Teaching Speaking

Lead in
I stick four pictures of different party events on the board. I ask the students to talk about
what they see in each picture. I prepare a list of questions for the students to facilitate the
description of each picture: Where is this party at? What are the people celebrating? What are the
people wearing on this occasion? What kind of foods are there?

1
 Set the task
Instructions - I tell the students that I would like them to organize a party for one of the
events shown in the pictures: a wedding party, a baby shower party, a birthday party, and a
wedding anniversary party. I split the class into four groups. There is a number written on the
back of each picture exposed on the board. The numbers are: 3, 5, 7, and 9. I ask a student from
each group to choose a number (3,5,7 or 9). Then the students will make a presentation poster
about how to plan a party, according to the picture designated for each group.
Demonstration - I let the students watch a video "7 tips for planning kids birthday
party". Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cViByCtuFpQ
Materials - Every group will receive a party plan for more guidance to prepare the party.
The students also get poster paper and markers.

Planning notebook

 State the event and purpose.

 List the people to invite.

 List all food, beverages and

non-food items.

 Select the music.

 What to do three/two/one day

before the party.

 What to do on the day.

 Pay attention to your guests.

Checking the instructions - I ask students from each of the four groups questions to
make sure they understood the task. What kind of party do you have to organize?; What do you
have to prepare for the party?; Who are the guests for the party? etc.

Monitor the task

Students begin to talk about planning the party, following the list given. They make a
poster writing down details related to the party.
I walk behind the students to observe how they participate in the activity, but I do not
disturb them. I take notes when I hear something that should be shared with the whole class and
how correct their mistakes one they are done with the activity.

2
 Give feedback on the task

Planning a wedding anniversary

 Grandparents 50th Anniversary

 Send out invitations to family members and close friends
 Decide on the menu: Italian Pasta, Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, Eggplant Chips With Cilantro
Pesto, Tomatoes Stuffed With Chicken Apple Salad, Cake and Fruit Salad for desert, Snacks,
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian dishes, Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Soda, Wines, Cocktails
 Life music band playing songs from the 70s
 Entertainment: outdoor games, dancing, and karaoke
 Before three days buy napkins, plastic glasses, candles, ice
 Before two days buy and prepare the food
 On the day buy flowers and decorate the space
 The dress code is casual
 Photographer to record the event

Content and Language Feedback

I noticed that during the planning all the students participated actively. The information
in this poster is well organized and easy to read. You have successfully covered all the points
from the sample.

Have a look at the words "desert" and "life". The correct spelling is dessert and live.

Conclusion

In the speaking activity above I used four pictures to help students talk about planning different
kind of parties. I chose this speaking activity so students would practice vocabulary previously
taught in a reading class. This activity also promotes speaking fluency because by looking at the
pictures and watching the video in demonstration students can express freely their ideas
regarding party planning.