother said,
"Straight ahead,"
Not to delay or be (misled/ glad/ sad).

[WOLF]

But slow, little girl,
Hark and hush-
The birds are singing sweetly.
You'll miss the birds (immediately/ completely/ quickly),
You're traveling so fleetly.
Grandmother first,
Then Miss Plump...
What a delectable couple:
Utter perfection-
One brittle, one supple-
One moment, my dear-!

[LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD]

Mother said,
"Come what (pay/ pray/ may),
Follow the path
And never stray."

[WOLF]

Just so, little girl-
Any path.
So many worth exploring.
Just one would be so (boring/ storing/ sorry).
And look what you're ignoring...
Think of those crisp,
Aging bones,
Then something fresh on the palate,
Think of that scrumptious carnality
Twice in one day-!
There's no possible way
To describe what you (steal/ peel/ feel)
When you're talking to your meal. (GROWL) for granny

[LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD]

Mother said
Not to stray.
Still I suppose,
A small delay...
Granny might like
A fresh (play/ bouquet/ gourmet)
Goodbye, Mr. Wolf.

[WOLF]

Goodbye, little girl.
And hello...
(howls)


II, Watch the scene and check your answers,


Key:


[WOLF]
Good day, young lady.

[LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD].. 

good day Mr.Wolf.

[WOLF]

Look at that flesh
Pink and plump.
Hello, little girl...
Tender and fresh,
Not one lump.
Hello, little girl...
This one's especially lush,
Delicious...
Hello, little girl,
What's your rush?
You're missing all the flowers.
The sun won't set for hours,
Take your time.

[LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD]

Mother said,
"Straight ahead,"
Not to delay or be misled.

[WOLF]

But slow, little girl,
Hark and hush-
The birds are singing sweetly.
You'll miss the birds completely,
You're traveling so fleetly.
Grandmother first,
Then Miss Plump...
What a delectable couple:
Utter perfection-
One brittle, one supple-
One moment, my dear-!

[LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD]

Mother said,
"Come what may,
Follow the path
And never stray."

[WOLF]

Just so, little girl-
Any path.
So many worth exploring.
Just one would be so boring.
And look what you're ignoring...
Think of those crisp,
Aging bones,
Then something fresh on the palate,
Think of that scrumptious carnality
Twice in one day-!
There's no possible way
To describe what you feel
When you're talking to your meal. (GROWL) for granny

[LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD]

Mother said
Not to stray.
Still I suppose,
A small delay...
Granny might like
A fresh bouquet...
Goodbye, Mr. Wolf.

[WOLF]

Goodbye, little girl.
And hello...
(howls)