TEFLChina Teahouse: Teaching: Listening:
What's this stuff? -- warmup activity
Warmer -- listening for context
Duration: 15 to 20 minutes.
Purpose. The purpose of this activity is to help students become familiar with their teacher's voice and pronounciation, so it's an ideal activity for the beginning of a new semester, or when starting with a new class of students.
Objective. Students have to identify what substance/material/item the word "stuff" actually represents. This can only be done through listening for context; there are lots of contextual clues throughout the text. Students should also justify their answers with info they have heard.
Method. Explain that 'stuff' is an uncountable noun tht represents 'unspecified material'. Then explain that they will hear a text which describes some 'stuff' and that the students task is:
1. to guess what the 'stuff' described in the text actually is, and
2. justify 'why' they think that 'stuff' represents their answer.
Read the text slowly, once or twice.(slightly slow, but normal speaking voice) Ask for their ideas and why -- encouraging them to quote from the reading, if possible. Write all the students' answers on the blackboard. Do not say whether or not the guesses are correct. Keep them guessing and tuned in. After two (or more) readings which gradually increase in speaking speed, that class should reach a consensus. Only then should you tell them the correct answer. (GOLD) Finally, (cool down) show the text on an OHP and read it again...discuss any new vocab found throughout the text.
What's this Stuff?
This stuff, (Au) is a metallic, chemical element. Atomic number 79. Atomic weight 197.2.
Since civilization began, this stuff has been regarded as a symbol of power and wealth. In many societies, this stuff was seen as a magic substance which could protect people against illness and evil spirits. It is the one material that has always been accepted in exchange for goods and services. Humanity never seems to have enough stuff and the need to search for this stuff has driven people crazy. The need to search for this stuff has been compared to a disease and is called "stuff fever." In the middle ages, people called alchemists tried to manufacture stuff from other metals.
In spite of the constant search for this stuff, the amount which has been produced since the beginning of time is only enough to make a solid block of about 18 cubic meters - the size of a large house.
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