ELL 1- Lesson 2 – Collaborating 1: Democratic Learning

Warm Up

Write agenda on the board and explain the activities

1. Warm up: Question Game

2. Give each student five slips of paper

3. They must write 5 different questions: 1 Who, 1 What, 1 How, 1 When, 1 Why

4. Put all the slips of paper into a container

5. Have students pull questions out one at a time and answer the question as best they can (correct
grammar as needed)

Content – Questions in Collaboration

1. Review the question structure from Lesson 1; students should recall how to structure them, if
they don’t re-teach.
2. Define “Collaborating” with the class: working together for a common goal. Students should
understand that they will have to work with other students in the school year to create various
projects.
3. Propose a project idea to students: The Egg Drop Challenge.
a. For this project, they need to imagine they would be working with 4 other students.
b. They have one egg and they can use any materials they want to drop it out of a school
window to the ground below (3 floors).
c. They have one week to plan, gather supplies, build their structure and then one
chance to drop the egg
4. Now students must brainstorm questions they would need to ask to complete such a
challenge. If there are other students, have them ask the questions to one another; if there is
only one student, they can ask you.
5. Supply the students with answers as needed to move the project along. The purpose is for
them to think of how to ask questions and communicate effectively in a group.

Additional Content – Vocabulary Practice

Use the attached flashcards to review and introduce phrases. Practice using these phrases to help
students become more comfortable speaking with peers and knowing how to ask them questions.

Use the flashcards to provoke a conversation between students. They should try “small talk” and see
how they can work toward an independent conversation with time and practice.

Content – Solve the Problem

When working with peers, there will be times when students will need to problem solved. Use the
attached ‘Island Adventure’ lesson to support students in trying to voice their opinions and find a
solution to a problem.

After the activity, discuss if students found it difficult to make decisions and how they can build their
confidence in doing so in the future.

Wrap Up

1. Students should reflect on their learning today: What was the most important thing you learned
today? How will you be able to use these skills when you attend a school in Canada?

Homework

Complete the question word fill in the blank worksheet.

Write 5 grammatically correct questions to start a conversation next class.