CONTENT:

The adaptation phase - 2 of 3

The following are examples of adaptation-phase activities that put the emphasis on oral comprehension, written comprehension, and written expression, respectively. These "games" are not peculiar to Suggestopedia. They are, however, quick-moving, fun, and communication-oriented and, as a result, they are excellent vehicles for slipping in as much perceived and unperceived information as possible.

a. Oral Comprehension.  The whole class listens to a tape, and then breaks up into groups of three or four students per group. Each group receives a bundle of cut-up paragraphs, all of which, together, constitute the entire text just heard. The different groups can put the paragraphs into the right order first. When a group thinks it has won, the teacher replays the tape to check whether the order is right (more hidden oral practice!).

b. Written Comprehension.  Each student receives a different newspaper clipping and quickly reads it. Then, in pairs, the students tell their partners about their particular article. The teacher now collects all the articles and puts them down on the ground (or pins them up on a wall). The students then mill about, looking at all the articles to identify which one their partner had.

c. Written Expression.  Students must create something in writing based on a situation in the text. This might be an advertisement for a nice restaurant, an exotic tour proposed by a travel agency, a funny newscast, etc.